I didn't attend this year's conference, but I have followed accounts from you and others. This is a courageous post, Sarah. Thank you for writing and publishing it.
Initially, I found the response that AWP issued (that you quote above) to be fairly good. I was grateful that AWP was distancing itself from the RAWI campaign and reminding *everyone* of conference policies/behavioral expectations.
But I think it's important to note that this wasn't the end: RAWI publicized its reaction to the AWP message (https://www.instagram.com/p/C3EDC6dPCTo/) and then, as far as I understand, AWP circulated a second message. Since I can't seem to post a screenshot of it, here's its text:
"Dear #AWP24 Event Moderators,
AWP received multiple queries regarding the statement RAWI proposed via email on February 6. AWP was not aware that RAWI was sending the communication, did not share email addresses, did not originate the messaging, and is not requiring the reading of the statement.
We recognize and embrace that some people may agree with the statement and some may not. Each panel is free to decide whether or not to deliver RAWI’s requested statement, deliver one of their own, or none at all. Your decision will be respected by AWP. Thank you and we look forward to your engaging panels.
Sincerely,
Your AWP Staff and Board"
I found that second AWP message to be much less praiseworthy.
Unfortunately, the anti-Israelism that you and others experienced at this year's AWP conference—and that has manifested more broadly among literary and literary-adjacent communities since October 7—isn't altogether new. But it's certainly become much more visible and much more intense.
And much more upsetting.
Yes, a great deal work needs to be done, in the AWP context and elsewhere. Thank you for inviting your readers to begin that work.
These times are so hard for everyone. Hamas does not speak for all Arabs, Netanyahu does not speak for all Jews. We all need to feel safe. Hamas needs to stop trying to wipe out Israel. We need to shake hands, each return all of the hostages, and live in as much harmony as we can muster.
This is so disturbing. I think it was more than Jews who were offended by this protest, by the way. A non-Jewish friend said that the statement about the "genocide of Gaza", which is also an anti-Israel term (as well as a misuse of the word "genocide" -- writers should know this) was added on to the opening of each panel she went to, along with the land acknowledgement, statement on disabilities, etc. Yes, anecdotal, but clearly at least some AWP officials added this in. I would be happy to sign a statement.
Thank you, Sarah, for this post. You are right to describe the parade as "anti-Israel," it was not at all a pro-Palestinian type of action, it was definitely the stridently antisemitic "Israel should not exist" crowd.
I experienced the cancellation of a panel at AWP Kansas City which was then "redirected" by panelists to the anti-Israel parade. The cancellation of the panel in favor of this political event was coercive, terrifying, and I was unable to find any kind of safe space to retreat to.
I finally found refuge in the lobby of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Kansas City, as there was nowhere else I could go.
I did write to the organization which sponsored the panel and initiated a complaint with them. They have been thoughtful about follow-up. However, AWP itself has been completely silent in the face of written complaints from me and others. Do they have no respect for Jewish and Israeli members? Do they simply not care about their own stated values? Do they have no complaint processes in place?
After this terrifying incident, I will never attend AWP again.
I am so sorry this happened, and horrified anyone would cancel a panel and redirect attendees to the protest. You are right to find this entirely unacceptable.
My heart goes out to you and to all the Jewish attendees subjected to or frightened by the anti-Israel demonstrations. The world needs peace, and demonizing one nation or ethnicity (who have already been the target of centuries of genocidal attacks) is not a strategy designed to achieve peace.
I appreciate the time and care you have taken with this post. Such incidents and stances in the literary community must be addressed to ensure that every participant feels safe and welcome.
Shouting slogans and displaying signage calling for the eradication of any people can’t be considered a “peaceful protest,” as others have described it.
I didn't attend this year's conference, but I have followed accounts from you and others. This is a courageous post, Sarah. Thank you for writing and publishing it.
Initially, I found the response that AWP issued (that you quote above) to be fairly good. I was grateful that AWP was distancing itself from the RAWI campaign and reminding *everyone* of conference policies/behavioral expectations.
But I think it's important to note that this wasn't the end: RAWI publicized its reaction to the AWP message (https://www.instagram.com/p/C3EDC6dPCTo/) and then, as far as I understand, AWP circulated a second message. Since I can't seem to post a screenshot of it, here's its text:
"Dear #AWP24 Event Moderators,
AWP received multiple queries regarding the statement RAWI proposed via email on February 6. AWP was not aware that RAWI was sending the communication, did not share email addresses, did not originate the messaging, and is not requiring the reading of the statement.
We recognize and embrace that some people may agree with the statement and some may not. Each panel is free to decide whether or not to deliver RAWI’s requested statement, deliver one of their own, or none at all. Your decision will be respected by AWP. Thank you and we look forward to your engaging panels.
Sincerely,
Your AWP Staff and Board"
I found that second AWP message to be much less praiseworthy.
Unfortunately, the anti-Israelism that you and others experienced at this year's AWP conference—and that has manifested more broadly among literary and literary-adjacent communities since October 7—isn't altogether new. But it's certainly become much more visible and much more intense.
And much more upsetting.
Yes, a great deal work needs to be done, in the AWP context and elsewhere. Thank you for inviting your readers to begin that work.
These times are so hard for everyone. Hamas does not speak for all Arabs, Netanyahu does not speak for all Jews. We all need to feel safe. Hamas needs to stop trying to wipe out Israel. We need to shake hands, each return all of the hostages, and live in as much harmony as we can muster.
You should all listen to mine mama, who is very wise!
This is so disturbing. I think it was more than Jews who were offended by this protest, by the way. A non-Jewish friend said that the statement about the "genocide of Gaza", which is also an anti-Israel term (as well as a misuse of the word "genocide" -- writers should know this) was added on to the opening of each panel she went to, along with the land acknowledgement, statement on disabilities, etc. Yes, anecdotal, but clearly at least some AWP officials added this in. I would be happy to sign a statement.
Thank you, Sarah, for this post. You are right to describe the parade as "anti-Israel," it was not at all a pro-Palestinian type of action, it was definitely the stridently antisemitic "Israel should not exist" crowd.
I experienced the cancellation of a panel at AWP Kansas City which was then "redirected" by panelists to the anti-Israel parade. The cancellation of the panel in favor of this political event was coercive, terrifying, and I was unable to find any kind of safe space to retreat to.
I finally found refuge in the lobby of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Kansas City, as there was nowhere else I could go.
I did write to the organization which sponsored the panel and initiated a complaint with them. They have been thoughtful about follow-up. However, AWP itself has been completely silent in the face of written complaints from me and others. Do they have no respect for Jewish and Israeli members? Do they simply not care about their own stated values? Do they have no complaint processes in place?
After this terrifying incident, I will never attend AWP again.
I am so sorry this happened, and horrified anyone would cancel a panel and redirect attendees to the protest. You are right to find this entirely unacceptable.
My heart goes out to you and to all the Jewish attendees subjected to or frightened by the anti-Israel demonstrations. The world needs peace, and demonizing one nation or ethnicity (who have already been the target of centuries of genocidal attacks) is not a strategy designed to achieve peace.
I appreciate the time and care you have taken with this post. Such incidents and stances in the literary community must be addressed to ensure that every participant feels safe and welcome.
Shouting slogans and displaying signage calling for the eradication of any people can’t be considered a “peaceful protest,” as others have described it.