Spanish Festival Cancels Jewish Author Over Anti-Boycott Stance

A literary festival in Granada, Spain, canceled the participation of Argentine-Jewish author Ariana Harwicz following pressure from pro-Palestinian groups. Harwicz stated that her invitation was rescinded due to her public opposition to the cultural boycott of Israel. The festival organizers confirmed that the decision was made after receiving complaints from the "University Network for Palestine" and a participating club.

Seven authors participating in the festival supported the decision to exclude Harwicz, arguing that her views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict exceeded the boundaries of free expression. According to their joint statement, Harwicz had denied genocide in Gaza and criticized groups condemning Israel's actions. They cited her past remarks, including calling the cultural boycott an "anti-Semitic attack" and labeling intellectual Judith Butler a "Nazi collaborator."

Harwicz, an acclaimed author known for her critical stance on political correctness, had previously spoken out against boycotts, drawing parallels to the boycott of Russian artists during the Ukraine war. The Granada University, a primary organizer of the festival, expressed its opposition to the cancellation, emphasizing its role as an open space for critical thought and diverse opinions.

The Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain and the Argentine Forum Against Anti-Semitism also condemned the decision, denouncing the infringement on freedom of expression and cultural pluralism, and warning against using cultural discourse for political exclusion.