PEN America President Resigns Over Article on Israeli and Jewish Writers

Dinaw Mengestu, the president of PEN America, stepped down just hours after the organization released an article highlighting the feelings of isolation and exclusion experienced by many Israeli and Jewish writers since October 7, 2023. The piece, which addresses issues such as blacklisting, boycotts, and online harassment, raised concerns for Mengestu regarding the constitutional rights of pro-Palestinian activists supporting BDS. He contended that PEN America should focus on protecting the right to boycott rather than documenting the suppression of Israeli voices. This resignation underscores the growing rift within PEN America between traditional advocates for free speech and a leftist faction critical of Israel and Zionism. The article, which features insights from writers including Etgar Keret and literary agent Deborah Harris, also references a hotline from the Jewish Book Council that received 350 complaints. Co-CEOs Summer Lopez and Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf defended the article's publication on principle. Since 2024, PEN America has been in turmoil following demands from Writers Against War on Gaza for a stronger stance on Israel, resulting in canceled events and the exit of former CEO Suzanne Nossel. Mengestu's departure highlights the precariousness of liberal values within the organization.