The Forum

            For several decades those interested and even those not interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have been debating issues of settlements, the wall, Gaza and two vs. one state solution and more. However, the discussion on Palestinian cultural preservation throughout Israeli occupation has been largely non-existent. The Great Book Robbery focuses on one of the first and most devastating events of the looting of Palestinian culture. In 1948, in a systematic and collaborative effort the National Library of Israel and the Israeli Army looted 70,000 Palestinian books. Running from home to home, at times still in the midst of gunfire, Israeli librarians pillaged precious Palestinian books and artifacts. Today 6,000 of these books still sit on the cold shelves of the National Library of Israel.

            The Great Book Robbery documentary film is due to be released in May 2012. However, the discussion of the 1948 book robbery and the importance of the preservation of Palestinian culture and its resilience throughout occupation has already begun. The Forum has been established on our website for just this purpose. Students, librarians, activists, professors and more have already posted their pieces, expressing various opinions and view points on the on going destruction of Palestinian culture. Local Pittsburgh librarian Tom Twiss is featured on The Forum. 

            As many of us are on break during this holiday season, take time to self-educate yourself on this important project and share it with family and friends. Visit our Forum page and read the pieces written by contributors from Pittsburgh to all the way in Gaza. Contact The Great Book Robbery if you wish to contribute to the Forum or participate in our project in another way. http://thegreatbookrobbery.org/forum

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