New York Public Library Faces Backlash Over Hosting Author Who Criticized Israel

The New York Public Library (NYPL) is facing criticism for hosting an event featuring author Benjamin Moser, who made controversial remarks comparing Israel to a "dog shelter" and labeling Zionists as "intellectual thugs." The event, held on September 22 at the library's main branch, promoted Moser's book, "Anti-Zionism, a Jewish History."

Moser, a Pulitzer Prize winner, suggested during the event that American Jews without strong ties to Israel view the country as a "dog shelter" in need of support. He also argued that claims of America being unsafe for Jews are an exaggerated "poor me" narrative, likening such sentiments to complaints about not getting a croissant in the context of Treblinka. Both Moser and his interviewer, retired Columbia University history professor Rashid Khalidi, used the term "intellectual thugs" to describe Zionists they believe aim to suppress dissent regarding the Israeli government's actions in Gaza.

Moser asserted that history will not look favorably upon pro-Israel American Jewish organizations, claiming their leadership has supported what he termed the "genocide" in Gaza. He stated that Zionism has historically made Jewish people look worse. The author also contended that Israel was founded through the ethnic cleansing of native Palestinians and the establishment of apartheid.

Critics of the event, including former Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, argued that taxpayer money should not be used to provide a platform for such views. The office of City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams indicated it had received complaints and was seeking more information from the library.

The NYPL defended its decision to host the event, with spokesperson Melissa Grace emphasizing the library's principle of offering a diversity of viewpoints and cultural perspectives. Grace stated that the library hosts over 100,000 events annually and that programming does not constitute an institutional endorsement but rather an opportunity for public discourse. She added that the library does not police speech, aligning with its commitment to intellectual freedom and the First Amendment.

Brent Reidy, director of research libraries at NYPL, acknowledged at the event's opening that many individuals hold "strong and differing feelings on Zionism, anti-Zionism and rising antisemitism and Islamophobia." Moser was a fellow at the NYPL's Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers last year.

The library highlighted its history of hosting a variety of speakers and events, including those with pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian perspectives, as well as discussions on Jewish American Heritage Month, the Holocaust, and antisemitism. Past events have featured figures such as Senator Chuck Schumer discussing his book "Antisemitism in America: A Warning" and Natan Sharansky in conversation with David Remnick.