Jewish Authors Critique Jewish Book Council's Zionist Focus

A group of 42 anti-Zionist and non-Zionist Jewish authors has publicly criticized the Jewish Book Council (JBC) for what they describe as a bias favoring Israeli and Zionist voices. The authors argue that this focus misrepresents Jewish literature as inherently Zionist, particularly following the Hamas-led invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023. The open letter, published by a group calling itself "a Concerned Group of Jewish Writers," calls for the JBC to broaden its representation of Jewish perspectives, especially regarding Israel and Palestine.

Times of IsraelAn Open Letter to the Jewish Book Council From a Concerned Group of Jewish Writers

Founded in 1925, the Jewish Book Council has historically aimed to support and promote Jewish authors and literature. It organizes the National Jewish Book Awards and connects authors with speaking engagements. However, the authors claim that recent actions, including the launch of a hotline to report antisemitism, have shifted the council's focus towards a more Zionist narrative, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Times of IsraelAn Open Letter to the Jewish Book Council From a Concerned Group of Jewish Writers

Notable signatories of the open letter include Israeli-Dutch novelist Yael van der Wouden, memoirist Qian Julie Wang, and novelist Adelle Waldman. They express disappointment over the JBC's lack of engagement with their concerns, which include the need for the council to clarify that criticism of Israel is not inherently antisemitic and to create programs that reflect a diversity of Jewish views.

Times of Israel

Naomi Firestone-Teeter, CEO of the JBC, responded to the authors' claims by stating that the council serves as a platform for literary exchange rather than a political advocacy group. She emphasized that the JBC represents a wide range of Jewish voices and that its support for Israeli authors is part of its commitment to the Jewish community. Firestone-Teeter also noted that the council had engaged in good faith with the authors and disagreed with their assessment of the council's priorities.

Times of Israel

The authors argue that the JBC's focus on Zionist narratives has marginalized their voices and those of other Jewish writers critical of Israel. They assert that the council has failed to address pressing issues related to Palestinian liberation and has not adequately defined antisemitism in its reporting tool, which they believe could stifle critical discussions about Israel.

An Open Letter to the Jewish Book Council From a Concerned Group of Jewish WritersTimes of Israel

The authors hope that their open letter will prompt the JBC to take meaningful action and create a more inclusive environment for Jewish writers. They emphasize the importance of holding organizations accountable to ethical standards and express a desire for the JBC to broaden its programming to reflect a genuine diversity of Jewish perspectives on Israel and Palestine.

An Open Letter to the Jewish Book Council From a Concerned Group of Jewish Writers

• “Because the JBC is our most visible and longstanding Jewish literary institution, its focus on Zionist authors and books gives both Jewish and non-Jewish readers the false impression that Jewish books are inherently Zionist.” — Open Letter from Jewish Authors

An Open Letter to the Jewish Book Council From a Concerned Group of Jewish Writers

• “Our role is to be a platform for literary exchange. We’re not a political advocacy group.” — Naomi Firestone-Teeter, CEO of the Jewish Book Council

Times of Israel

• “We have always been taught that it is a Jewish value to hold the organizations we care about to rigorous ethical standards, and we are hopeful that this letter can express our dissatisfaction and open a conversation about how to shift the JBC’s practices, priorities, and programming.” — Open Letter from Jewish Authors

An Open Letter to the Jewish Book Council From a Concerned Group of Jewish Writers