Adelaide Writers’ Week Canceled After It Disinvited Palestinian Australian Author

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Victoria KimJanuary 13, 2026 at 12:03 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

Adelaide Writers' Week in Australia was canceled after organizers disinvited Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah due to concerns about cultural sensitivity following a mass shooting targeting Jewish Australians in Bondi Beach. The decision to remove Abdel-Fattah, a critic of Israel, led to approximately 180 writers withdrawing from the festival in protest, including notable figures like Zadie Smith and Jacinda Ardern. The director of the writers' week and half the board resigned, citing concerns about silencing writers and curtailing free speech. Organizers ultimately canceled the event, scheduled for late February, and apologized for the division caused by their initial decision. The board stated the decision reflected a shift in national discourse regarding freedom of expression after the terror attack.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

New Zealand 30% Louise Adler 40% Zadie Smith 40% Percival Everett 40% Sydney 50% Jacinda Ardern ×250% Bondi Beach ×260% Australia ×270% Randa Abdel-Fattah ×380% Adelaide Writers’ Week ×590%

Keywords

adelaide writers' week 100% free speech 90% canceled 80% palestinian australian author 70% disinvited 70% mass shooting 60% writers' protest 50% freedom of expression 50% cultural sensitivity 50% randa abdel-fattah 40%