Nashville bookstore cancels Jewish author's book release after backlash

Jewish author Alyssa Rosenheck slammed a Nashville bookstore for cancelling her upcoming book launch event, with the store citing "security concerns." She said the store never expressed such concerns and only cancelled the event after an online pressure campaign.

In a video posted to X on Monday, Rosenheck explained that she had hired a private security firm on July 23 and notified the Bell Bird Books store owner, Mary Ann Weprin, about the matter on July 25. Weprin told Rosenheck that she was "not worried at all and that sounds great," according to the author.

Rosenheck said that on a July 26 phone call she asked Weprin if there were any security concerns or threats. Weprin reportedly told her no. Rosenheck was then informed on July 28 that the event was cancelled. The Tennessean reports that staff at the store "have received hundreds of hateful messages."

Rosenheck said in the video that the decision was not because of so-called safety concerns but stemmed from an organized online pressure campaign targeting her as "an unapologetic Jewish voice and advocate for the safety and security of a sovereign nation." 

"Public discourse cannot be dictated by online mobs, and we must not reward intimidation by yielding to the bullies," said Rosenheck, detailing a pattern of events featuring Jewish people being cancelled because of pressure campaigns.

Weprin released a statement, saying "My concern was whether my small neighborhood bookstore could responsibly host an event that appeared likely to require heightened security. As a small business owner, I felt responsibility to consider the safety of my staff, customers, guests and community. That was the decision I was trying to make."


Weprin's statement on Instagram

She said futher that her "mission for Bell Bird Books has always been to create a welcoming, warm space where neighbors could gather to share stories and learn from one another. We believe independent bookstores play a vital role in their communities, and hosting author events is an extension of that mission."

The book, titled "White. Blonde. Jew. A Call to End Extremism, Speak Up, and Reclaim Center," is set to be released on August 18 by BenBella Books. It's centered around Rosenheck's experiences traveling to Israel and Gaza after the 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks, where she interviewed former hostages, politicians, and impacted families.

The event, which was scheduled for August 20, drew immediate backlash after Bell Bird Books announced it. Some online critics called for a boycott of the store, accusing Bell Bird Books of promoting Zionism. Weprin defended the event to The Tennessean on July 29, stating that the store aimed to foster open conversations. She later succumbed to the pressure.

Weprin told The Algemeiner in a statement that she didn't think the small neighborhood bookstore could handle the event without "heightened security." She rejected antisemitic accusations, telling the paper that her husband is Jewish.

Rosenheck is a Nashville-based photographer and has been recognized by Architectural Digest. She has been outspoken about antisemitism and is an active advocate for Israel. Rosenheck said a new Nashville venue will soon be announced.