No matter where you are in the world, if you'd like to share your own experience about problematic stores or on the contrary, spaces where you felt safe, you can fill out this form anonymously to help us update this spreadsheet as well as the petition.

We, the undersigned, are a group of individuals deeply committed to open dialogue and inclusive representation in literature. We are reaching out with a respectful request regarding the representation of diverse voices in independent bookstores.

We have observed a pattern where Palestinian voices are prominently featured in displays, shelves, and staff recommendations. While we acknowledge and support the importance of representing Palestinian perspectives, many of us, who are Jewish and often liberal and progressive, feel that our voices are being marginalized. Specifically, we have noted a noticeable omission of Jewish and Israeli voices, unless they are critical of Zionism. This perceived imbalance is even present in the cookbook sections at times. And when we see sections for AAPI heritage month, but nothing for Jewish Heritage Month even though they overlap, the omission becomes even more evident. 

Our concern is not about the representation of Palestinian voices, which we believe is valuable and necessary. Rather, our concern is that the current curation may inadvertently create an environment where we, as Jewish individuals, feel excluded and uncomfortable when we step into stores. This perception arises from the apparent imbalance in the representation of viewpoints, leading to a sense that our perspectives are not valued or welcomed, and as such, neither are we. These are not places where we feel comfortable spending our money.

To support a more balanced and inclusive representation, we respectfully request that independent bookstores consider featuring a wider array of Jewish and Israeli voices. We would like to recommend several books that offer diverse perspectives:

- David Baddiel’s "Jews Don’t Count": Examines the unique challenges faced by Jews in contemporary discourse.

- Noa Tishby’s "Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth": Offers a compelling account of Jerusalem and the historical context of pre-modern Israel.

- Dara Horn’s "People Love Dead Jews": Analyzes the complexities of how Jewish history and identity are perceived and represented.

-Mosab Hassan Yousef's "Son of Hamas": An account about growing up as the son of a Hamas leader.

-Meir Shalev's "A Pigeon and a Boy:" intertwines the stories of a young Israeli man in wartime and a contemporary woman who discovers his past. Exploring themes of love, memory, and the impact of history.

-Amos Oz's "A Tale of Love and Darkness": a memoir that delves into Oz's childhood in Jerusalem, revealing his family's struggles, the impact of war, and more.

-Any books on the Farhud would be a great addition and a look into a lesser known, devastating chapter in Jewish history.

We believe that by including a range of viewpoints, bookstores can promote a more inclusive and thoughtful dialogue. We hope that our request will be considered with the understanding that it is made in the spirit of enhancing the richness and diversity of the literary offerings available to all patrons.

Here are some of the stores we were disheartened upon visiting and will be contacted with this petition:

-Books are Magic (We've tried to engage them for a month without success)

-McNally Jackson

-Community Books (We've tried to engage them for a month without success)

-The Center for Fiction (We've tried to engage them for a month without success)

-Taylor and Co. Books (We've tried to engage them for 2 weeks without success)

-Booksmith San Francisco (Please see our update about The Booksmith)

-Buffalo Street Books (please see our update about BSB)

-Prairie Lights (Please read our update about Prairie Lights)

-Greedy Reads (We've tried to engage them for a month without success)

-Bank Square Books (We've tried to engage them for a month without success)

-White Whale Bookstore (Responded defensively. See update.) 

-Brick Lane Bookshop  (We've tried to engage them for a month without success)

-Book Culture (We've tried to engage them for a month without success)

-Barnes & Nobles Diversey Chicago 

-Barnes & Nobles Union Square (Please see our update about the NYC branches of B&N)

-Strand (We've tried to engage them for a month without success)

-Walden Pond Books

-Brazos bookstore

The stores above have been/will be contacted for the purpose of creating dialogue. Sadly, many others have made it clear on social media that they are not interested in nuanced conversations. A list of such stores can be found on the spreadsheet.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and your commitment to inclusivity.