PEN America president, defending Israel's critics, resigns after report warns of threats to Jewish authors

PEN America President Dinaw Mengestu resigned over the weekend, citing the organization's report, "A Silent Moratorium," which he believes failed to defend the free-speech rights of those participating in boycotts against Israel. Mengestu stated, "It's the First Amendment that allows all of us to engage in boycotts, not PEN America." The report, published on PEN's blog, details how Jewish and Israeli writers feel increasingly excluded from the literary world due to their identity or views, noting instances like Israeli novelist Etgar Keret canceling an event due to threat fears. While PEN America's revised guidelines now defend writers' right to participate in boycotts, Mengestu's resignation has drawn criticism from organizations like the Anti-Defamation League, which called it "deeply troubled" and a "chilling message."