According to The Commentator, a British website and blogging platform, the apology came in an unsigned email from the publisher, Garnet Education.
“Unfortunately the map was mislabelled ‘Occupied Palestine,’ " the email said. "This was a serious editorial error and was subsequently corrected. The book in question has not been in print for several years.”
The email further said, “Please accept our sincere apologies for any offence caused but rest assured that this was a genuine mistake and in no way reflects any Garnet Education policy.”
The textbook, “Skills in English Writing — Level 1,” contains a map of the Middle East, labeling and identifying the various countries as part of an exercise. The map, however, makes no mention of Israel, replacing it with the words "Occupied Palestine."
An article about the book, which is intended for teaching English as a second language, appeared on the website of Israel Today, an Israeli daily.
According to The Commentator, the book is used by teachers across the United Kingdom and beyond.
