The Turin Book Fair started today and apparently the organizers' decision to honor Israeli writers at the fair, to coincide with the 60th anniversary of Israel's creation, has led to protests and boycotts.
According to the article, the protesters are "a number of Arab and Italian intellectuals and left-wing activists, who charged that celebrating Israeli letters ignores the plight of the Palestinians."
Amid flag burnings and a volley of angry words, the article notes, "The festival's organizers are exasperated, noting the irony that a book fair is meant to broaden horizons, not build barriers."
Ironic, indeed. Communication, learning, understanding--aren't these the things literature is supposed to promote?
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