Sydney library restores controversial Israel-critical book after legal and public pressure

Waverley Library in Bondi Junction withdrew *How to Sell a Genocide* after a survivor of the December antisemitic attack at Bondi reported the book’s prominent display as upsetting to victims’ families. The removal sparked a Change.org petition, organized by lawyer Ramia Abdo Sultan, that gathered almost 2,500 signatures and a waiting list of 21 readers. The State Library of New South Wales wrote to the council, citing the Library Council of NSW guidelines and the 2026 amendment to the Library Act that safeguards independent collections.

On Friday, library staff confirmed the book’s reinstatement and the council announced a review of its selection oversight. Author Adam Johnson praised the outcome but urged legal action to learn why the complaint was made. Jewish groups offered mixed reactions, with some welcoming the removal and others condemning any censorship.