Adelaide Writers Week v Melbourne Jewish Book Week
The organisers of the Melbourne Jewish Book Week have something to say about the Adelaide Writers Week, which starts tomorrow.
In a statement sent to J-Wire, MJBW writes: “As a leading Australian Jewish literary organisation, Melbourne Jewish Book Week unreservedly condemns all forms of antisemitism and racism.
We are, therefore, particularly disturbed by the reported comments of Susan Abulhawa and Mohammed El-Kurd, guests of Adelaide Writers Week.
Telling stories of the impact of the conflict on Palestinians is an important part of resolving what remains an intractable situation, and we support the right of literary and cultural festivals to invite storytellers who shed light on how the conflict shapes the lives of those who live in its shadows. Indeed, we see boycotts of either Israeli or Palestinian writers as a slippery slope to shutting down the kind of dialogue that is crucial in achieving peace and justice in the region.
At the same time, it is deeply distressing that, in their criticisms of Israel, Abulhawa and El-Kurd resort to the casual use of historic anti-Jewish tropes, in particular comments invoking blood libels and global Jewish control. Such views are abhorrent and an affront to Jews and non-Jews alike. They are antisemitic and need to be called out as such. While we firmly believe in the right to free speech, that right is not unfettered and does not extend to outright lies that have historically had catastrophic consequences. Words matter.
Adelaide Writers Week is one of the preeminent literary festivals in Australia, and, as such, we call on them to take a strong and clear stand against antisemitism in all its forms.”
“All individuals and organisations… have a moral duty to speak out firmly against hate speech and a crucial role to play in countering this scourge.”
Why Tackle Hate Speech, United Nations
Excellent letter. Kol hakavod!