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Zionist Jewish Authors Are Being Blackballed; Freedom of Expression Is Under Attack
My life and career would be a lot easier if I just announced that #AsAJew, I denounce Zionism, and that I have a manuscript telling the story of how I cannot support the apartheid, settler-colonial, white European project in “Palestine.” Phone calls would be returned, emails would be read, and literary agents would compete in bidding wars to see who could give me the biggest advance.
Unfortunately, for my writing career and reputation, I don’t believe any of these things. And, frankly, I’d have to be a major Jewish household name like Naomi Klein for that fantasy to come true. Speaking of Naomi Klein, I recently read her book Doppelganger, in which she complains about being constantly confused with conspiracy theorist Naomi Wolf. Great book, until I reached the end, which was unreadable because of her belief that Israel mirrors European “settler colonialism.” Recently, Naomi Klein was prominently featured in a letter where renowned authors declared their withdrawal from the PEN World Voices Festival, citing the organization’s failure to adequately address what they termed as the ongoing “genocide” in Gaza.
That word. Genocide. It’s a word that is carefully chosen to troll Jews. Its purpose is to rob us of our claim to a specific kind of grief and to say, “See? You Jews are no better.” It is how the world absolves itself of guilt and complicity. It’s called Holocaust inversion, and is a form of antisemitism.
Writers, of all people, should know that words have meanings, but when it comes to Israel, they usually turn off their brains and begin sloganeering. The harder thing for them to do would be to look at the real history of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Writers have a critical role to play in public discourse, but when they refuse to look at all claims with a critical eye, they’ve abdicated their responsibilities.
All this would be a somewhat dull academic game over definitions if it weren’t for the fact that anti-Zionist Jewish authors are the only ones being platformed by the general media. Not only that, but Zionist Jews are being de-platformed in literary spaces.
I’m currently working on a book called From Outrage to Action: A Practical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism. What began as a small section of my book is turning into a lengthy chapter. In fact, I could probably write an entire book about this subject alone. Many of the authors I interviewed for my book spoke to me on the condition of anonymity because they’re worried about their careers. It’s too late for me. Just Google me, and you can tell just how Zionist I am.
Even Jews who are not Israeli and don’t write about the Middle East are having doors slammed in their faces. Word in the industry is that editors, agents, and publishers just don’t want to hear from Jews now. There’s a great deal of fear among Jewish authors. They are losing contracts, calls are not being returned, and books are canceled because of a perception in the industry that there’s not really a market for Jewish voices, except those of the #AsAJew anti-Zionist variety. In addition, they are being harassed and bullied at literary events.
Stranger Things star Brett Gelman had numerous book signings cancelled because of his “Jewish identity,” and his support for Israel. Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian authors are frequently platformed, and championed as “diverse” voices.
One author told me how her agent expressed hesitation about one of her book ideas, which focused on a Jewish woman. Several publishers rejected or delayed considering her work after she submitted proposals, with some editors citing issues like “too much anti-Zionism” or a “saturated market” for books about certain Jewish topics.
Another author told of a friend who enthusiastically recommended her Jewish-themed book to an acquaintance working at a major Canadian cultural institution. The suggestion was to feature her book prominently within their programming. However, the response was shockingly dismissive: “We don’t want any Jews right now,” not referring to Israelis, but Jews in general.
Despite these challenges, Jewish authors are finding ways to respond. Many are more determined to write about Jewish issues, and efforts are underway to counter the anti-Zionist narrative through online petitions and public letters. An Open Letter on Antisemitism in the Literary Community is still open for signatures and seeks to address these issues head-on. I signed it proudly. Again, likely to the detriment of my career.
The Jewish Book Council (JBC) has been trying to get a handle on the extent of the problem. They’ve set up a hotline to understand the scope of issues that Jewish authors face, and are actively working to create practical resources. Naomi Firestone-Teeter, CEO of the JBC, stated, “We want to know, is it happening on a larger scale? Are these isolated incidents or a wider problem?” She is not sure what will be done with the data and stories being collected, though. My sense is that Jewish authors have been caught off-guard.
