A significant number of writers have chosen to withdraw from the Adelaide Writers’ Week after the festival decided to exclude a Palestinian author, Randa Abdel-Fattah, from its lineup. This decision was made citing “cultural sensitivities” in response to the recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.
The Adelaide Festival Board announced yesterday that they have cancelled Abdel-Fattah’s scheduled appearance at the event, which is set to take place from February 28 to March 5. The board stated this move was intended to foster social cohesion.
“We want to clarify that we do not imply any connection between Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah or her work and the Bondi tragedy. However, considering her previous statements, we believe it is culturally insensitive to include her in the program at this particular time, so soon after the Bondi events,” the board explained in a statement.
Abdel-Fattah responded to the decision, saying, “The board’s explanation implies that simply by being present, I am considered ‘culturally insensitive.’ Despite having no link to the Bondi incident, as a Palestinian, my presence is seen as a trigger for those grieving, making me unwelcome in cultural spaces because I am deemed threatening and ‘unsafe’.”
The Adelaide Festival Board stated it has conducted a thorough review of its current and upcoming events in response to the increased community tensions and discussions following the December 14 events at Bondi.
The board emphasized that the choice to exclude Abdel-Fattah was made with considerable deliberation, and a sub-committee has been established to manage the review process and advise on decisions moving forward.
“This suite of decisions has been taken with the genuine view that they provide the best opportunity for the success and support of the Adelaide Festival, for Adelaide Writers’ Week and the communities we seek to serve and engage,” the board said.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said he fully supported the board’s decision, as Abdel-Fattah had advocated against the cultural safety of those who believe in Zionism.
”I think in the context of the single worst race-based terrorist attack that we’ve seen in the history of our federation, that matters,” he told ABC.
9news.com.au has contacted Adelaide Writers’ Week for further comment.
