Sally Rooney to Publish Hebrew Translation of Intermezzo Under BDS-Compliant Guidelines

Renowned Irish novelist Sally Rooney has announced that her latest novel, Intermezzo, will be published in Hebrew. This decision follows a period of public debate regarding the author’s approach to the translation of her work in Israel, specifically concerning her adherence to the guidelines set forth by the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

A Shift in Publishing Strategy

In 2021, Rooney declined to sell the translation rights for her novel Beautiful World, Where Are You to an Israeli-based publisher. At the time, she stated that while it would be an honor to have her work available to Hebrew readers, she could not find a way to proceed that was compliant with the institutional boycott guidelines established by the BDS movement. She noted that she was responding to a call from Palestinian civil society, which includes major trade unions and writers’ unions.

With Intermezzo, the author has reached an agreement to release the book in Hebrew through a publisher that meets these specific criteria. Rooney has maintained that her stance is rooted in a belief that the Israeli culture sector is complicit in apartheid, a position she has consistently cited when explaining her refusal to work with mainstream Israeli publishing houses that do not align with the boycott framework.

Context of the Decision

Rooney’s actions have sparked significant international conversation. Following her 2021 decision, some critics argued that her refusal to translate her work into Hebrew conflated the Israeli state with its citizens and the broader Jewish population. Others, including various writers and commentators, questioned the consistency of her approach, noting that her works are available in many other languages and regions with documented human rights concerns.

In response to these criticisms, Rooney previously acknowledged that many states beyond Israel are responsible for human rights abuses. However, she emphasized that her specific policy regarding Israel is a direct response to the organized boycott call from Palestinian civil society groups.

Key Takeaways

• New Translation: Sally Rooney has confirmed that her novel Intermezzo will be published in Hebrew.
• BDS Compliance: The publication agreement adheres to the institutional boycott guidelines advocated by the BDS movement.
• Consistent Stance: This move follows her 2021 decision to withhold rights for Beautiful World, Where Are You from Israeli publishers due to her support for the cultural boycott of Israel.
• Advocacy: Rooney continues to cite the involvement of Palestinian trade unions and writers’ unions as the primary driver for her publishing decisions in the region.

Looking Forward

The publication of Intermezzo in Hebrew marks a notable development in the intersection of literature and geopolitical activism. By securing a publisher that aligns with her stated ethical guidelines, Rooney intends to make her work accessible to Hebrew-speaking audiences without violating the principles of the boycott movement she supports. As the literary world continues to navigate the complexities of global politics, Rooney’s approach remains a focal point for discussions on the responsibilities of authors in the international marketplace.