Published: 2 July 2019
Last updated: 4 March 2024
Jewish novelist blames ‘climate of fear’ in UK for cancelled talks (Observer)
Richard Zimler, author of the celebrated 1996 novel The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon, said two cultural event coordinators had terminated negotiations on publicising his new novel because they feared a backlash from anti-Israel campaigners. Zimler has no connections with or family in Israel.
The author’s personal publicist, who asked not to be named, confirmed that two organisations had pulled out of initially enthusiastic discussions about events with Zimler, whose latest book The Gospel According to Lazarus was published in April. They feared his Jewishness would alienate Palestinian sympathisers among their clientele and could result in protests, the publicist said.
RICHARD ZIMLER: ‘I have never met antisemitism in Britain... until now’ (Guardian)
The acclaimed novelist on being rejected by two cultural organisations because of his faith
Photo: supplied
