Overview

• The 92nd Street Y, a prominent Jewish cultural and community center in Manhattan, canceled an event featuring Pulitzer-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen due to his critical stance on Israel's actions in Gaza.
• The event was postponed just five hours before it was due to start, leading to claims of reciprocated censorship.
• Nguyen's criticism of Israel includes signing an open letter condemning Israel's "indiscriminate violence" against Palestinians in Gaza, and publicly opposing the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
• Despite the 92nd street Y's decision, the event took place at a bookstore in Lower Manhattan, where Nguyen discussed both his book and the repercussions of art during times of war and division.
• The cancellation of the event has provoked discussions about free speech, solidarity, and the parameters of acceptable debate regarding Israel.