Enough is enough.
Again, Vänskapsförbundet Sverige – Israel are allowed to have a booth at the Gothenburg Bookfair, where they present a talk by Jonathan Conricus who is a proponent of Israel’s ongoing genocide and war against Palestine and Lebanon.
They will also have other talks that range from genocide denial to islamophobia and general Israel-friendly assholery.
We haven’t had a booth at the Bookfair for many years, but we’ve often been represented there in other ways, as we would have this year as well. But we’ve now asked to have our books removed from the booths of both Seriefrämjandet and Nätverkstan (Kulturtidskriftsmontern).
Back in 2017, they allowed a booth to the far-right magazine Fria Tider despite massive criticism. It seems they haven’t learned a thing, because Vänskapsförbundet Sverige – Israel’s support for an ongoing genocide is somehow even worse. Or they have no principles at all and use ”freedom of speech” as an excuse to prioritize the money for the booths they sell, no matter where it comes from.
Which makes it even more relevant to boycot the Bookfair! Don’t give them money for an overpriced booth! Don’t give them money for an overpriced artist alley table! Don’t give them money for the overpriced entrance fee!
The book and comics businesses in Sweden tend to see the Bookfair as the most important annual event, but even if it is, what price are we willing to pay for it? Not this.
In conclusion:
Free Palestine! Free Lebanon!