Attack on publisher of book critical of Zionism
September 23rd, 2007
Joel Kovel is a former psychoanalyst, known among progressive psychoanalysts as the author of the classic White Racism: A Psychohistory, among other works. He’s written a new book, apparently critical of Israel and Zionism: Overcoming Zionism: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine.
The book has aroused a fierce reaction from the pro-Israel lobby, according to an article from its publisher, Pluto Press:
Pluto Press Under Attack by Israel Lobby
By ROGER van ZWANENBERG
About three weeks ago Pluto books and the University of Michigan Press - our US distributor - came under attack by Stand With Us (a Zionist lobby group) who were objecting to the publication of Overcoming Zionism by Joel Kovel which resulted in the book being withdrawn in the US. The vitriolic attack questioned the University’s relationship with Pluto generally and denigrated Overcoming Zionism.
Since then the Executive Board of the University has considered the matter and issued a public statement. Joel’s book has now been reinstated but they plan to review the ongoing relationship between Pluto and UMP in October.
Pluto Press’s importance & presence in the US is under threat.
Joel is setting up a network to rally support for Pluto as we are determined to defend ourselves. We hope you will help and support our efforts in the US by writing to Joel and Kathy who are co-ordinating the campaign jskovel@gmail.com and Ellajaja@aol.com.
If you have your own networks, please first go through Joel and Kathy, as they are co-ordinating the campaign
In the meantime we intend to get the UK media to take notice of these events.
Warmly
Roger
Roger van Zwanenberg (Dr)
Chair & Commissioning Editor www.plutobooks.com
Pluto Press
345 Archway Road
London N6 5AA
Tel 020 8374 2192 ( Direct line)
0044 20 8374 2192 from Outside UK
Company No 4770976
Now I haven’t read Kovel’s book, and have no idea if I will or what I will think of it if I do. But I do know that this type of attempted censorship poses an extreme threat to democratic discussion on a topic of vital importance to everyone. We should all stand up to these bullies.
Entry Filed under: Culture, Free Speech, Israel, Media, Social Issues
2 Comments Add your own
1. Observer | September 23rd, 2007 at 8:32 pm
The relationship between Pluto Press and U of M will not last much longer. Respected Jewish civil rights groups have condemned the relationship, and written to U of M, not just because of Mr. Kovel’s book. Other books published by Pluto, such as those by the holocaust denier Israel Shahak are getting more criticism than “Overcoming Zionism.” U of M now knows what trash Pluto is pumping out, and whether or not Kovel puts together a team, the relationship between U of M and Pluto will not be renewed.
2. Palestine » Blog Ar&hellip | September 24th, 2007 at 7:25 am
[...] Attack on publisher of book critical of Zionism Joel Kovel is a former psychoanalyst, known among progressive psychoanalysts as the author of the classic White Racism: A Psychohistory , among other works. He s written a new book, apparently critical of Israel and Zionism: Overcoming Zionism: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine . The book has aroused a fierce reaction from the pro-Israel lobby, according to an article from its publisher, Pluto Press: Pluto Press Under Attack by Israel Lobby By ROGER van [...]
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