Petition launched to bring back Montreal author's book to Jewish Public Library
There are calls for the Jewish Public Library to reverse its decision to pull a book by a Montreal author over controversial social media posts.
The books are temporarily available on request but there is a petition to put the books back on the shelves.
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."
Elise Gravel took to Facebook to thank the supporters who took part in the demonstration. Gravel is an award-winning children's author and illustrator, and she's come under fire recently over her social media posts about the Israel-Hamas war.
Critics argue she's on an anti-Israel campaign. Since the conflict erupted in October, Gravel has been very vocal online, accusing 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."
In light of the controversy, the Jewish Public Library decided to remove her books from public view. The library issued a statement to various media outlets last week, which recognized Gravel as "one of Quebec's most beloved children’s book authors. Her work is vibrant, thoughtful, funny, and educational."
The statement went on to say: "While the content of her books is objectively not offensive, we have taken the decision to relocate them from our open shelves to closed stacks. This action ensures that the books remain accessible through our catalogue, while also acknowledging the sensitivities surrounding the author's social media posts."
Since then, an informal group of Montreal friends and writers have launched a petition to denounce what they consider to be a form of censorship because of an author's political views.
"It's chilling when authors or books are treated this way and not even for the content. We have rigorous standards and procedures if there's a complaint about a book. Usually, in Canada, there is an onus for the complainer to prove that this book is offensive," said Leila Marshy, one of the writers behind the petition.
"This is not that. This is an author — her entire catalogue of books being put on closed shelves because of her public, political views."
So far, more than 200 people have signed the petition.
CTV News reached out to the Jewish Public Library for a reaction to the petition and yesterday's demonstration.
"We are listening to the many comments that have been expressed by members of the community," the library wrote in an email, adding that it would respond with an official statement sometime this week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Princess Anne to take part in B.C. ceremony bringing new ship into Pacific fleet
Canada's first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel will officially be brought into the Pacific fleet today and Princess Anne, the sister of King Charles, is scheduled to take part in its commissioning ceremony.
NEW Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake recorded west of Vancouver Island
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake was reported west of Vancouver Island Thursday evening.
More than half of Canadians say freedom of speech is under threat, new poll suggests
A new poll suggests a majority of Canadians feel their right to freedom of speech is in danger.
How falling for a stranger she met on a beach led this woman to ditch the U.S. for the French Riviera
Niki Benjamin, from the U.S., had travelled to a paradise island to do some soul searching, and her life ended up going in a very different direction when her dog ran up to a stranger.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Feds giving Toronto more than $104M to host 2026 FIFA World Cup
The federal government will provide Toronto just over $104 million in funding to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Police move in to clear NYU encampment, U.S. campus arrests grow to 2,200 in pro-Palestinian protests
Police moved in to clear an encampment at New York University on Friday at the request of school officials, a move that follows weeks of pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses nationwide that have resulted in nearly 2,200 arrests by police.
Wally, the emotional support alligator once denied entry to a baseball game, is missing
Emotional support animal registrations in the United States reached 115,832 last year, by an industry group’s count. But in the eyes of reptile rescuer Joie Henney, there’s only one: 'Wally Gator.'