Jewish Public Library reverses decision, puts Montreal author's books back on shelf
The Jewish Public Library has reversed its decision to remove a Montreal author’s books from its shelves over controversial social media posts.
Elise Gravel’s books were temporarily removed from display, and only available on request.
In an email to CTV News on Thursday, the library’s executive director, Alain Dancyger, confirmed the change: “All her books are in open access, on the shelves,” he wrote.
An award-winning children's author and illustrator, Gravel has come under fire recently over her social media posts about the Israel-Hamas war.
Critics have argued Gravel has expressed anti-Israel views. Since the conflict erupted in October, Gravel has accused the Israeli government of bombing children and oppressing Palestinians.
In a recent post on X, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) said Gravel's comments "contribute to the alarming rise in antisemitism."
On Sunday, a small protest was held by the Montreal chapter of Independent Jewish Voices to "show our support for censored Quebec author Elise Gravel and to denounce the reprehensible act of book banning."
An informal group of Montreal friends and writers launched a petition to denounce what they considered a form of censorship. The petition collected close to 300 signatures.
In a statement provided to CTV News, the library said it “welcomes all the opinions and comments it has recently received from members, partners, and the public.”
The statement went on to say: “The JPL supports, defends, and promotes equitable access to the widest range of information, and resists calls for censorship and the adoption of systems that deny or restrict access to the written word. The JPL, like any library, upholds every individual’s right to express their particular point of view in accordance with universal principles of intellectual freedom, without endorsing that point of view. Accordingly, all collections held by the JPL remain accessible.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay
Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
'Of course, yes': Poland latest European country with interest in Canadian LNG
The President of Poland says his country would 'of course' be interested in purchasing Canadian liquefied natural gas if it were available, while the Canadian federal government has said it is 'not interested' in subsidizing future projects.
Passage of harsh anti-2SLGBTQ+ law in Iraq draws diplomatic backlash
Human rights groups and diplomats criticized a law that was quietly passed by the Iraqi parliament over the weekend that would impose heavy prison sentences on gay and transgender people.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
A munitions explosion at a Cambodian army base kills 20 soldiers, but its cause is unclear
Security was tight around a military base in southwestern Cambodia on Sunday, a day after a huge explosion there killed 20 soldiers, wounded others and damaged nearby houses.
What Trudeau's podcast appearances say about the Liberals' next ballot box question
Trudeau recently appeared on four podcasts as he travels the country talking up the Liberals' latest budget, which he's pitching as a plan to inject more economic fairness into society for those under 40 — a cohort that has kept Trudeau in power since 2015 but is increasingly turning to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.