None of this is to say that Jewish authors, stories, and voices should receive preferential treatment in the marketplace of ideas. Publishing is a tough business, regardless of current events. The issue, however, is the hostility toward Zionist perspectives and general Jewish narratives. If you don’t endorse the narrative of “genocide,” you are quickly labeled a racist oppressor.
Most of the Jews I’ve interviewed, like myself, are left-wing but feel betrayed by the left for supporting what they see as murderers and fascists. They are frustrated not only because this view is wrong, but because it silences those whose lived experiences lead them to different conclusions. Antisemitism is so entrenched in the culture now that there is a tendency to lecture us about what antisemitism is — and isn’t. They assert repeatedly that anti-Zionism is not antisemitism, shouting over our lived experiences that suggest otherwise. And at the forefront of these “lectures” is the literary community, which is failing horribly to meet this moment in history and write about it with a critical eye. In fact, they are the bullies leading the charge.
What is the answer? Well, all I know how to do is write. I have a novel coming out next year called Found and Lost: The Jake and Cait Story. It’s about music, fame, aging, and second chances. Although one of the protagonists is Jewish, it’s not really about Judaism. This character is, to steal from Naomi Klein, sort of my doppelganger. He experiences his music as filtered through his perspective #AsAJew. I was fortunate to have found a publisher, Vine Leaves Press, that amplifies the voices of marginalized communities and counts Jews among them. See, publishers and agents? It isn’t hard to do. We all deserve to have our voices heard.
Howard Lovy is an author and editor based in Michigan, who is currently working on a book, From Outrage to Action: A Practical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism. His novel, Found and Lost: The Jake and Cait Story, will be released in 2025.
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Israelis Lior Raz, Rotem Sela Star in New Netflix Reality Series About Road Trip Across Central Asia
Lior Raz and Rotem Sela in a first look image from “Off Road.” Photo: Netflix
Israeli actors and real-life friends Lior Raz and Rotem Sela will go on a six-part road trip across Central Asia as part of a new unscripted reality series that will premiere on Netflix next month.
“Off Road” is produced by Candle Media’s Faraway Road Productions and Keshet International, Netflix announced on Thursday. In the series, Raz (“Fauda,” “Gladiator 2”) and Sela (“The Baker & The Beauty,” “A Body That Works”) will take an off-road trip through Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, “while challenging their relationship and their personal beliefs,” according to a synopsis of the new show.
“As Rotem and Lior take to the wheel, a therapist urges them to explore specific themes that arise, including friendship, control, fame, family, fears, conflict, and resolution. A banter-filled adventure is born as they shed their public persona, embrace vulnerability, and trust one another to endure the unexpected twists and turns of their ‘off road’ journey, immersing themselves in unfamiliar cultures and meeting fascinating people along the way.”
“Off Road” was created and executive produced by Raz, Sela and Avi Issacharoff. Raz and Issacharoff co-created the hit Israeli television series “Fauda” and founded Faraway Road Productions, which has produced “Fauda” and “Hit and Run.” The company was acquired by Candle Media in 2022.
“An off-road journey has always been a dream of ours — and we couldn’t have imagined one more challenging, emotional, and unexpectedly full of laughter,” Raz and Sela said in a released statement. “It tested us in every way but also reminded us of the strength of our bond. The greatest lesson we took from this adventure is just how powerful friendship truly is.”
Keshet International CEO Keren Shahar said “Off Road” will give audiences around the world the chance to see the “real” sides of Raz and Sela.
The showrunner of “Off Road” is Gal Raz, who is also executive producing alongside Ido Baron (The Amazing Race, Ninja Israel) of Baron Productions, Avi Nir (Keshet Media Group), Adi Ezroni (Faraway Road), and Keshet International’s Keren Shahar, Kelly Wright. and Saar Dor.
“Off Road” will premiere globally on Netflix on July 10, with Keshet International launching the format at MIPCOM 2025, held in October.
