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Joe Biden's picture with anti-Israel book leaves author Khalidi and netizens in shock: ‘He has no idea what…’

Joe Biden was pictured holding a copy of a book on Friday that characterised Israel as a colonial nation in the context of Palestinian resistance.

Published on: Nov 30, 2024, 18:05:30 IST
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Outgoing US President Joe Biden, who has consistently backed the Jewish state, grabbed a copy of a book on Friday that characterised Israel as a colonial nation in the context of Palestinian resistance.

President Biden can be seen hoding the book "The Hundred Years' War on Palestine" by Rashid Khalidi as he walks out of Nantucket Bookworks in Nantucket, Mass. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)
President Biden can be seen hoding the book "The Hundred Years' War on Palestine" by Rashid Khalidi as he walks out of Nantucket Bookworks in Nantucket, Mass. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden was captured leaving Nantucket Bookworks and carrying a copy of “The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017” written by Rashid Khalidi, an emeritus professor at Columbia University, according to the New York Post.

Speaking to the Post, Khalidi said that Biden was holding his book, “I do not speak to the Post (or the Times, for that matter), so this is not for publication, but my reaction is that this is four years too late.”

The Biden administration has continuously backed Israel's operations in the Middle East military. Israel has frequently received military aid, weapons, and other forms of support from the United States.

Did Biden purchase the book?

However, it's still unclear if Biden purchased the book or whether it was presented to him during his visit to the shop.

The creation of Israel is explained in “The Hundred Years' War on Palestine” as a “settler-colonial conquest,” which was met with Palestinian resistance. Khalidi, who is well-known for his scathing criticism of US foreign policy toward Israel, attacked Biden's successor, President-elect Donald Trump, in the 2020 book, calling his government a “mouthpiece for Israel.” He also referred to the government of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as “the most extreme government” in the history of the nation.

Both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian activists have slammed Biden's administration, and he has long identified as a Zionist. “You don't have to be a Jew to be a Zionist. I am a Zionist,” he declared during his meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog last year.

Also Read: Joe Biden says working with FBI on bomb threats to lawmakers, Donald Trump cabinet picks

Netizens react to Biden grabbing anti-Israel book

Several social media users were quick to react to the picture showing Biden grabbing the anti-Israel book, with one writing on X, “He has no idea what he's holding.”

“Where is ‘Palestine’?” another asked.

“Who is he kidding? Biden doesn't have the mental power to read a comic book let alone serious non fiction,” a third user chimed in.

However, a fourth user stressed, “I wish all our presidents will read this book and stop supporting Israel,” while the fifth one called the whole Biden episode “staged”.

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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