The Palestinian-Canadian author is one among hundreds of Canadian writers boycotting the literary prize over its ties to funders they deem complicit in Israel’s genocide. Teebi shared his reasons in a speech delivered at a counter-programming event in Vancouver.
On Nov. 17, Canadian media and literary elites gathered at the Park Hyatt in downtown Toronto for the Giller Prize gala.
It was the first time in two decades that the literary award was not officially sponsored by Scotiabank, which has come under immense pressure over its investments in Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer.
But hundreds of Canadian authors and book workers — including former Giller Prize winners and finalists — continue to boycott the Giller Prize, demanding that it also sever all ties with Indigo Books and the Azrieli Foundation, both of which are accused of being complicit in the displacement and subjugation Palestinians.
Among the hundreds of writers and book workers boycotting the Giller Prize is Palestinian-Canadian author Saeed Teebi, whose most recent book, You Will Not Kill Our Imagination: A Memoir of Palestine and Writing in Dark Times, came out in September.
Teebi delivered a speech at a Boycott Giller event in Vancouver on Monday, the text of which is republished here, with minor edits. (more...)
Saeed Teebi on Why He’s Still Boycotting the Giller: ‘Literature Does Not Come Before Humans’
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