We have all witnessed the Palestinians live under occupation, apartheid, and now genocide. As someone who recognizes the critical role of education in shedding light on these systemic harms faced by Palestinians, it is disconcerting to see the paucity of books on Palestine in our local libraries. The Israeli state has been using scholasticide as a militant strategy, systematically demolishing educational sites like libraries, archives, museums, schools, universities, and bookstores, leading to a significant knowledge loss. The loss is most painfully felt by children, who have been disproportionately affected by this violence. 

Quality education is crucial for creating a future where informed citizens engage in critical thinking and bridge gaps created by misinformation and stale narratives. However, the sparse availability of books on Palestine thwarts the free flow of unbiased, in-depth information, hindering the path towards understanding the complex political dynamics at play.

We acknowledge and appreciate the role our libraries play in fostering education and growth within our communities. To that end, we urge them to increase their catalogue of books on Palestine, both for adults and children, thereby supporting informed dialogue and growth. A recommended reading list for adults has been compiled by the website Decolonize Palestine, with carefully curated lists for children made available on sites like Social Justice Books and Teach Palestine.

It is time for our libraries to reflect diverse narratives and foster a more inclusive understanding of the world. Let's work together to support learning, promote inclusivity and ensure that the voices and stories of Palestine are accessible to all. Please sign this petition and join us in calling on local libraries to stock more books on this crucial subject. Thank you.