Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Claims Reading Canceled After Condemning Israel’s Actions
Background
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen expressed his disappointment on Saturday after a Jewish organization in New York City unexpectedly canceled his reading event. The cancellation came a day after Nguyen signed an open letter criticizing Israel’s “indiscriminate violence” against Palestinians in Gaza.
The Cancellation
Nguyen, a renowned Vietnamese-American professor and writer, was scheduled to speak at the 92nd Street Y literary center in Manhattan. However, he was informed at 3 p.m. that the event had been postponed with no explanation or alternative date offered. The 92nd Street Y identifies itself as a Jewish organization.
Nguyen’s Response
Nguyen took to Instagram to express his frustration. He revealed that the cancellation was effectively a cancellation rather than a postponement, as no reason was given and he was not consulted about the decision. Speculations about a bomb threat were circulating on social media, but Nguyen stated that he had not received any confirmation from the 92nd Street Y staff regarding this.
Unanswered Requests for Comment
Despite several attempts by Reuters to reach out to the 92nd Street Y for comments, no response was received. Nguyen’s representatives also remained silent on the matter.
A Plea for Peace
Nguyen explained his decision to sign the open letter along with other authors in an Instagram post. He expressed concern over the civilian casualties caused by Israel’s policies and emphasized the need for change. Nguyen remains a strong supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, which advocates for economic pressure on Israel to end the occupation of Palestinian land.
Change of Venue
Despite the cancellation, the organizers managed to relocate the event to an independent bookshop. Nguyen seized the opportunity to discuss the importance of art during times of conflict and division. He highlighted the power of writing as a means to fight and grieve.
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