PEN America Faces Internal Conflict Over Free Speech Article

On July 11, 2026, PEN America published an article discussing the experiences of Israeli and Jewish writers since October 7, 2023, highlighting feelings of isolation and exclusion. The article reported instances of blacklisting, boycotts, and pressure to conceal Jewish identity. Following the publication, PEN America's president, Dinaw Mengestu, resigned, citing concerns that the article could threaten the rights of pro-Palestinian activists. Mengestu argued that the organization should defend the rights of all individuals to engage in boycotts, including those advocating for Palestinian rights. Current and former PEN staff expressed that Mengestu's position was partisan, as it seemed to prioritize the rights of pro-Palestinian activists over those of Israeli and Jewish writers. The article, which did not make policy recommendations, aimed to document the impact of political tensions on free expression. It included anecdotal evidence and some data, noting that a hotline for reporting antisemitic incidents received 350 complaints over two years. The document acknowledged the challenges faced by Palestinian writers as well, indicating a complex landscape of free speech issues. The internal conflict at PEN America reflects broader societal tensions regarding free speech and identity politics.