A Statement of Solidarity With Gaza From More Than 100 Literary Translators

“To make the protection of civilians by any side conditional on reciprocity will lead only to disaster… We believe that peace is possible and that it starts with choosing to protect civilians now. We insist that Palestinian lives have equal value and that civilians must be protected at all times.

We invite our fellow translators, as well as professional groups in our field, to join us in calling for:

The cessation of Israeli bombardment and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to protect civilian life, as well as lifting the blockade so humanitarian aid can be delivered safely.

The immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas.

A just peace that ends the current domination of Palestinian life by the Israeli military occupation, and provides for the freedom, security, and civil and political rights of both peoples.”

Thank you to everyone who signed, thank you to Anna Gunin for organizing and for giving me the opportunity to draft this, thank you to @literaryhub for publishing. I hope this can be a humble drop in the bucket towards a lifesaving ceasefire.

Any literary translator who wants to add their signature should please email gazaopenlettertranslators@gmail.com. Ceasefire now!