Randa Abdel-Fattah’s Cancellation by Middle East Monitor

Boards of directors often lack the expertise needed for their roles, as demonstrated by the Adelaide Festival Board’s controversial decision to remove Australian-Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah from the 2026 Adelaide Writers’ Week schedule. Citing concerns over cultural sensitivity following a tragic shooting at a Hanukkah event, the Board’s actions have been criticized as anti-Palestinian censorship and an unjust association with violence. Abdel-Fattah condemned the decision, highlighting its implications of responsibility on her as a Palestinian. The Board’s membership raises questions about its understanding of cultural and literary matters, reflecting a trend of corporate governance in the arts.

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