92nd Street Y Cancels Event Featuring Pulitzer Winner Viet Thanh Nguyen Over His Israel Criticism

Event postponed just hours before it was due to start after author signed open letter condemning Israel's actions in Gaza, leading to claims of reciprocated censorship.

• 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.

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