UAE Publishers Withdraw from German Book Festival After Cancellation of Award for Palestinian Author
Several UAE publishing bodies have withdrawn from the Frankfurt International Book Fair in Germany after the planned award for Palestinian author Adania Shibli was canceled following the Israel-Gaza war. Shibli was supposed to receive the prestigious LiBeraturpreis literature prize for the German translation of her novel Minor Detail, which focuses on the story of a young Bedouin woman who was raped by Israeli soldiers in 1949.
The Sharjah Book Authority and the Emirates Publishers Association were set to participate in the event, but both organizations decided to withdraw their participation in response to the cancellation of the award. The fair’s director, Juergen Boos, had condemned Hamas’s attack in Israel and announced plans to showcase Jewish and Israeli voices at the event. However, it is unclear whether the publishers’ withdrawal is a direct response to the award’s cancellation or Boos’s comments.
The Sharjah Book Authority stated that they champion the role of culture and books in promoting dialogue and understanding between people, and they believe that this role is more important than ever, particularly during times of crisis and conflict. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, the chairwoman of the Sharjah Book Authority, emphasized the importance of books, culture, and diverse voices in promoting unity, de-escalating tensions, and striving for peace and harmony.
The Emirates Publishers Association, which has offices in the authority’s headquarters, released a similar statement confirming that they will not attend the book fair. Shibli’s novel, Minor Detail, was released in Arabic and translated into English in 2020. It was nominated for the International Booker Prize in 2021 and America’s National Book Award in 2020.
The cancellation of the award and subsequent withdrawal of UAE publishers from the Frankfurt Book Fair highlights the complexities of the Israel-Gaza conflict and the challenges faced by cultural events in navigating sensitive political situations. The decision is likely to spark debates over the role of literature in addressing and reflecting on historical events and conflicts. The withdrawal of the UAE publishers signifies their commitment to advocacy for peace, safety, and unity, even amidst global tensions.
As this news unfolds, it emphasizes the need for dialogue and understanding between cultures and nations, facilitated by literature, art, intellectual exchange, and diverse voices. The Frankfurt International Book Fair, which is one of the world’s largest gatherings of literary professionals, will undoubtedly face repercussions from this incident, raising questions about the role of book festivals in the promotion of cultural exchange and freedom of expression.
Overall, the withdrawal of UAE publishers from the German book festival due to the cancellation of the award for a Palestinian author reflects the complex dynamics surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict. It brings the role of literature and cultural events in shaping dialogue and understanding to the forefront, while emphasizing the importance of unity, peace, and the protection of diverse voices in times of crisis.
Keywords: UAE publishers, German book festival, cancellation, award, Palestinian author, Frankfurt International Book Fair, LiBeraturpreis literature prize, Israel-Gaza war, Adania Shibli, Minor Detail, Sharjah Book Authority, Emirates Publishers Association, cultural exchange, dialogue, peace, unity, freedom of expression.
