Adelaide, Australia – A growing number of writers and intellectuals are boycotting the Adelaide Writers’ Week festival in protest of the event’s decision to exclude Palestinian-Australian author and academic Randa Abdel-Fattah. The festival administration cited concerns regarding ‘cultural sensitivities’ following a shooting incident at Bondi Beach on December 14th, during a Hanukkah celebration, as the reason for their decision.
Abdel-Fattah has directly accused the festival organizers of dehumanizing her, stating that their announcement implies her very presence as a Palestinian is ‘threatening and unsafe.’
The backlash against the decision has been significant, with an increasing number of authors announcing their withdrawal from the festival. In response, the official Adelaide Writers’ Week website temporarily removed its program page, indicating that adjustments were being made to respect the withdrawals.
Critics have widely condemned the festival’s action as an attack on freedom of expression. The decision has been labeled discriminatory and inconsistent with the values the festival has historically championed.
Yanis Varoufakis, the Greek economist and writer, voiced his opposition, stating, ‘I was looking forward to returning to Adelaide, to a festival that for decades was a beacon of books, ideas, and debate. But no longer. The Zionist lobby has destroyed it. By forcing the director of Adelaide Writers’ Week, my wonderful Jewish friend Louise Adler, to resign, they left me no choice but to tear up my precious invitation publicly.’
Australian politician Barbara Pocock has also expressed her refusal to participate under the current circumstances, emphasizing her commitment to freedom of expression. ‘Adelaide Writers’ Week is one of my most loved events each year. I have had the privilege of interviewing Richard Dennis and Yanis Varoufakis. The bold expression of free and open ideas is the DNA of this festival,’ she stated.
The controversy raises serious questions about the balance between cultural sensitivity, freedom of speech, and the inclusion of diverse voices in literary festivals. The future of Adelaide Writers’ Week remains uncertain as the boycott continues to gain momentum.
