PEN America, an organization promoting free speech, canceled its World Voices Festival because many authors backed out after some authors withdrew their books from consideration because of PEN America's stance on Israel's actions in Gaza.

The festival was initially planned for May 8 in New York City and Los Angeles. Notable writers like Naomi Klein, Isabella Hammad, and Zaina Arafat publicly announced their decision to skip the festival in March, citing concerns about PEN America's stance on the Gaza conflict.

Writer Protests: A Recap of Recent Controversies

In January, two National Book Award finalists withdrew from a PEN New Year event in Los Angeles in protest against the organization's sponsorship of another event featuring Mayim Bialik. Bialik, known for her roles as an author, actor, and supporter of Israel's military actions, stirred controversy by participating in the event.

The two writers sent emails on January 18 to Jenn Dees, programs director at PEN America in Los Angeles, and PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel. The writers articulated their disappointment with PEN America's reluctance to take a stand on the genocide in Palestine, especially the killing of writers, the press, and artists.

On March 13, a group of prominent authors wrote a letter expressing their disappointment in PEN America's response regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The letter expressed PEN America's failure to pursue peace, equality, and freedom of expression by ignoring the violence in Gaza and marginalizing Palestinian writers and journalists.

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The cancellation of the event comes just days after PEN America also called off its 2024 annual awards ceremony due to a considerable number of nominated authors pulling out of the competition.

28 out of 61 nominated authors and translators withdrew their books from consideration for PEN America's annual award ceremony, with nine out of 10 authors nominated for the PEN/Jean Stein book award also pulling out of consideration.

PEN America Addresses Cancellation

PEN America acknowledged the festival's cancellation, stating that part of the reason is the author's withdrawal from the program. Certain writers declined to join because they took issue with PEN America's stance on Gaza, whereas others were criticized and pressured online to disconnect from the organization. 

PEN America expressed concern about writers feeling silenced or at risk for speaking their minds, emphasizing its commitment to writers' freedom of expression. However, in light of the circumstances, the organization found it untenable to proceed with the festival.

The cancellation has been met with both support and criticism on social media. Writers Against the War on Gaza hailed it as a victory for their cause, while others, like bestselling author Daniel José Older, welcomed the decision but criticized PEN America's leadership.

In response to the cancellation, the Palestine Festival of Literature announced plans to host its event featuring writers from Gaza as a show of solidarity.

Meanwhile, criticism of PEN America's response to the Gaza conflict continues to grow, with many writers and translators condemning the organization for not taking a firmer stance against what they perceive as genocide in Palestine and for not demanding a ceasefire following Israel's attacks on the region.

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