June 9, 2024 (City Press) – Exclusive Books, South Africa’s largest bookstore chain, has denied that it censors books, after an uproar over a colouring book that tells the story of Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

From the River to the Sea, which was released in February this year and is published by Social Bandit, has been criticised by pro-Israel groups that say it indoctrinates children in favour of the Palestinian cause.

Last week, pro-Palestinian activists accused Exclusive Books of succumbing to this pressure by removing the book from its shelves.

Exclusive Books said on Friday night that it had only temporarily removed the book from its shelves while it reviewed its content. However, customers could still purchase the books, even if they were not on display.

Grattan Kirk, CEO of Exclusive Books, said the book was almost sold out when they received complaints about it.

Said Kirk:

I struggled until Thursday to get a copy to review. The moment we realised it was not offensive, the books were put back on the shelves

Exclusive Books is a chain of independent bookstores that operate and stock books they choose to sell.

“As a company, we do not censor or approve anything,” reads the group’s statement.

The SA Jewish Board of Deputies said it was “abhorrent” that a publication “justifying the removal of Jews from their historical homeland” could be published for young readers.

“While we are saddened by the ongoing conflict, campaigns such as this perpetuate the cycle of hostility. We call for the immediate cessation of the distribution of this irresponsible publication,” read the statement issued last week.

However, the book’s illustrator Nathi Ngubane, said his goal was to teach children to have sympathy and empathy. He said it was important for children to develop a political awareness from an early age, precisely to combat injustice.

Said Ngubane:

This book tries to foster empathy and sympathy, not just in Palestine, but around the world. Several parents told me after the launch in February how it helped them explain the conflict to their children

“There were also positive messages from people who supported me and encouraged me.”

But there were also messages of hate. “People on LinkedIn and Facebook said they wanted to burn the book. One even said he wanted to buy the book and use it as toilet paper. Another insisted I had no right to write about the conflict there,” said Ngubane.

“It feels as if my freedom of speech is limited. I believe there is a place for content about Palestine in our bookstores. Even if we don’t all agree, we must reject any form of censorship. There is also room for literature that challenges existing opinions. That is the wonderful part of democracy.”

Ngubane strongly rejected claims that the book conveyed an anti-Semitic message. “We approached various people about the content of the book. This includes teachers and academics.

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“The title is a longing for freedom, human rights and coexistence. And the purpose of the book is to tell the story of Palestine and its struggle for freedom.

“While children and their parents in Rafah die, I receive hate messages about a colouring book. How can we draw the line there?”

According to Ngubane, 4 000 books have already been sold and more may be printed. A portion of the proceeds will go to Penny Appeal SA, a charity organisation that assists Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Shahnaaz Paruk, CEO of Penny Appeal SA, said about R30 000 had been raised already.

“It’s not about Palestine. It’s about hearing the voices of the people who are suffering. It’s not about religion or certain groups, but rather about the shared value of human lives.

“This book should be supported across the board,” said Paruk.

Written by: Simon Sonnekus
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