PEN America cancels awards ceremony amid backlash to stance on Israel-Hamas war
by Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times— Following criticism of the organization’s response to the Israel-Hamas war, PEN America has canceled its annual awards ceremony recognizing outstanding literature. Of the 61 authors and translators nominated for the prestigious awards, 28 withdrew their books from consideration ahead of the event, which was set to be held April 29 at the Town Hall in New York City. Nine of the 10 nominees for the top recognition, the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award and its $75,000 prize, withdrew from consideration....
Japan Today—PEN America calls off awards ceremony amid criticism over its response to Israel-Hamas war. Facing widespread unhappiness over its response to the Israel-Hamas war, the writers’ group PEN America has called off its annual awards ceremony. Dozens of nominees had dropped out of the event, which was to have taken place next week. PEN, a literary and free expression organization, hands out hundreds of
Time—PEN America Cancels Annual Award After Writers’ Boycott Over Gaza War. Some 28 of the 61 authors and translators nominated for awards had withdrawn their books over PEN America's stance on Gaza.
BBC News—California college cancels grad ceremony amid protests over Israel's war in Gaza. Protests against the Gaza war grip dozens of campuses across America, with hundreds of arrests.