I think everyone should contact Politics and Prose ( 202.364.1919 / books (at) politics-prose.com) to let them know that this is not right, especially from a bookstore that likes to pride itself as being independent and progressive, and if they don't invite Saree Makdisi back we should not patronize the store until they do.

Rami

————— Forwarded message —————
From: "grace said"
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 07:25:44 -0400
Subject: FW: Request to Cancel Politics and Prose Membership

All:

Some of you may not know this but Carla Cohen disinvited my nephew Saree from Politics and Prose. I am forwarding a letter I wrote to her and her response. Please follow up as you see fit.

Cheers.

Grace

____________ _________ _________ __

From: Carla Cohen
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 3:04 PM
To: grace said
Subject: RE: Request to Cancel Politics and Prose Membership

Dear Grace,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful letter. I understand how you feel. I was very sad to cancel Saree Makdisi.

I have been very active — and my husband even more so — in trying to have the U.S. intervene with Israel to end the occupation of the West Bank. I was recently in Israel and saw and heard about the heartbreaking effects of Israel's policies vis-à-vis travel, employment, and so on. I came back very discouraged about Israel's political ability to break through the impasse. The way to end the occupation lies with the U.S. I want to make the case with American Jews and with American politicians to press Israel to end the occupation.

I guarantee that nobody will listen to me if I am seen as promoting a book whose only way out of the present situation is a one-state solution. One state means the end of Israel as a democratic and Jewish state. I do not believe that should happen. I am placing all of my energies on promoting within the American Jewish community a practical solution that involves respecting the legitimate needs of Israelis and Palestinians and treating with empathy those on both sides.

I read recently — and I cannot remember whether it was in the Post or Times — about the idea of having Israel recognize publicly the forced dispersion of Palestinians and offer a financial settlement for the families that lost their property. This is something that we can get behind. Somehow, we must work together to end the standoff.

You are very good to take the time to write to me about how you feel. I respect your thoughts. I hope that you understand and respect my position.

Carla Cohen

____________ _________ _________ __

From: grace said
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2008 6:15 AM
To: Carla Cohen
Subject: Request to Cancel Politics and Prose Membership

Dear Carla:

It is with sadness that I write to inform you that I have decided to cancel my membership at Politics and Prose, effective immediately. I have always been a supporter of independent bookstores. Politics and Prose, in particular, seemed to be the place for me. Visiting your store was always pleasant; the atmosphere, choice of books, the friendliness and knowledge of the staff, and the coffee shop have always made it a plus for me, and I am sure, for many others.

However, I was quite appalled to hear that you chose not to follow through with your invitation to Dr. Saree Makdisi, whose book, Palestine Inside Out: An Everyday Occupation describes the effect of the Israeli occupation on the lives of ordinary Palestinians. It is precisely this kind of book that needs to be promoted in the US, where the mainstream media and political pundits have deliberately avoided any discussion of the hardships endured by the Palestinians under occupation.

Desmond Tutu, Howard Zinn, and Tarik Ali, amongst others, thought it sufficiently important to lend their names to Palestine Inside Out: An Everyday Occupation. That Politics and Prose should choose to withdraw its invitation amounts to censorship of the worst kind. I would have thought that enlightened discussion on difficult and controversial issues would be your preferred mode of operating. Alas, you chose the easy way out by stifling the possibility of meaningful debate.

A final note - I am particularly disappointed in your decision because it seems to me that it is out of step with political discourse in the US. A change is taking place - finally there appears to be a more nuanced conversation on the issue of Palestine/Israel. On Friday for example, the LA Times published a long article on growing appeal of the one-state solution; it also provided links for further reading. The nakba, or catastrophe, which is the word Palestinians have used to describe their dispossession and exile, is finally being acknowledged and is more commonly used in the mainstream press. And countless bloggers have begun a vigorous and stimulating discussion about our unquestioned support of Israel. It is sad that you chose to ignore this trend, especially since Politics and Prose is considered one of the more liberal establishments in this city.

Sincerely,

Grace Said

I'm for truth no matter who tells it.
I'm for justice, no matter who it is for or against.
I'm a human being first and foremost, and as such I am for whomever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole. -Malcolm X