A controversial children’s colouring book in South Africa has sparked outrage for promoting antisemitic narratives, erasing Israel’s existence, and glorifying violence against Jews.
Titled From the River to the Sea, the book presents Israelis as oppressors, omits Jewish history, and calls for the eradication of Israel, according to the South African Jewish Report (SAJR), reports The Jerusalem Post.
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) strongly criticised the book, stating it „promotes the obliteration of Jews from our historical and rightful homeland.” The organisation denounced its attempt to indoctrinate children, warning that such materials fuel hatred and antisemitism.
Similarly, the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) condemned the book as „antisemitic, devoid of truth, and propaganda.” Spokesperson Rolene Marks highlighted concerns over its glorification of intifadas and violent uprisings that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,000 Israelis. She also criticised its use of the phrase „From the river to the sea”, which she described as a slogan calling for Israel’s destruction.
The controversy led South Africa’s largest bookstore chain, Exclusive Books, to remove the book from its shelves. However, the company declined to comment on the decision. The book’s authors, Social Bandit Media, dismissed the backlash as a „coordinated attempt to intimidate and harass us,” accusing Zionist groups of trying to suppress their publication. They urged bookstores to „stand on the right side of history.”
Distorting History and Promoting Hate
The book includes misleading claims, such as describing Israel as „a military outpost of Western imperialism” and accusing it of imposing „apartheid policies in all of historic Palestine.” It also features distorted maps suggesting the gradual disappearance of Palestine. Critics argue that these fabrications fuel antisemitic rhetoric and delegitimise Israel’s right to exist.
Jakub Nowakowski, director of the Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre, warned of the dangers of indoctrinating children with hate-filled narratives. „Looking at the genocides of the 20th century and the paths that led to them, one of the most important steps was the indoctrination of children,” he explained. „Perpetrators deliberately manipulated young minds, teaching children from the earliest age to hate and to see their fellow human beings as less than human.”
He urged society to protect children from such harmful influences, stressing the need to break „vicious cycles of hate” and build bridges between communities.
Illustrator Nathi Ngubane defended the book, claiming it „educates parents and children” about Palestinian resistance. He insisted that his goal was to present history „accurately and accessibly” with input from educators, parents, and Palestinian journalists. However, critics noted that the book focuses exclusively on Palestinian suffering while erasing Israeli perspectives, further entrenching division.
The SAJBD expressed outrage over the publication, calling it „repugnant” and warning that it perpetuates „animosity and prolongs the cycle of hatred.” The organisation demanded an immediate halt to its distribution and urged a responsible approach to education that does not promote violence or historical revisionism.
This incident underscores growing concerns about antisemitic propaganda targeting young audiences and highlights the urgent need to challenge narratives that incite hatred and distort history.
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