Full Breakdown
Sally Rooney Releases Hebrew Translation of ‘Intermezzo’ Through BDS-Compliant Israeli Publisher
5/19/2026, 8:35:37 PM
New Hebrew Edition of Intermezzo
The Irish novelist Sally Rooney announced that her 2024 bestseller *Intermezzo* will be released in Hebrew by November Books, an independent Israeli publisher that meets the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement’s exemption criteria. The decision follows a four-year gap since Rooney declined a Hebrew edition of her earlier work.
Background: Prior Refusal and BDS Stance
In 2021 Rooney refused a Hebrew translation of *Beautiful World, Where Are You* offered by Modan, citing BDS support and a desire to avoid publishers linked to the Israeli military. She framed the refusal as opposition to “complicity” in the occupation.
Key Figures & Groups
Key actors are Sally Rooney (author), Ishai Menuchin (director, November Books), Samir Eskanda (artist-activist), Modan (former Hebrew publisher), and a senior Israeli official who condemned the boycott.
Timeline of Decisions
2021 – Rooney rejects Hebrew edition of *Beautiful World*.
2023 – Gaza war fuels cultural boycotts.
2024 – *Intermezzo* becomes bestseller.
May 2026 – Hebrew translation announced with November Books.
Data & Statistics
The boycott now includes at least 2,000 arts organisations and has backing from over 7,000 authors and advocacy groups. November Books is the sole Israeli publisher meeting BDS exemption standards.
Official Statements & Responses
November Books’ director Ishai Menuchin said the partnership signals that opposition to occupation, apartheid and genocide is central to the boycott. Rooney clarified she targets “complicit Israeli publishing houses,” not the Hebrew language, calling translation a “beautiful ideal.”
Criticism & Opposition
A senior Israeli official described Rooney’s stance as a new form of cultural antisemitism. Critics also argued that refusing a Hebrew edition while allowing translations in other rights-abusing countries was inconsistent. Her support for the banned group Palestine Action drew further condemnation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “How could my actions be so inconsistent with my beliefs?” — Sally Rooney, author
- “publishing books by authors associated with the boycott movement demonstrates to Israeli readers that opposition to occupation, apartheid and genocide is what lies at the heart of the boycott – a clearly legitimate form of political protest” — Ishai Menuchin, director, November Books
- “For me, the act of translation is in itself a beautiful ideal,” — Sally Rooney, author
- “the cultural boycott of Israel antisemitism in a new guise” — senior Israeli official
Implications for the Literary Community
Rooney’s choice highlights the growing influence of cultural BDS campaigns on publishing decisions, prompting authors and houses to assess supply-chain ethics. It also raises questions about the balance between artistic accessibility and political accountability within the global book market.
What’s Next
The Hebrew edition is slated for release later in 2026. Ongoing legal challenges to the UK ban on Palestine Action and further scrutiny of BDS-aligned publishers suggest continued debate over cultural boycotts.
