Published 10/02/2025 18:43 | Edited 11/02/2025 13:33
Israeli police invaded Educational Bookshop on Sunday, one of the best -known Palestinian bookstores in East Jerusalem, accusing its owners of selling books that incite terrorism. Two of the owners, Mahmoud and Ahmad Muna, were arrested, and hundreds of titles were confiscated. The operation also hit another bookstore branch, located in the Old Town.
Safety cameras images show police officers searching the shelves, while photos shared on social networks reveal books scattered on the floor. Mahmoud’s 11 -year -old daughter, Layla, was present during the invasion, according to her mother, May Muna. “They chose books with Palestinian titles or flags, not knowing what any of them meant,” May told journalists. “They used Google Translate to understand some titles in Arabic before taking them.”
A Cultural Mark under attack
Educational Bookshop, near the old city, is a reference point in Jerusalem for decades. With a wide selection of books in Arabic and English, the bookstore attracts diplomats, humanitarian workers, tourists and Palestinian intellectuals. Its cultural and symbolic importance made police action seen as a blow against Palestinian intellectual life in the city.
“I, like many diplomats, like to look for books at Educational Bookshop,” wrote German ambassador Steffen Seibert on X. “I know its owners, the Muna family, are paid to Jerusalem and peaceful lovers.”
The book in the center of the controversy
The Israeli police quoted the children’s book to color “from Jordan to the Sea” as an example of material that would incite to terrorism. The expression “from the river to the sea” refers to the territory between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, which encompasses Israel, the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. While Israel interprets the phrase as an appeal to its destruction, many Palestinians see it as a call to liberation and self -determination.
The phrase gained prominence in global demonstrations to support Palestinians during the war in Gaza, but its inclusion in a children’s book generated controversy. Police said the confiscated books contained “incitement and support for terrorism,” but did not provide additional details.
Protests and reactions
This Monday (10), the main branch of the bookstore remained closed, with the shutters lowered. Protesters gathered outside the court where a hearing was held to extend the detention of the Muna brothers for eight days. “We believe this is part of the political accusation and Israeli politics to silence the voices of Palestinians,” said family lawyer, Nasser Odeh.
The invasion of Educational Bookshop is not an isolated case. Last week, another Palestinian bookstore in the old town was the target of similar operation, with police alleging similar reasons.
A climate of censorship and repression
The action against the bookstore occurs in a context of growing tension in East Jerusalem, where Israeli authorities have been accused of repressing cultural expressions and Palestinian policies. Book confiscation and owners’ detention were interpreted as an attempt to silence critical voices and limit access to information.
“It is part of the attacks against the Palestinian people for decades,” said Odeh. “They want to prevent Palestinians from learning and expressing themselves.”
Freedom under threat
The invasion of Educational Bookshop and the arrest of its owners highlight the challenges faced by the Palestinian community in East Jerusalem to maintain their cultural and intellectual identity. While Israel justifies action as a security measure, critics see an attack on freedom of expression and an effort to erase Palestinian narratives.
In a moment of intensification of conflict and repression, the bookstore and its owners symbolize the resistance of a community that struggles to preserve their voice and history.
Source: vermelho.org.br