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James Gunn Confirms Third ‘Wonder Woman’ Movie Is in Development, Gal Gadot to Be Recast
Gal Gadot poses at the premiere of “Wonder Woman,” in Los Angeles, California, May 25, 2017. Photo: Reuters / Mario Anzuoni.
Director and DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn confirmed this week that a new “Wonder Woman” film is in development, and it seems that Israeli actress Gal Gadot will not return to take on the lead role.
A third “Wonder Woman” movie is “slow moving, but it’s moving,” the “Guardians of the Galaxy” director told Entertainment Weekly. “We’re working on ‘Wonder Woman.’ ‘Wonder Woman’ [is] being written right now,” he said.
Gunn also confirmed that he has yet to cast the role of Wonder Woman for the new film, which suggests that Gadot will not portray the beloved comic book character in the latest installment of the franchise.
During an interview with HBO Max’s “Talking Pictures Podcast” in May 2024, director Patty Jenkins said her time working on “Wonder Woman 3” is “over for the time being, easily forever,” suggesting that she will likely not return to director that latest film about the superhero.
Gadot starred as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince in previous DC films, including Zack Snyder’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” two standalone Wonder Woman movies (“Wonder Woman” and “Wonder Woman 1984”) directed by Jenkins and a “Justice League” movie. Gadot also made cameos as the Amazonian princess in “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” and “The Flash.” The Wonder Woman franchise was once the highest-earning movie in the DC Comics Extended Universe (DCEU). However, original plans for Gadot’s third film as the iconic comic character were scrapped in December 2022 when Warner Bros. overhauled DC Comics and hired Gunn and producer Peter Safran as co-CEOs of DC Studios.
In August 2023, Gadot said she heard from Gunn and Safran about developing a third “Wonder Woman” movie together. “I love portraying Wonder Woman,” she told ComicBook.com at the time when asked about the third movie. “It’s so close to and dear to my heart. From what I heard from James and from Peter is that we’re gonna develop a ‘Wonder Woman 3’ together.”
“I’m stunned that they said no to a billion-dollar franchise and decided to pivot elsewhere,” Pine told Business Insider in May 2024. “I don’t know what the reasoning was behind that; it’s above my pay grade, but Wonder Woman is an incredible character. Patty [Jenkins] is such a thoughtful director.”
“I never walked away. I was open to considering anything asked of me,” Jenkins said in 2022 of canceled plans for a third “Wonder Woman” film, denying rumors that she stalled efforts to make it happen or stepped away from the project. “It was my understanding there was nothing I could do to move anything forward at this time,” she added. “DC is obviously buried in changes they are having to make, so I understand these decisions are difficult right now.”
Actress Connie Nielsen, who also starred in the Wonder Woman films, said she was shocked about plans to axe a third film starring Gadot as the comic book superhero. “I think it’s crazy. I mean, frankly, I don’t understand it,” she said last year. “[Wonder Woman] has an enormous and passionate, passionate fan base. These are spectacular films, and there’s just no reason I can understand whatsoever for not investing in that … It’s a pity. I really hope that they change their minds and that they realize this is crazy.”
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Gunn this week reiterated previous comments made by Warner Bros. Discovery head David Zaslav about Superman, Batman, Supergirl, and Wonder Woman being essential characters in the superhero universe.
“I wouldn’t say only those four characters, but I would say that those four characters are incredibly important to us,” Gunn explained. “Right now, I feel great about where two of those characters are, and then we’re dealing with the other two.”
“Superman,” starring David Corenswet, will be released in theaters on July 11 and “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” starring Milly Alcock, will hit theaters in June 2026.
News of “Wonder Woman 3” moving forward without Gadot comes shortly after the Israeli actress had her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame vandalized and anti-Israel protesters disrupt her film set in central London. Gadot most recently starred as the Evil Queen in Disney’s live-action remake of the animated 1937 classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” The Disney film was the topic of controversy since August 2024 when its lead actress, Rachel Zeigler, declared her support for a “Free Palestine” three days after the film’s trailer was released.
