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 of Israel led to the cancellation just three days before the event was set to begin. 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 specific political viewpoints. She believes her cancellation was a tactic to remove Jews or those with dissenting opinions from cultural spheres, using the accusation of supporting genocide as a pretext. She refuted the claim, stating that her opposition to cultural boycotts is a matter of principle, not an endorsement of any specific political stance or action.

Seven other authors participating in the festival supported the decision to exclude Harwicz, asserting it was based on her views regarding Israel and Palestine, not her Jewish identity. They claimed Harwicz denied the existence of genocide in Gaza and criticized groups condemning Israel's actions. Harwicz countered that these accusations are a "cowardly linguistic tool" used to expel individuals and that the organizers are "fake humanists" seeking to remove her under the guise of righteousness.

Harwicz drew a parallel between the current situation and the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, noting the symbolic location of the festival. She also criticized the concept of "freedom of expression" being limited and stated that she would not compromise her views or succumb to slogans, comparing the situation to totalitarianism and fascism. She previously opposed cultural boycotts of Russian artists during the Ukraine war, viewing them as fundamentally flawed tools regardless of the conflict.

Reflecting on her career, Harwicz acknowledged fears of being blacklisted, referencing the return of "lists" similar to the McCarthy era. She noted that associating with Jewish individuals or supporting Israel can lead to being labeled a "Zionist," a term she feels is demonized and misunderstood. She also criticized Western feminist movements for allegedly abandoning women in the Middle East and Israel following the October 7th attacks, and expressed concern about the safety of Jews in Europe, stating she feels safer as a Jew in Argentina.