In a recent statement, PEN America said it would donate to the emergency fund for Palestinian writers amid growing backlash against its response to the Gaza crisis. It reiterated its commitment to the freedom of expression, highlighting its respect for writers’ autonomy over their work, including their right to participate in boycotts.
Read: Naomi Klein among writers boycotting PEN World Voices Festival over Gaza
It comes as a number of prominent authors including Naomi Klein, Michelle Alexander, and Hisham Matar stating they would no longer be part of their World Voices Festival. Earlier in the year, Roxane Gay was among numerous writers who penned an open letter criticising the organisation’s response to the “genocide” being committed by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza.
“We are well aware that, for some, these efforts are insufficient or off the mark, too little or too late.”
Pen America
PEN America calls for ceasefire
PEN America’s response on Wednesday (March 20) was unambiguous in its ceasefire messaging. “We call, alongside PEN International, for an immediate ceasefire and release of the hostages, an agreement that can pave the way for urgent humanitarian access and a lasting peace,” it said.
The organisation clarified its position, stating, “We have continually affirmed that we ‘respect the right of writers to control the publication and distribution of their work’ including taking part in boycotts if they so choose.”
It claimed that its consistent opposition to penalising individuals engaged in the boycott of Israel, despite its long-held view that academic and cultural boycotts conflict with its mission of using culture to bridge divides.
PEN America also underscored its principle that government positions should not be imposed on writers based on their nationality, aligning with the PEN Charter’s emphasis on the importance of writers’ independence.
Some writers welcomed the move, while others questioned whether it had come too late.
Read: PEN America event disrupted by WAWOG protest over Mayim Bialik
In a statement, the organisation said it expressed regret over an incident where author Randa Jarrar was removed from a Los Angeles event, a situation PEN America insists was not intentional and contrary to its principles.
“Having worked with Ms. Jarrar and defended her against efforts to punish her speech, this was not a situation nor outcome we sought,” the statement read, acknowledging the complexity of the incident while reaffirming its adherence to free speech values.
Steps going forward
Looking forward, PEN America outlined several steps to address the situation and reinforce its commitment to open dialogue and support for writers:
- Inviting dialogue with signatories of an open letter to meet with PEN America leadership.
- Supporting, alongside PEN International, calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages to facilitate humanitarian access and lasting peace.
- Planning a public event to explore the literary and artistic community’s responses to the war, ensuring diverse viewpoints are represented.
- Enhancing support for Palestinian writers through a significant contribution to the PEN Emergency Fund, aiding those in need.
The Guardian reported that it had given a $100,000 contribution to the PEN Emergency Fund for Palestinian writers.
PEN America continued: “We do not strive to force agreement, but rather to sustain the common ground at the core of PEN America’s mission: support for the right to disagree.” How this will be received remains to be seen.