Jerusalem: Israeli police vandalise bookshop, arrest staff

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On Sunday, Israeli police raided the Educational Bookshop, a decades-old respected store in occupied east Jerusalem, and arrested the owner and his nephew. CCTV footage shows police shoving books in rubbish bags at one of the branches of the shop.

The EAPPI Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel said in a statement: "We are deeply concerned about reports of the arrest of the peace-loving Muna family by the Israeli military and the raid on their bookshop. Their renowned East Jerusalem institution is beloved by Palestinians, Israelis, internationals, diplomats, journalists, and all who value Palestinian literature, culture, and history.

Selling books is not a crime. Palestinian culture is not a crime. Being Palestinian is not a crime. We join others around the world in demanding their immediate release and protection."

Pat Gaffney, peace campaigner and former General Secretary of Pax Christi UK writes: "This is terrible news. With other friends and colleagues I have visited this wonderful bookshop. Such an affront to Mahmoud and his team, to education, to literature."

Rabbis for Human Rights said on Facebook: 'Yesterday, police arrived at Mahmoud Muna's Educational Bookshop in East Jerusalem, confiscated hundreds of books, vandalized the place, and arrested him on the routine charge of "disturbing public order."

'Mahmoud is not just a bookseller - he is a dear person, a longtime partner of ours, who has welcomed us many times. His bookstore is an island of culture, knowledge, and coexistence, and a mandatory stop on our tours of the area.

'This arrest is not only an attack on Mahmoud himself, but a serious attack on freedom of expression, freedom of knowledge, and the right to education - fundamental rights without which there is no democracy.

'During the day, we will hold a protest vigil in front of the Russian Compound in Jerusalem.

'Join us, and together we will stand up for our basic rights and preserve freedom of expression.'

Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for Palestinian Territories, said she was "shocked by the raid" on the bookstores, which she called "an intellectual lighthouse and family-run gem resisting Palestinian erasure under apartheid."

Albanese also urged the international community in Jerusalem to "show up, stand with the Muna family, and protect this vital hub."

UPDATE

Peace Now report on X. @peacenowisrael
(with a picture of a crowded bookshop)

'This is how we build bridges of solidarity and peace. Following the shameful and fascist arrest of the Educational Bookshop owners in East Jerusalem, dozens of Israelis came today to show solidarity and support by purchasing books.'