Booksellers sign statement of solidarity with Palestine

Local and international booksellers have signed an open letter in solidarity with Palestine.

Published on Overland and attributed to Booksellers for Palestine, the letter states: ‘We stand against the collective punishment of Gazans in response to Hamas’ horrific attacks. We demand an immediate ceasefire and reject all violence against all civilians. We demand that humanitarian aid be allowed to enter Gaza unhindered.

‘As booksellers our role is to share stories and information, to foster education, creativity and community. Our work is by nature in opposition to the institutional silence that dehumanises Palestinians. We have been gravely disturbed to see Palestinian journalists targeted in attacks, and to witness the silencing of Palestinian voices extend to the publishing world as the Frankfurt Book Fair cancelled a prize-giving ceremony and discussion event with award-winning Palestinian-born author Adania Shibli.

‘One of the purposes of literature is to encourage understanding and dialogue between cultures and we are dedicated to fostering spaces that are safe and humane for all to do this. We condemn the censoring and punishment of those who have spoken and acted in support of Palestine, including journalists, media personalities, writers, academics and arts workers.

‘We unequivocally condemn the rise of violence which has included instances of anti-Semitism. Standing in solidarity with Palestinian people is not anti-Semitism and should not be labelled as such.’

The letter is signed by over 100 booksellers from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas. A number of authors, publishers and book trade professionals also signed the letter in solidarity.

Separately, Publishers for Palestine has written a statement of solidarity, published on the Verso Books website, that is signed by nearly 200 publishers and publishing workers, including publishers from Australia.

Category: Local news