Note from Elly
Never Again, for Anyone is deeply personal to me, and I am honoured to make my debut as a published illustrator through this story. Hailing from the land of Israel-Palestine, I am both a third-generation Holocaust survivor and a third-generation anti-Zionist Jew, raised in a political family of military refusers and dissidents. I am grateful to my family for raising me with a clear view of the injustices Palestinians face from the state I called home, as this perspective remains rare among Israeli Jews.
I am proud to contribute to this collective love letter to my community and Palestinian kin through illustrating Never Again, for Anyone. This project solidifies my commitment to intertwining my artistic practice with lifelong advocacy for justice and liberation for all peoples.
Reviews
"Poignantly told, vividly illustrated, and suffused with the wisdom of ages, this simple children's tale teaches justice and love. For all parents, Jewish or not, Palestinian or not, who embrace truth and humanity."
—Gabor Maté, MD
"An important read for parents and children of all ages that gives children the language and courage to speak up for what's right."
—Tala El-fahmawi, author of Salim's Soccer Ball
"This book honours the growing segment of the Jewish world that is rising in solidarity with Palestinians while remaining deeply rooted in Jewish ritual and culture. Never Again, for Anyone captures the ways Jews today are choosing to interweave our Jewish spiritual lives with our political commitments and ethical values. Braiding the pain of the past, with the pain of our present day, Friedman and Stern offer a picture of a future of liberatory solidarity rooted in community. May it be so!"
—Rabbi Alissa Wise
"As a Jewish descendant of Holocaust survivors, I was raised to believe that honouring our ancestors means fighting for justice for all people. For me, 'never again' was a promise rooted in our history and values, and it meant for everyone. Never Again, for Anyone is a beautifully illustrated picture book that offers families a meaningful way to talk with children about history, empathy, and the idea that everyone's freedom and safety are connected. A powerful and compassionate book for the next generation."
—Jessica Ralli, co-author of the First Conversations series
NEVER AGAIN, FOR ANYONE
A gentle and loving children's picture book about a Jewish boy's compassion for others, including Palestinians
Lev loves learning about his Jewish culture and traditions. Ima, his mom, tells him about Bubbie, his great-grandmother, who had to pretend she wasn't Jewish when she was young in order to stay safe. Bubbie heard many people say, "Never again," but she always maintained, "We can't ever let anyone be treated like that again." Bubbie stood up for what she believed in.
When Lev sees a crowd including his friend Ameera marching for Palestine on the street outside his window, he asks Ima if they are speaking out for people being treated unfairly, just like Bubbie. Inspired by Lev's care and bravery, Ima takes him outside to join the march for Palestinian justice and the principle "never again, for anyone."