Having had her previous 2 books, Conversations with Friends and Normal People translated into Hebrew, this time around things are a little different. Acclaimed Irish author Sally Rooney is refusing to have her book translated into Hebrew in protest of the current human rights issues in Palestine. But it’s not as bad as it sounds.
This part of a larger boycott of Israel called ‘The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. The movement seeks to end international support for Israel’s oppression of Palestinians. A similar movement helped end the apartheid in South Africa.
A publication company made an offer for the rights to the Hebrew translation but Rooney refused. This was met with backlash.
Sally Rooney later stated that the rights to the Hebrew translation are still available, but she felt it was her duty to refuse the offer made to her by the publication company who refused to distance themselves publicly from for the apartheid and refused to support the rights of the Palestinian people.
With huge backlash after the initial announcement many are now voicing their support for the author. There is still hope for a Hebrew version of the book but it may be a long way off yet!
