JM Coetzee declines Jerusalem writers festival over Gaza campaign
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 7
JM Coetzee declines Jerusalem writers festival over Gaza campaign
5 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 7
The 86-year-old Nobel winner, writing in November before the 25-28 May event, said Israel's actions had made attendance impossible and that the country would take years to restore its standing.
Coetzee, once a supporter who accepted the Jerusalem Prize in 1987, said Gaza's devastation had turned long-time backers away and that Israeli society, including its arts community, shared blame.
Festival director Julia Fermentto-Tzaisler earlier said his response shocked her. UN investigators cited direct evidence of genocidal intent, while Amnesty says Israel continues genocidal acts during the ceasefire.
What transforms a nation's long-time supporters, like Coetzee, into its most outspoken public critics?
With experts divided, what evidence truly separates a brutal war from a state-led campaign of genocide?
Coetzee’s Refusal to Attend Jerusalem Festival Highlights Cultural Boycott Amid Gaza Genocide Allegations
Overview
In April 2026, Nobel laureate J.M. Coetzee declined an invitation to the Jerusalem International Writers Festival, condemning Israel's military campaign in Gaza from 2024 to 2026 as a disproportionate genocide supported by much of Israeli society. This campaign, triggered by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, caused massive civilian deaths, destruction of infrastructure, and a humanitarian crisis worsened by sieges and aid restrictions. Coetzee's refusal highlighted the ongoing legal case accusing Israel of genocide and intensified a growing cultural boycott, sparking polarized reactions among Israeli artists and the global literary community. His stance symbolizes the deep ethical conflicts surrounding cultural engagement amid severe human rights concerns and damaged international reputations.