JM Coetzee Rejects Jerusalem Festival Invitation Over Israel Gaza War Criticism

Nobel Prize-winning author J. M. Coetzee has declined an invitation to attend the upcoming Jerusalem International Writers Festival, sharply criticizing Israel’s military actions in Gaza and describing the ongoing conflict as a “genocidal campaign”.

In a strongly worded letter sent to festival organizers, Coetzee said he could not take part in the event while the war continues. He stated that it will take many years for Israel to “clear its name” in the international community.

The 86-year-old author, who was born in South Africa and now lives in Australia, said his views on Israel have changed significantly over the past two years due to the scale of destruction and civilian suffering in Gaza. He said he once considered himself a supporter of Israel but no longer holds that position.

Coetzee wrote that the military campaign in Gaza was “vastly disproportionate” to the events of October 7, 2023, and argued that responsibility for the situation extended across Israeli society. He added that the conflict had led many long-time supporters of Israel to reconsider their stance.

The author also reflected on his earlier connection with Israel, recalling his visit to Jerusalem in 1987 when he received the Jerusalem Prize. At that time, he used his acceptance speech to draw attention to apartheid in South Africa and issues of political oppression.

Coetzee is regarded as one of the most influential living writers and has received numerous international awards, including two Booker Prizes and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2003. His works are widely known for exploring themes of power, injustice, and moral responsibility.

The Jerusalem International Writers Festival has previously hosted major literary figures including Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie. Organizers have not issued a detailed response to Coetzee’s letter at the time of publication.

The decision adds to growing cultural and academic tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict, with artists, writers, and institutions increasingly taking public positions on the war.

Courtesy: the guardian