It just came to our attention that the prominent American writer, Russel Banks, who is the president of the International Parliament of Writers, will not be participating in the upcoming Israel-sponsored writers festival in Jerusalem.

BRICUP had written an open letter to Banks urging him to cancel, in order not to be complicit in Israel’s crimes and human rights violations.

Coming after recent cancellations – for various reasons – from Bono, Barabra Streisand, the remaining Beatles, among others, to participate in similar artistic and cultural events celebrating “Israel at 60” this fresh news is bound to be receieved as another major setback in Israel’s feverish attempt to whitewash the Nakba by throwing this party of sorts throughout the month of May.

Omar

PACBI