Quebec Children's author denies allegations of anti-Semitism as books pulled from library shelves

Quebec writer and illustrator Elisa Gravel, one of the province's most popular children's authors, has come under fire for her online posts.

Since the start of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in October, Gravel has made comments on social media that have offended some members of Quebec's Jewish community, accusing the Israeli government of bombing children and oppressing Palestinians.

In response, Montreal's Jewish Public Library removed his books from their open shelves. Meanwhile, the Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), which represents Jewish federations across the country, accused him of anti-Semitism.

But the author does not change his mind and denies the accusation of intolerance.

The Jewish Public Library told the CBC that Gravel is “one of Quebec's most beloved children's book authors” and that her work is “widely recognized for her contribution to children's literature.”

“While the content of his books is not objectively offensive, we have made the decision to move them from our open shelves to our closed collections,” the library said in a statement.

Promoting the books, the library said, “ensures that books are available through our catalog, but also recognizes the sensitivity of author social media posts.”

The library does not belong to the city of Montreal.

CIJA's Quebec vice-president, Eta Yudin, says the author's writings are biased.

“We did not hear him talk about barbarity, rape, hostages on October 7.

Yudin also claims that Gravel spreads misinformation and engages in anti-Semitic tropes, conspiracy theories and myths.

“People are very upset that his illustrations and his writings, whether intentionally or not…clearly cut across the type of material that incites anti-Semitism,” Yudin said.

On social networks such as Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, CIJA approved the use of the word “they” in one of Gravel's posts, in which the group wrote, “We are sure they agree with our idea of ​​exterminating the Palestinians.” , like pests. Even children, even newborns.

Gravel has since changed the first “them” to “Netanyahu and his allies,” commenting that “people always try to find hateful meaning in every post I make” in the comments below the post. he did not mention a specific religious or ethnic group that perpetrates violence.

The author is true to his word

Gravel told the CBC that despite efforts to silence him, he will continue to speak out.

Julius Gray, a Montreal-based civil rights activist, is representing Gravel. Gray told the CBC that he and his client are not suing the library, but against “people who harassed him” and “personal allegations.”

Gravel says he has received death threats for his online comments.

“I seem to have offended a lot of people when I openly say that I support the Palestinian cause,” he said.

Gravel, who describes herself as an activist, says her support for transgender children has also come under fire.

A post on Gravel's Instagram account this morning defended his stance. “No, my posts are not anti-Semitic. I criticize the Israeli government, their political agenda and their extreme violence,” the post reads.

“I am against any form of discrimination and racism, including anti-Semitism,” the statement said. “The government of Israel does not represent the views of every Jew on the planet. Criticism of the state of Israel is not anti-Semitic.”

“Don't blame the Jews. Blame Netanyahu,” the post, published on November 12, read.

Others describe the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes in 1948 when Israel was established.

Some writings use the words “apartheid” and “genocide” to describe Israel's policies toward the Palestinians.

Intellectual freedom

In a statement, the Association of Public Libraries of Quebec (ABPQ) told CBC it did not know enough about the situation to comment, but said “Quebec's public libraries protect intellectual freedom.”

Quebec's public libraries “reject all forms of censorship caused by ideological, political, religious or commercial pressure,” the ABPQ said.

Erika Alneus, a councilor for Rosemont-La Petite Patrie in Montreal, also denies censorship.

“As we speak today, Eliza Gravel's books are still in our library and they will remain in our library,” said Alneus, who is in charge of culture and heritage in the city.

Despite the sensitivities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Alneus said libraries should express diverse views, even if some members of the public disagree or the issue is “uncomfortable.”

“Our duty is to ensure the preservation of freedom of speech and creativity,” he said.