A new Arabic bookshop in central London has removed copies of Mein Kampf from display after a public backlash. Aafaq, in Edgware Road, had several translated copies of the 1925 political manifesto where Adolf Hitler sets out his anti-Semitic ideology for sale.
Councillor criticises bookshop
Westminster Conservative councillor Elliot Keck criticised the shop, which is near the West Central London Synagogue, for selling and displaying the text prominently. “Imagine my disgust upon going into this new Arabic bookstore on the Edgware Road last night only to find them selling multiple copies of Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler, apparently published themselves,” he posted on social media. “I rarely wish ill on a new business, but I hope this one fails, and fails quickly. What does it say about integration that this bookshop believes this will be a popular book? What does it say about antisemitism within this community?”
Bookshop responds and removes book
A spokesman for the bookshop, which opened on August 1, replied that only three copies of the controversial text were on display. “The presence of a controversial historical book in a bookshop does not constitute endorsement of its ideas,” they said. “Aafaq unequivocally rejects Nazi ideology, antisemitism, racism and Islamophobia.”
However, the store has now removed the book from sale. A notice in the shop window reads: “At Aafaq Bookstore, we value the views and concerns of our customers and the local community. After concerns were raised regarding a particular title, we reviewed the matter and decided to remove the book from sale. We remain committed to providing a welcoming bookstore for everyone in our community.”
Labour councillors also raise concerns
Labour councillors also raised concerns about Mein Kampf being sold. The party’s Hyde Park and Paddington team said it was “wonderful” to visit the new shop. In a now deleted post, the Labour councillors added: “After listening to the community’s concerns, the store removed the publication and put up a public notice. Sometimes, simple dialogue and understanding can help prevent hate and division in our community.”
Mein Kampf, where Hitler sets out his belief that the “Aryan” people are a master race and that Jewish people are “parasites”, is not banned in Britain. It is available in reference libraries and sold online for academic purposes. However, book chains usually refrain from displaying it.
