Biden’s bookshop surprise: Picks up anti-Israel “colonialism” book, author reacts

President Joe Biden was spotted on Black Friday picking up a book highly critical of Israel, The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine, by Rashid Khalidi, a Columbia University professor emeritus.

The book, which frames the establishment of Israel as “colonialism” and depicts Palestinian resistance to it, has sparked a reaction from the author, who described Biden’s apparent interest in the book as “4 years too late”, Caliber.Az reports, citing the New York Post.

Biden, 82, was seen leaving Nantucket Bookworks holding the book in full view of the press, though it is unclear whether he purchased it or was simply given the copy. Khalidi, who is of Palestinian and Lebanese descent, responded to Biden’s selection of the book, stating, "This is 4 years too late," indicating frustration that the president was engaging with these ideas so late in his term.

The book argues that “the modern history of Palestine can best be understood in these terms: as a colonial war waged against the indigenous population, by a variety of parties, to force them to relinquish their homeland to another people against their will.”

Khalidi also criticizes former President Donald Trump, calling his administration a “mouthpiece” for Israel and accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of leading “the most extreme government” in Israel’s history. Khalidi has also condemned the media for what he perceives as biased coverage in favour of Israel.

Despite being a vocal Zionist, Biden has faced criticism from certain supporters of Israel, particularly after his administration paused shipments of large bombs to Israel earlier this year following an international outcry over the humanitarian toll of the Gaza war. Biden also visited Israel shortly after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, showing solidarity with the country, though he scaled back his public appearances as protests intensified, with activists calling him “Genocide Joe” for his backing of Israel's invasion of Gaza.

Khalidi’s book, published in early 2020, also critiques Trump’s policies, including moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights. The book praises the First Intifada, describing it as “an outstanding example of popular resistance against oppression,” but is critical of the Second Intifada, calling it “a major setback for the Palestinian national movement.”

The Black Friday sighting occurred just days after Biden brokered a US-backed ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, while also continuing efforts to secure the release of American and Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

By Tamilla Hasanova