Finalists at this years National Book Awards ceremony in Manhattan on 15 November joined novelist Aaliyah Bilal on stage as she read out a joint statement calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war.
On behalf of the finalists, we oppose the ongoing bombardment of Gaza and call for a humanitarian ceasefire to address the urgent humanitarian needs of Palestinian civilians, particularly children, Bilal read. We oppose antisemitism and anti-Palestinian sentiment and Islamophobia equally, accepting the human dignity of all parties, knowing that further bloodshed does nothing to secure lasting peace in the region.
It marked the end of a dramatic run-up to the awards that saw sponsor Zibby Media pull out before the event. Zibby Owens, CEO of Zibby Media, which is a publisher and indie bookseller, wrote in a statement online: I am deeply troubled to learn that all the nominees of the National Book Awards this year have decided to collectively band together to use their speeches to promote a pro-Palestinian, anti-Israeli agenda. As a sponsor, I am not comfortable bringing my authors and my team into a politically charged environment like this one, one that will make many of us feel quite uncomfortable including myself as a Jewish woman .We know these times are fraught and difficult to navigate. But we simply cant be a part of anything that promotes discrimination, in this case of Israel and the Jewish people. I hope your organization decides to take a public, strong stance against this one-sided, discriminatory behaviour. We will plan on not attending and rescinding our support unless we are satisfied with your response on this incredibly important issue.
The National Book Foundation, which runs the awards, issued a statement in response: Winning writers are invited to accept their Award and make brief remarks. Over the years, these speeches have been poignant, funny, moving, at times political, and even, occasionally, controversial. At their best, these honoured authors words enrich, enlighten, and inform us all.
Political statements, if made, are by no means unprecedented in the history of the National Book Awards, or indeed any awards ceremony. We are working with the venue to ensure a safe environment for all our guests. We of course hope that everyone attending the National Book Awards, in person or tuning in online, comes in a spirit of understanding, compassion, and humanitythe very things that the books we love inspire.
