Israeli police raided two Palestinian bookstores in occupied East Jerusalem on Sunday, including the renowned Educational Bookshop on Salah el Dein Street. The police action resulted in the arrest of Mahmoud and Ahmed Muna, the owner and his nephew, on allegations of "selling books containing incitement and support for terrorism." The authorities also confiscated numerous books, including a children's coloring book titled "From the River to the Sea."
The Educational Bookshop, established in 1984 by Ahmad Muna, has grown into one of the most respected cultural institutions in East Jerusalem. Founded by a teacher from the Shu'fat refugee camp, the bookshop has expanded over the decades to include Arabic- and English-language branches. It serves as a vital hub for Palestinians, Israelis, and foreigners alike. The bookshop offers an array of literature, from Palestinian history and the Arab-Israeli conflict to contemporary Palestinian fiction, art books, and historical maps. It also has a third branch inside the American Colony Hotel, frequented by diplomats, reporters, and foreign dignitaries.
The raid has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Iyad Muna, a member of the bookshop's founding family, reported that police officers placed books into trash bags at one of the branches. He noted that although some books were thrown on the ground during the raid, significant material damage occurred at the Arabic-language store.
"They did throw some books on the ground but the Arabic (language) store is where the material damage was," – Iyad Muna
The incident has sparked a wider debate about cultural suppression and freedom of expression in East Jerusalem. Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur for Palestinian Territories, described these bookstores as "an intellectual lighthouse and family-run gem resisting Palestinian erasure under apartheid." She urged people to "show up, stand with the Muna family, and protect this vital hub."
"an intellectual lighthouse and family-run gem resisting Palestinian erasure under apartheid." – Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur for Palestinian Territories
"show up, stand with the Muna family, and protect this vital hub." – Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur for Palestinian Territories
In defense of the Educational Bookshop, lawyer Nasser Odeh argued that the search order lacked solid grounds. Odeh emphasized that the books in question cover topics such as Palestinian history and human rights, asserting that they do not pose any threat or danger.
"During the proceedings, we legally argued that this search order was not based on solid grounds." – Nasser Odeh, lawyer
"We also argued that the books in question discuss Palestinian history, human rights and the suffering experienced by the Palestinian people and various communities." – Nasser Odeh, lawyer
"Moreover, we asserted that these books do not pose any threat or danger and do not support the allegations made against them," – Nasser Odeh, lawyer
The Israeli police maintained their stance by stating that detectives found numerous books containing inciteful material with nationalist Palestinian themes.
"detectives encountered numerous books containing inciteful material with nationalist Palestinian themes" – Israeli police
The raid has reignited conversations about the role of cultural institutions in conflict zones and their importance in preserving history and promoting dialogue. The Educational Bookshop stands as an emblematic figure of cultural resilience in East Jerusalem. Its significance extends beyond its literary offerings; it embodies a shared vision for Jerusalem's future.
"are an important part of the shared future we envision for Jerusalem." – The Time Has Come
