News|Arts and CultureAustralian writers’ festival boss resigns after Palestinian author axedDirector of Adelaide Writers’ Week steps down amid wave of speaker withdrawals and board resignations.
The director of the Adelaide Writers' Week in Australia has resigned following a decision by the festival's board to cancel the appearance of Randa Abdel-Fattah, a prominent Palestinian activist and author. This decision, reported on Tuesday, has been…
The director of the Adelaide Writers' Week in Australia has resigned following a decision by the festival's board to cancel the appearance of Randa Abdel-Fattah, a prominent Palestinian activist and author. This decision, reported on Tuesday, has been made despite opposition from Louise Adler, the festival's director.
The board of Adelaide Writers' Week stated that Abdel-Fattah's participation was revoked due to concerns over cultural sensitivity following a recent incident at Bondi Beach. A mass shooting on December 14, which targeted a Hanukkah celebration, resulted in the deaths of fifteen individuals. Authorities have linked the attackers to ISIL (ISIS).
Abdel-Fattah described her exclusion as an act of anti-Palestinian racism and criticized efforts to associate her with the Bondi event. The decision has led to significant backlash, including the withdrawal of numerous speakers from the festival.
In addition to Adler's resignation, the festival has seen a series of withdrawals and board resignations. Notably, New Zealand's former prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, announced her withdrawal from the event, joining a boycott involving around 180 authors, including Yanis Varoufakis and Zadie Smith.
The director of the Adelaide Writers' Week in Australia has resigned following a decision by the festival's board to cancel the appearance of Randa Abdel-Fattah, a prominent Palestinian activist and author.
Despite the controversy, some political figures, including South Australia's premier Peter Malinauskas and several federal politicians, along with various Jewish groups, have supported the board's decision to disinvite Abdel-Fattah.
Critics of Abdel-Fattah cite her statements regarding Israel as justification for their support of the board's decision.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a national day of mourning on January 22 to commemorate the victims of the Bondi Beach attack. Flags will be flown at half-mast on all Commonwealth buildings as part of this observance.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
