The book fair reported after statements about Israel and Palestine

The report concerns the description of the former Social Democratic Member of Parliament Widar Andersson's talking point "Why are so many people on the left lost when it comes to the Middle East?", ETC reported.

There, a column by Andersson is quoted, which claims that Palestinians are used "as a springboard for various communists, extremists and terrorists whose highest desire and sole purpose is to destroy the Jewish state of Israel."

- We are badly affected by both that and several other statements that have reached us regarding these program points. It is important for us to say that we do not stand behind them. We understand that they arouse strong reactions, it does so with us, says Book Fair manager Oskar Ekström to TT.

Denied starvation

Also Jonathan Conricus, former spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces IDF, participates via link in a program item. Oskar Ekström is also critical of several of his statements, for example, Conricus has denied the famine in Gaza.

- That a person is allowed to participate in the Book Fair, via an exhibitor, does not automatically mean that the Book Fair supports the person's opinions or previous statements, says Ekström.

New code of conduct

This year, the fair has updated its code of conduct for the exhibition area Demokratitorget, where the Sweden-Israel Friendship Association has its stand. The code includes requirements that exhibitors must respect human rights and follow democratic principles.

- It applies to the exhibitors and we expect everyone to follow it, says Oskar Ekström.

How are you going to follow it up?

- We are present in the area of ​​democracy and follow it in different ways.