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Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Says Hamas Killed, Abducted Aid Workers
Palestinians collect aid supplies from the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, June 9, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Hatem Khaled
Several aid workers from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation were killed Wednesday night when Hamas gunmen attacked a bus transporting local staffers, according to the US- and Israeli-backed organization.
The group, which operates food distribution in Gaza outside of Hamas control, said the vehicle was targeted as it carried more than 20 workers to a distribution site near the city of Khan Younis at approximately 10:00 pm local time.
In a statement Thursday, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) updated its initial casualty toll to five dead, with additional staff injured and concerns that some may have been taken hostage. “We are still gathering facts, but what we know is devastating,” the organization said. A spokesperson added that the investigation was ongoing and provided no further details on the identities of those killed.
The bus attack followed days of threats from Hamas directed at the foundation and its workers.
“This attack did not happen in a vacuum. For days, Hamas has openly threatened our team, our aid workers, and the civilians who receive aid from us. These threats were met with silence,” the GHF said.
Despite the assault, the foundation continued its operations Thursday, opening three distribution centers and delivering more than 45,000 boxes of food aid.
Pro-Israel commentator and influencer Hen Mazzig condemned the lack of response from the international community – including the UN and humanitarian activists – to Wednesday’s attack, highlighting what some have described as a double standard. In recent weeks, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has faced global criticism, including from the UN and human rights groups, after soldiers opened fire near GHF distribution points, killing or wounding Palestinians who approached through unauthorized routes.
“Hamas executed aid workers in Gaza – Palestinians whose only mission was to feed their own people,” Mazzig told The Algemeiner.
“The silence around this from so-called human rights champions is deafening. If you care about Palestinian lives, you need to care when Hamas ends them too,” he said.
BREAKING: After days of threatening GHF workers, Hamas has followed through with violence.
At around 10 pm last night, Hamas attacked a bus carrying over two dozen members of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) — including local Palestinians working alongside U.S. personnel.… pic.twitter.com/8BZqMwo2zr
— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) June 12, 2025
Hamas has not publicly commented on the incident. However, Hamas-linked social media channels claimed responsibility for what they described as an attack against members of the Abu Shabab clan, whom they accused of collaborating with Israel. A Facebook page run by the Abu Shabab family denied the claim, stating its members were not targeted by Hamas.
The GHF was created because Hamas routinely steals humanitarian aid, leaving civilians facing severe shortages. Documents released by the IDF this week showed that Hamas operatives violently took control of approximately 25 percent of incoming aid shipments, which they then resold to civilians at inflated prices.
“Hamas records show their aid hoarding is a plan, not a glitch,” Mazzig said on X. “Their whole business model relies on extortion. Exploiting Gazans during wartime is how they stay afloat. That’s why we need a new aid distribution plan. That’s where the GHF comes in: the only model that’s been able to keep aid out of the hands of Hamas.”
The GHF operates independently from UN-backed mechanisms, which Hamas has sought to reinstate, arguing that these frameworks are more neutral. Israeli and American officials have rejected those calls, saying Hamas previously exploited UN-run systems to siphon aid for its war effort. The UN has denied those allegations while expressing concerns that the GHF’s approach forces civilians to risk their safety by traveling long distances across active conflict zones to reach food distribution points.
Since the GHF launched operations on May 26, there have been reports of Palestinians being shot near distribution sites. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry and the Red Cross have documented shooting incidents involving civilians attempting to reach food aid, while the IDF has acknowledged targeting what it believed to be armed Hamas operatives using civilians as cover.
On Wednesday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said it continued to receive reports from Gaza “of people being killed and injured while trying to access food,” without specifying locations. “OCHA reiterates in the strongest terms possible that no one should be forced to risk their lives to receive aid, as people across Gaza are at risk of famine,” the agency said.
John Acree, the GHF’s interim executive director, said the organization weighed shutting down operations after the attack but opted to continue. “We carefully considered closing our sites today given the heightened security risks and safety concerns, but we decided that the best response to Hamas’s cowardly murderers was to keep delivering food for the people of Gaza who are counting on us. We will not be deterred from our mission towards providing food security for the Palestinian people in Gaza.”
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