Edinburgh International Book Festival Embroiled in Controversy over Israeli Writers' Inclusion

Strategic Insights -

Palstinian-American poet Fady Joudah has pulled out of the Edinburgh International Book Festival in protest at the inclusion of two Israeli writers, Etgar Keret and Anshel Pfeffer, in the programme. Joudah, who was due to appear at the event in August, cited the festival's "insensitive" invitation of the two writers as a reason for his withdrawal, describing them as "genocide apologists" and implying that they endorse Israel's attacks on Gaza. The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the festival's inclusion of Israeli writers and its handling of sensitive topics.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fady Joudah, a Palestinian-American poet, has withdrawn from the Edinburgh International Book Festival in protest at the inclusion of Israeli writers Etgar Keret and Anshel Pfeffer in the programme.
  • Joudah accused the festival of being "insensitive" in inviting Keret and Pfeffer, and described them as "genocide apologists" due to their association with Israel's attacks on Gaza.
  • The festival has a long history of presenting Palestinian voices and has hosted over 60 events directly on Israel and Palestine since 2016, according to a spokesperson.
  • The festival has faced controversy over its handling of sensitive topics, including the inclusion of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the lack of gender-critical authors on its line-up.
  • Climate activist Greta Thunberg pulled out of the festival in 2023 due to its long-standing relationship with investment firm Baillie Gifford and its links with the fossil fuels industry.
  • The festival has since lost its biggest sponsor, Baillie Gifford, and has received new backing from the Edinburgh-based legal firm Digby Brown and additional support from the Hawthornden Foundation.

Statistics:

  • 55 events directly on Israel and Palestine hosted by the Edinburgh International Book Festival since 2016 (Source: Edinburgh International Book Festival spokesperson)
  • 40 years it has taken Val McDermid to get her new play into a theatre (Source: Val McDermid statement)
  • 60 events hosted by the festival on issues related to Israel and Palestine (Source: Edinburgh International Book Festival spokesperson)
  • 20-year relationship between the festival and investment firm Baillie Gifford (Source: Edinburgh International Book Festival announcement)

Sources:

  • Fady Joudah's statement on X (Exact wording: "The festival knew what it was doing when it invited Keret and Pfeffer. A lack of common decency is a genocide's best friend in a cultural system that continues to endorse the genocide.")
  • Edinburgh International Book Festival spokesperson's statement (Exact wording: "The Book Festival has a long history of presenting Palestinian voices and since 2016 has hosted over 60 events directly on Israel and Palestine with sensitivity and care.")
  • Val McDermid statement (Exact wording: "It has taken me 40 years to get my new play into a theatre.")
  • Edinburgh International Book Festival announcement (Exact wording: "We have collectively agreed to end our 20-year relationship with Baillie Gifford.")