A reading by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen was canceled by a Jewish organization in New York City without explanation. This occurred a day after Nguyen signed an open letter condemning Israel’s “indiscriminate violence” against Palestinians in Gaza. The reading was scheduled to take place at the 92nd Street Y literary center in Manhattan. Nguyen learned of the cancellation at 3 p.m. and expressed his disappointment on Instagram. The center, which identifies as a Jewish organization, referred to the cancellation as a “postponement” but did not provide a reason or offer an alternative date. Nguyen disputed the claim of a bomb threat, stating that he had not heard anything of the sort from the 92Y staff. Neither the 92NY nor Nguyen’s representatives responded to requests for comment.
The cancellation came after Hamas militants launched an attack into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,400 people. In response, Israel imposed a “total siege” on Gaza, leading to severe shortages of essential supplies for the enclave’s 2.3 million residents. Nguyen explained his decision to sign the open letter, emphasizing the impact of Israel’s policies on civilian lives. He also expressed his continued support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, which advocates for economic pressure on Israel to end the occupation of Palestinian land. Despite the cancellation, the organizers of the event relocated it to an independent bookshop. Nguyen reflected on the importance of art and writing in times of war and division, stating that they are his means of fighting and grieving.
