PEN America cancels World Voices Festival amid criticism of its response to Israel
NEW YORK (AP) — PEN America has canceled its annual World Voices Festival, as the literary and free expression organization continues to face widespread unhappiness with its response to the Israel-Hamas war. Earlier this week, PEN called off its awards ceremony after nearly half of the finalists withdrew from contention.
The festival, which brings in writers from around the world, was to have taken place next month in New York and Los Angeles. PEN CEO Suzanne Nossel expressed regret over the cancellation, saying it contrasted with why Salman Rushdie among others established the festival 20 years ago.
Naomi Klein, Michelle Alexander, Hisham Matar and dozens of other writers endorsed an open letter in March saying they would not participate in the festival.
“PEN America exists to unite writers in defense of free expression. The premise of World Voices is to engage across wide chasms of worldview and belief, including fostering direct conversation between and among those who disagree profoundly,” Nossel said in a statement Friday.
Related articles
WNBA expansion franchise Golden State hires Ohemaa Nyanin as its general manager
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — WNBA Golden State has named Ohemaa Nyanin as the team’s general manager, the2024-05-07China launches new relay satellite for Earth
* China launched a new relay satellite on Wednesday to provide Earth-Moon communications services, a2024-05-07In Pics: Women's Basketball Club in NW China's Xinjiang
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-07Modernization, Mechanization Make Farmer's Life a Breeze
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-072 killed when a small plane headed to South Carolina crashes in Virginia, police say
Two people were killed when a small plane headed for South Carolina crashed in Virginia, authorities2024-05-07Across China: Medicinal Plant Brews up Sweet Life for Locals
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-07
atest comment