Browsing at the Dar al Shorouk bookstore (Ramallah, 2015)

Dar al Shorouk (DAS) is a Palestinian publisher and bookseller established in 1979 and based in Amman. The Ramallah location opened in 1996. The biggest bookstore in Ramallah, DAS’s collection sprawls over two levels and contains scholarly and popular fiction and nonfiction for all ages. They also host book discussions and other public events.

DAS sells its own and other publishers’ books but doesn’t republish anyone else’s work. The book acquisition situation has become significantly more difficult for DAS since 2000. Israel stops some books at the border, alternately destroying, delaying (with the cost of 1000 shekels per day), or sending them back to Amman. The justification for delaying books is typically unclear. Children’s and adult books alike are subject to this treatment.

There are relationships between DAS and publishers and organizations in other parts of Palestine, although it’s harder to maintain ties with Gaza. They get assistance from some individuals and organizations, for example, UNESCO brings in books from book fairs in Lebanon. In terms of book donations, many people outside Palestine are interested in donating religious texts, but they would prefer books for the new generation.