(NEW YORK)— Aisha Abdel Gawad, who was among the writers who initially chose not to participate in the Albany Book Festival panel with moderator Elisa Albert, has been removed from her position as the Wilton LIbrary writer-in-residence. Gawad had objected to Albert’s commentary related to the Israel-Gaza war and was subsequently accused of antisemitism. In response to Gawad’s removal, PEN America released the following updated statement:
“As we said previously, all writers have a right to make decisions about where they participate and how. Although we continue to lament the cancellation of the Albany panel, the Wilton Library’s choice to remove Gawad from her position as a result is also unfortunate and concerning. Retaliatory cancellations like this won’t do anything in service of deeper dialogue and understanding. At a time of deep division and distress, literature must be a bridge, not a border, and we should hear more from writers, not less. WIlton Library ought to reinstate Gawad.”
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