
Israel-Hamas War
The Issue
The war in Israel and Gaza that began on Oct. 7, 2023, with a murderous attack on civilians in Israel has resulted in a devastating loss of civilian lives in Gaza and has challenged both human rights and free expression. PEN America condemns human rights violations and urges universities and the literary and cultural communities to robustly defend the free exchange of ideas.

Israeli and Palestinian Writers and Artists: The Toll of War
The profiles on this page are of writers, artists, journalists, and thinkers caught in the violence of war between Israel and Hamas. Some have died. Others are missing, injured, or otherwise struggling to survive. We are committed to preserving their legacy and amplifying their work, both as a means of honoring them and as a method of fostering connection and communication. Read more >>