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Nobel Laureate JM Coetzee Declines Jerusalem Writers Festival Invitation
Nobel Prize-winning author J.M. Coetzee has publicly declined an invitation to the 2026 Jerusalem International Writers Festival, citing Israel's military campaign in Gaza as a 'genocidal campaign' that has been 'vastly disproportionate' to the October 7, 2023 attacks. The 86-year-old South African-born novelist, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2003 and the Booker Prize twice, sent a scathing letter to festival director Julia Fermentto-Tzaisler explaining his decision. Coetzee's refusal carries significant symbolic weight, as he previously considered himself a supporter of Israel and traveled to Jerusalem in 1987 to receive the Jerusalem Prize.
The cultural boycott of Israel has gained momentum among writers and artists, with Coetzee joining a growing list of cultural figures distancing themselves from Israeli institutions. The decision has sparked debate within literary circles about the role of artists in political conflicts.
Coetzee's Letter: A 'Genocidal Campaign' and Shared Blame
In his letter to festival organizers, Coetzee wrote that Israel's actions since October 7, 2023, have been 'vastly disproportionate to the murderous provocation' and that the military campaign appears to have 'enthusiastic support' from most of Israel's population. He argued that no sector of Israeli society, including its intellectual and arts community, can avoid sharing blame for what he termed 'atrocities in Gaza.'
Coetzee stated that the 'campaign of annihilation in Gaza has changed all that,' referring to his previous support for Israel. He concluded that it will take many years for Israel to 'clear its name' and re-establish itself in the international community. The letter, written in November 2025 but made public in May 2026, reflects a dramatic shift in the author's stance.
From Jerusalem Prize Winner to Boycott Advocate
Coetzee's journey from Jerusalem Prize recipient to boycott supporter is particularly notable. In 1987, he accepted the Jerusalem Prize and used his acceptance speech to denounce apartheid in South Africa. Now, nearly four decades later, he draws parallels between the apartheid regime and Israel's policies. The BDS movement against Israel has long argued for such comparisons, and Coetzee's endorsement adds a powerful voice to their cause.
Casualty Figures and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The context of Coetzee's boycott is the ongoing war in Gaza, which has resulted in staggering humanitarian tolls. According to the Gaza Health Ministry and independent researchers, over 75,000 Palestinians have been killed by violence since October 2023, with more than 116,000 injured. A January 2025 analysis published in The Lancet Global Health estimated that 59.1% of the dead were women, children, and the elderly. The number of child amputees in Gaza is the highest per capita in the world, and over 60% of Gazans have lost family members.
Israel has expanded its control to nearly 60% of Gaza despite a nominal ceasefire, and humanitarian organizations warn that the true death toll may exceed 100,000 when including deaths from disease, malnutrition, and disrupted healthcare. The International Court of Justice is investigating allegations of genocide, which Coetzee referenced in his letter.
Reactions and Fallout in the Literary World
Festival director Julia Fermentto-Tzaisler expressed shock at Coetzee's response, calling it 'especially harsh.' She stated that she respects his decision but defended the festival, saying she will not 'surrender to deadlock' and believes boycotts are ineffective. The National Writers' Association of South Africa expressed full support for Coetzee's decision.
The controversy comes amid broader tensions within cultural organizations. In July 2026, PEN America president Dinaw Mengestu resigned after the organization published interviews with Israeli and Jewish literary professionals describing hostility in publishing since October 7. Mengestu reportedly called it 'unethical' for PEN America to take a position against the cultural boycott of Israel. The PEN America resignation controversy highlights deepening divisions over free speech versus advocacy for Palestinian rights.
Impact on the Jerusalem International Writers Festival
The Jerusalem International Writers Festival, scheduled for May 25-28, 2026, aims to bring together writers from around the world. Coetzee's boycott, along with other cultural figures who have declined participation, threatens to diminish the festival's prestige. Previous boycotts by authors such as Naomi Klein and various film figures have already strained Israel's cultural ties abroad.
Coetzee's decision is particularly damaging because of his stature as a Nobel laureate and his previous pro-Israel stance. His reversal may influence other writers who are still undecided about participating in Israeli cultural events.
FAQ
Why did JM Coetzee boycott the Jerusalem Writers Festival?
Coetzee declined the invitation because he believes Israel's military campaign in Gaza constitutes a 'genocidal campaign' that is 'vastly disproportionate' to the October 7, 2023 attacks. He stated that Israeli society, including its intellectual community, shares blame for the atrocities.
What did Coetzee say in his letter to the festival?
In his letter, Coetzee wrote that Israel's actions have been vastly disproportionate, that the campaign has enthusiastic support from most Israelis, and that it will take many years for Israel to clear its name internationally. He also noted that long-time supporters of Israel have turned away in revulsion.
What is the Jerusalem Prize and why is Coetzee's boycott significant?
The Jerusalem Prize is an award for writers concerned with the freedom of the individual in society. Coetzee won it in 1987 and previously considered himself a supporter of Israel. His boycott is significant because it represents a dramatic reversal from a former supporter and adds weight to the cultural boycott movement.
How many Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023?
As of mid-2026, over 75,000 Palestinians have been killed by violence, with more than 116,000 injured. Independent research suggests the true toll may exceed 100,000 when including indirect deaths from disease and malnutrition.
What has been the reaction to Coetzee's boycott?
Festival director Julia Fermentto-Tzaisler expressed shock but respected his decision. South Africa's National Writers' Association voiced full support. The boycott has also fueled ongoing debates within organizations like PEN America about cultural boycotts and free expression.
Sources
The Guardian: JM Coetzee declines Jerusalem writers festival
Middle East Eye: Coetzee declines festival over Gaza
Brittle Paper: Coetzee refuses festival invitation
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