Sally Rooney's New Hebrew Translation Sparks Debate
· news
The Rooney Reversal: A Test for Israel’s Culture Sector
Sally Rooney has published her novel Intermezzo in Hebrew through November Books, a publisher that adheres to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. This decision marks a significant shift from four years ago, when she declined a translation offer from an Israeli publisher due to its association with the state.
Rooney’s reversal raises questions about her role in the BDS movement and the moral implications of working within or outside Israel’s cultural establishment. In 2018, she stated that she was boycotting Israeli publishers due to their complicity in the country’s occupation of Palestinian territories. Her decision to partner with November Books may seem inconsistent with this stance.
In an interview with activist Samir Eskanda, Rooney discussed her involvement with the BDS movement since its inception. She views the boycott as a necessary tool for bringing about radical change in Israel’s policies towards Palestinians. By partnering with a publisher that adheres to BDS principles, Rooney is demonstrating her commitment to this goal.
However, this development also highlights the contradictions inherent in Rooney’s position on BDS. If she genuinely believes in the movement’s aims and targets, then why did it take four years for her to find a compliant publisher? This delay raises questions about the efficacy of boycotts as a means of pressuring Israel’s cultural sector into change.
Some may see Rooney’s decision as watering down the impact of BDS or even undermining its credibility. Others may view this as a pragmatic move, recognizing that partnering with a compliant publisher can help amplify the movement’s message and reach a wider audience. The debate within Israel’s cultural circles is heated, with some seeing her willingness to collaborate with November Books as a betrayal of the country’s artistic community.
For others, Rooney’s decision represents a necessary step towards creating change from within. This dichotomy speaks to the deeper tensions between those who believe in the power of art to challenge oppressive regimes and those who view culture as a tool for promoting national interests.
Rooney’s decision has sparked a broader conversation about justice, freedom, and human rights. The role of artists in the boycott movement is complex, involving not only making statements or taking stances but also contributing to a broader conversation about these values. As we navigate this minefield, it is essential to consider the limits of artistic activism.
Can we hold artists accountable for their choices, even when those choices are complex and multifaceted? Or do we risk silencing them by expecting them to take a clear stance on a highly charged issue? The debate rages on, with Rooney’s decision setting off a chain reaction that will reverberate throughout Israel’s cultural landscape for years to come.
Rooney’s Intermezzo may become more than just a novel – it could be a symbol of the complexities and contradictions inherent in artistic activism. As we move forward, one thing is clear: the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty, but also filled with opportunities for growth, change, and ultimately, justice.
Reader Views
- EKEditor K. Wells · editor
It's surprising that Rooney hasn't been met with more resistance from her supporters in the BDS movement for this reversal. They should be questioning why it took four years to find a compliant publisher, especially considering November Books' history of using BDS as a publicity stunt rather than a genuine commitment to change. By partnering with them, Rooney is inadvertently legitimizing a publication that's more focused on generating controversy than promoting meaningful reform.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
The nuance of Rooney's decision is often overlooked: her involvement with November Books may not necessarily translate to widespread cultural change within Israel. The BDS movement's success hinges on grassroots engagement, and partnering with a publisher that has a track record of compliance might merely legitimize the movement, rather than truly challenging Israel's cultural establishment. This collaboration risks creating a false sense of progress, when in fact it could be co-opting the boycott's momentum for symbolic gains without substantial impact.
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
Sally Rooney's decision to partner with November Books, a publisher that adheres to the BDS movement, is less about moral clarity and more about strategic maneuvering. By delaying her involvement with a compliant publisher, she may have inadvertently amplified the controversy surrounding her work in Israel. This development also highlights the tension between artistic integrity and commercial viability, particularly in an industry where economic considerations often trump ideological ones.