Paris Bookstores Targeted with Vandalism Amid Gaza Conflict, Literary Community Organizes Antifascist Response

On November 15, the Parisian bookstore Petite Egypte became the target of hate-filled vandalism when anti-Francesca Albanese graffiti was spray-painted on its window during an event featuring the UN human rights co-rapporteur's new book on Palestine, "Quand le monde dort. Récits, voix et blessures de la Palestine." The phrase "Albanese, la putain du Hamas" was scrawled on the storefront, reflecting a poisonous atmosphere surrounding certain literary works tied to the Gaza war.

Alexis Argyroglo, founder of Petite Egypte, called attention to the disturbing nature of this attack, emphasizing that it exemplifies a broader toxic climate aimed at books provoking heated debates. This is not an isolated case: other bookstores in the Paris region, such as les Jours heureux in Rosny-sous-Bois, have suffered similar defacements earlier this year.

In response to these incidents of vandalism, insults, and intimidation targeting booksellers and literary professionals, various unions, associations, and literary collectives have united to organize a collective antifascist mobilization. A rally is planned for November 27 at Place de la République in Paris, signaling a determined stand against the intimidation and attacks on freedom of cultural expression.

This coordinated response represents the literary community's firm rejection of censorship and threats linked to the charged political context of the Gaza conflict, striving to protect democratic dialogue and cultural engagement.