Why Some Writers Are Giving PEN America the Cold Shoulder

In the midst of literary accolades and celebrations, a shadow of controversy looms over PEN America as several authors opt out of awards and nominations due to the organization’s stance on the war in Gaza. The decision to decline recognition highlights a deeper divide within the literary and free expression community, as writers like Felix, author of “Dyscalculia,” voice their discontent with what they perceive as PEN’s normalization and denial of genocide.

The upcoming awards ceremony in Manhattan, hosted by the witty writer-comedian Jena Friedman, is now missing some prominent names who have chosen to stand in solidarity with the ongoing protest against PEN’s perceived lack of condemnation towards the war in Gaza. Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, overseeing PEN’s literary programming, expressed respect for the authors’ decisions while assuring that their contributions would still be celebrated in alternative ways.

Criticism towards PEN America’s response to the conflict in Gaza has been mounting, with writers such as Naomi Klein and Lorrie Moore among the signatories of an open letter questioning the organization’s commitment to dispelling hatred and championing one humanity. The letter’s endorsers pointed out what they saw as a discrepancy in PEN’s reactions to different global conflicts, implying a lack of mobilization in support of Palestinians affected by the ongoing war.

Despite PEN America’s efforts to address the situation by issuing statements calling for a ceasefire and establishing an emergency fund for Palestinian writers, the discontent among some members of the literary community persists. The organization’s CEO, Suzanne Nossel, acknowledged the devastating toll of the Israel-Hamas war on writers, poets, artists, and journalists, emphasizing PEN’s shared sorrow and anguish over the conflict’s impact.

As PEN gears up for its highly anticipated spring events, including the PEN literary awards and a fund-raising gala at the American Museum of Natural History, the decision of certain authors to distance themselves from the organization underscores the complex intersection of art, politics, and advocacy. While some prominent figures have chosen to withdraw their participation, others like PEN/Jean Stein finalist Aaliyah Bilal remain engaged with the community, emphasizing the importance of promoting and protecting writers, especially during turbulent times. In the evolving landscape of literary activism, the tensions within PEN America serve as a poignant reminder of the power and responsibility of words in shaping our understanding of the world.