Argentine Author Denied Spanish Festival Spot Over Pro-Palestinian Pressure

Argentine-Jewish author Ariana Harwicz has had her invitation to the Cultur Alh festival in Granada, Spain, canceled due to pressure from pro-Palestinian groups. Harwicz, who has lived in France for 18 years, stated that her opposition to cultural boycotts against Israel led to the cancellation just three days before the event. The festival organizers, Patricia Escalonilla and Professor Ana Gallego Quiñones, informed her of the decision, citing a request from the "University Network for Palestine" and several students.

Harwicz described the current cultural climate as one of "terror" and "intimidation," where individuals are excluded for not conforming to certain political viewpoints. She believes that accusing her of supporting genocide is a "cowardly" linguistic tool used to remove Jews and those with dissenting opinions from cultural and academic spheres. She refuted the claim that she denies genocide in Gaza, arguing that accusations of genocide against Israel are a form of "inversion" used to justify hatred towards Jews.

Seven other authors participating in the festival supported the decision to exclude Harwicz, asserting it was based on her stance on Israel and Palestine, not her Jewish identity. They claimed she denied the existence of genocide in Gaza and criticized groups condemning Israel's actions. Harwicz countered that this is a tactic to silence dissent and that such actions are reminiscent of historical expulsions, like that of Jews from Spain in 1492.

Harwicz also drew parallels to past cultural boycotts, such as those against Russian artists during the Ukraine war, and criticized the concept of cultural boycotts in general. She expressed concern about the resurgence of blacklisting, comparing it to McCarthyism, and noted that associating with Jewish individuals or supporting Israel can now lead to being placed on such lists. She feels unsafe as a Jew in Europe, including France and Spain, and believes Argentina is currently a safer place for Jews.

In a related context, Harwicz commented on actress Jennifer Lawrence's statement calling the events in Gaza "genocide." While disagreeing with Lawrence's assessment, Harwicz stated she would not condemn or attempt to silence another creator for their views, emphasizing her commitment to free expression.