Imagine walking into your local library and finding a display condemning your religion or heritage. That’s exactly what happened to a Roosevelt Island couple. They discovered the New York Public Library branch was not only taking part in “Read Palestine Week” but that they had on display five books, aimed at readers as young a 3, and that were part of an “indigenous peoples” display that also included books about Native Americans. What would you do if you found yourself in that situation, especially given the events of the last month or more?

Asaf Eyal’s wife didn’t ignore what she saw that day. She did what I hope many of us would: she tried voicing her concern about the books and their content to one of the librarians. Tried being the operative word. According to the New York Post, when she broached the subject, she was told Israel was an “apartheid” state. Faced with a situation where the staff of a public institution would not consider her concerns, she took action. She checked the five books out.

According to Eyal, he and his wife plan to keep those books checked out for an “indefinite” period of time. Why? So they can’t be used to further indoctrinate the children to a point of view held by certain employees of the library branch and not necessarily by the public it serves.

It’s pretty easy to understand what they’re doing. They are trying to connect between these two identities, and make Israel and Jews look as if we are colonizers and not indigenous to our land. . . Placing these books next to the Native American books is a very obvious move. The library manager created this display very purposely.

The mission statement of the NYPL “is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.” Nowhere does it say the beliefs of one or more employees is to take precedence over the community. Nor does it say one segment of the community should be held in higher regard, or to a higher standard, than another segment of it Yet, if you consider what the staffer said to Eyal’s wife, that’s exactly what was happening that day.

Considering the explosive political nature of such a display, it becomes important to look at who these so-called publishers are that backed the “Read Palestine” week and urged libraries to help them spread the propaganda word. Publishers for Palestine issued a “Statement of Solidarity” November 15th. Read the statement for yourself–but fair warning, we here at VG will not be responsible for keyboards, computer or tablet screens or other damage that might result from the throwing of said devices against the nearest hard surface. The TDL version comes down to Israel bad, Palestinians good and anyone who disagrees is bad.

LitHub published an article about Read for Palestine Week, noting some of the books and publishers who have answered the “call”. Take a look. You’ll recognize at least some of the names, including Linda Sarsour. Is it any wonder, Eyal and his wife had concerns about the display, the books it contained, and the motive behind it all?

One part of me wants to think this was nothing more than a lapse in judgment by a person or persons employed by the NYPL system who thought doing so would appease the pro-Palestinian protestors like those who defaced the system’s flagship location on Thanksgiving.

There is also a noticeable lack of concern for those victims of the Hama-led terrorist assault on Israel on October 7th. There is no condemnation by Publishers for Palestine or those supporting the Read Palestine Week movement for the targeting of non-military farms, homes and even a concert. There is no plea for the release of those hostages. There is only condemnation for Israel and its supporters.

At least there are who aren’t afraid to call out the library and those responsible for the display for their idiocy.

Our libraries seem shamefully intent on propagandizing young people. Whether it’s gender confusion or pro-Palestine propaganda, it’s supremely disappointing to see New York City libraries pushing highly politicized content like these books, which are obviously designed to feed children a false narrative about Israel and the Gaza situation,” said Queens GOP Councilwoman Vickie Paladino. “These book displays should be removed immediately and those responsible must be held accountable.”

According to the Post, NYPL officials have “condemned” the display and said the situation has been “addressed” with the staff.

The New York Public Library strives to present unbiased, objective perspectives and information for the public. These principles are the bedrock of our reputation as well as the trust the public has in us. This unacceptable display fell well short of these principles, which is especially distressing at a time when we are seeing a tragic rise in antisemitism. . . It is important to offer a range of perspectives for the patron, which is why this display fell so short. It was one-sided, and favored one perspective over another.”

Unfortunately, we don’t know what action, if any, was taken concerning those responsible for the display.  But kudos to a set of parents who weren’t afraid to speak up and take action, making sure the public became aware of what they saw as an injustice within the public library system. Such organizations need to remember not only where their funding comes from but what their mission is. The transmission of propaganda and the indoctrination of our children is not part of that mission and never should be.

Featured image created by Amanda S. Green, using Midjourney AI.