Waverley Council Removes Gaza Genocide Book for Review

The Waverley Council removed the book 'How to Sell a Genocide' from the Waverley library at Bondi Junction for review after a complaint from a survivor of a December antisemitic attack at Bondi beach. The complainant stated that the book's placement on a new release shelf was distressing for bereaved families and survivors.

Author Adam Johnson and the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network criticized the move, arguing that the term genocide reflects a mainstream human rights consensus. The progressive Jewish Council of Australia described the removal as deeply alarming, suggesting that a permanent ban could breach New South Wales legislation intended to protect libraries from book-banning campaigns.

A council spokesperson explained that book curation is outsourced, meaning selection is not handled by council officers. The council stated it will consider new processes to ensure closer oversight of book selection moving forward.