A review by kimacus
Genocide Bad: Notes on Palestine, Jewish History, and Collective Liberation by Sim Kern

4.5

"Genocide Bad" is a compelling and accessible entry point for readers beginning to educate themselves about Palestine and the structures of settler colonialism, apartheid, and genocide that shape the region. Clear-eyed and unflinching, the book breaks down the major Zionist arguments often used to justify or obscure violence against Palestinians, offering sharp, well-researched counterpoints rooted in both history and international law.

What makes the book particularly effective is its directness; it doesn’t over-intellectualize or soften its message, making it ideal for those who are newer to these conversations but eager to understand them clearly. While some of the personal anecdote sections felt repetitive or slowed the pacing, they do serve a purpose: grounding the political in lived experience and reminding the reader that this is not an abstract debate, but a crisis impacting real people every day.

Overall, "Genocide Bad" is an urgent and persuasive read that arms readers with the knowledge and context needed to push back against harmful narratives. A valuable resource for anyone looking to move from confusion to clarity, and from silence to solidarity.