Authors Divided Over Boycott of Israeli Literary Institutions

A petition by over 1,000 writers calls for a boycott of Israeli cultural bodies, sparking a counter-petition advocating for artistic freedom.

More than 1,000 writers, including Sally Rooney and Jhumpa Lahiri, have signed a petition to boycott Israeli literary institutions due to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
The boycott aims to challenge institutions that allegedly support apartheid and displacement of Palestinians, comparing it to past cultural boycotts of South Africa.
A counter-petition led by the Creative Community For Peace argues that cultural boycotts undermine liberal values and foster division rather than dialogue.
Signatories of the counter-petition include notable figures like Lee Child and Gene Simmons, who emphasize the role of literature in promoting understanding and peace.
The debate highlights tensions in the literary community over freedom of expression and the ethics of cultural engagement with Israeli entities.