Updated on 8/23/24
(NEW YORK)— PEN America has released a statement on the cancellation of a book talk about Jewish identity in Brooklyn. The talk by author Joshua Leifer on his book, Tablets Shattered: The End of an American Jewish Century and the Future of Jewish Life, was set to begin within an hour on Tuesday at powerHouse Books when an employee abruptly said it was cancelled.
PEN America said in a statement: “It is deeply alarming to see any writer denied the opportunity to speak, and a conversation intended to uplift shut down because someone disapproved of the viewpoint of one of the speakers. Contentious times call for more discourse, not less, and for engaging with diverse viewpoints, not silencing them. This cancellation smacks of discrimination and exclusion, and it sends a chilling signal.”
In a tweet on Thursday, the bookstore apologized for the discriminatory decision, took full responsibility, and separately offered to host another event for the author. PEN America welcomed the bookstore’s clarity and swift action to remediate the wrong.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], 201-247-5057