Controversy Erupts Over Arabic Edition of Mein Kampf Sold in London Bookstore
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Arabic Mein Kampf copies sold at new London bookstore sparked major Jewish community backlash.
- Elliott Kec, Conservative council member, documented the books and disputed store's defense.
- Store claimed only three copies placed in back with history books, denying ideological support.
- Jewish groups condemned the sale, calling it shocking and harmful promotion of antisemitism.
- Owner Dr. Nasser Al Shammari is a Kuwaiti national linked to antisemitic views.
- Community leaders are investigating the incident with partners to address the issue.
Several copies of Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf in Arabic, published by Aafaq Publishing, were found for sale at the newly opened Aafaq bookstore in Edgware, London, which opened on August 1, 2026. The discovery sparked sharp condemnation from British Jewish organizations and community leaders. The books were identified by Elliott Kec, a Conservative Party member of the local council, who documented their presence in the store.
The bookstore responded that only three copies were in stock, placed alongside history books in a back section, and claimed security footage showed Kec rearranging the books for his photos. They stated, "The presence of a controversial historical book does not imply support for its ideas. Aafaq unequivocally rejects Nazi ideology, antisemitism, racism, and Islamophobia." Kec rejected these claims, telling the Jewish News, "It is clear from the photos that I separated the books to show the number available. This is a bizarre distraction from the fact that at opening, they chose Mein Kampf as one of the first books displayed on a main table in what is considered a small bookstore."
Jewish community representatives and organizations in the UK strongly criticized the sale. A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust (CST) said no Arabic bookstore in London should promote the notorious antisemitic Holocaust-era text. The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) called the act shocking, and London Jewish community leader Phil Rosenberg said the matter is being investigated with community partners. The Campaign Against Antisemitism highlighted the crucial difference between historically contextualized editions and books that recycle hatred without critical framing.
Both Aafaq Publishing & Distribution and the Edgware bookstore are owned by Dr. Nasser Al Shammari, 47, from Kuwait, a country described as distinctly antisemitic. The incident has intensified scrutiny over the sale and display of hate literature in London’s Arabic-language book market.
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