Adelaide writers’ week cancelled after festival drops Palestinian Australian author

The board of Adelaide writers’ week has cancelled the 2026 program and resigned en masse after removing Palestinian Australian author Dr Randa Abdel‑Fattah from its lineup, the festival said. The board had cited “cultural sensitivity” and “past statements” when it announced Abdel‑Fattah would no longer appear, saying it did not suggest any connection between her and the December Bondi terror attack.

Abdel‑Fattah, a critic of Israel, has faced sustained criticism for comments on Israel, including alleging Zionists had “no claim or right to cultural safety”. She rejected accusations of antisemitism in an interview with ABC Radio Adelaide, saying she had “never, ever called for Jews to be unsafe” and that “Zionism is not a racial or religious identity”.

Abdel‑Fattah also faced backlash for posting “May 2025 be the end of Israel” and changing her profile picture after the 7 October attacks; she told the ABC she had used the image when she had “no idea about the death toll” and said, “Of course, I do not support the killing of civilians.” After the board’s decision she accused it of “blatant and shameless” anti‑Palestinian racism and censorship.

The removal prompted a large backlash: more than 180 speakers boycotted, a string of high‑profile withdrawals followed — including Jacinda Ardern, Zadie Smith, Masha Gessen, Percival Everett and Helen Garner — and the festival director, Louise Adler, resigned, saying she “cannot be party to silencing writers”.

Key Topics

Culture, Randa Abdel-fattah, Adelaide, Adelaide Writers' Week, Bondi Attack, Louise Adler