Jerusalem booksellers detained; coexistence activists push back

Israeli police raid Palestinian bookstores in east Jerusalem popular among journalists and diplomats.

By Deborah Danan
JTA
February 10, 2025

"The stores are internationally known for their selection of Palestinian literature and political works, mainly in English. A branch by the American Colony Hotel has long served as a hub for diplomats and journalists…

"In raiding the Educational Bookshop, police targeted… a common stop on the itineraries of American Jewish groups visiting east Jerusalem that sells coffee along with its stacks of literature.

"'As the People of the Book, we understand more than most the dangers of silencing voices and restricting access to knowledge. The scenes from today’s raid are evocative of darker times in our own history,' Yona Shem-Tov, CEO of the nonprofit Encounter, which has brought groups of diaspora Jewish leaders to the store, said in a statement…

"Karen Brunwasser, Co-CEO of FeelBeit, an organization that promotes dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians through arts and culture, said she has known the two detainees for over a decade.

"'They are very strong in their Palestinian identity, and at the same time, always engage deeply, honestly, and in good faith with Israelis and Jews from all over the world,’ said Brunwasser…'"

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