163. A devastating betrayal of the democratic ethos 

The famous Adelaide Festival features arts, music, talks, and theater, and includes Adelaide’s annual Writers’ Week. This year, prominent academic and Palestine advocate Randa Abdel-Fattah was again scheduled to appear.

However, the Adelaide festival has removed her from its lineup due to worries about “cultural sensitivity” following a review conducted after the Bondi terror attack.

Abdel-Fattah issued a statement criticizing the festival board for blatant and shameless anti-Palestinian racism and censorship. She called their attempt to link her to the Bondi massacre despicable. 

She also criticized Australian arts and cultural institutions as a whole, alleging they have shown utter contempt and inhumanity towards Palestinians since October 7, 2023.

However, she expressed confidence that both the writing community and the public would respond with principle and integrity, and she was right.

First, 11 prominent cultural figures wrote to the board demanding her reinstatement. The letter said, “Wickedness thrives in darkness, and prejudice thrives in ignorance born of silence. The open discussion of ideas, beliefs, facts, and opinions is ultimately the pathway to community cohesion. Silencing and censorship are not.”

Later statements of withdrawal from fellow writers and sponsors began to appear. A total of 47 participants had withdrawn. Best-selling author Trent Dalton, originally scheduled to give a keynote, also withdrew.

The Australia Institute announced the withdrawal of its sponsorship, which, it said, had “promoted bravery, freedom of expression and the exchange of ideas. Censoring or cancelling authors is not in the spirit of an open and free exchange of ideas.”

I think the government has tried to weaponise the tragedy of Bondi, which is not good.

Although the South Australian Premier has denied pressuring the festival board to disinvite Randa Abdel-Fattah from speaking at Adelaide Writers’ Week, he confirmed he supports the decision.

If these festivals occur without wider involvement, it suggests a future where politicians control what is culturally acceptable, effectively leading us into a world similar to Russia. 

If we genuinely prioritize justice and peace, it's essential to create space where every voice can be heard. Cultural venues should serve as platforms for dialogue and diverse narratives rather than amplifying only one dominant voice.

The festival board should know that excluding Palestinians from writers’ festivals won’t prevent antisemitism.