Story perspectives

Sally Rooney Picks BDS Publisher, Israeli Official Decries Antisemitism

5/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sally Rooney chose BDS-compliant November Books for the Hebrew edition of her 2024 novel Intermezzo, saying it reflects responsibility, not a ban on Hebrew readers.
November Books operates outside illegal settlements, receives no Israeli state funding and meets boycott exemption criteria.
An Israeli official called the move cultural antisemitism, noting that critics say Rooney declined a Hebrew edition in 2021 for BDS support while permitting translations in other abusive countries.

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Story summary

Sally Rooney chose BDS-compliant November Books for the Hebrew edition of her 2024 novel Intermezzo, saying it reflects responsibility, not a ban on Hebrew readers.
November Books operates outside illegal settlements, receives no Israeli state funding and meets boycott exemption criteria.
An Israeli official called the move cultural antisemitism, noting that critics say Rooney declined a Hebrew edition in 2021 for BDS support while permitting translations in other abusive countries.