Simon & Schuster’s imprint Atria Books has entered into a publishing agreement with Palestinian writer Susan Abulhawa, a move that has ignited a storm of criticism because of the author’s extensive history of anti‑Semitic commentary.
Details of the deal
The contract will see two of Abulhawa’s titles, Mornings in Jenin and The Blue Between Sky and Water, reissued on 29 September 2026. In a press release, Simon & Schuster spokeswoman Jessica Laino praised the author’s “signature lyrical voice” and highlighted the “nuanced characters” in her work.
Controversial past statements
Abulhawa’s online posts have repeatedly used dehumanising language towards Jews and Israelis. She has referred to Jews as “ghouls”, “cockroaches” and “demons”, and has celebrated violence against Jews and Christians. In separate messages she described Israelis as “rootless, soulless ghouls” and called the state of Israel a “cultureless, rootless human aberration in the form of a manufactured ‘nation.’” She has also labelled pro‑Israel commentators as “lying Jewish supremacist cockroaches” and spoken of “revenge” against the “sons of satan”.
More recently she has suggested that Jews bear responsibility for the Holocaust and warned that a similar atrocity could occur again.
Public and political reaction
The comments have drawn condemnation from a range of public figures. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose wife Rama Duwaji previously co‑authored an essay with Abulhawa, described the author’s rhetoric as “patently unacceptable” and “reprehensible”.
Critics argue that a major publishing house should not provide a platform for language that amounts to hate speech, while others contend that the remarks fall within the bounds of free expression.
Industry and platform concerns
The controversy has also revived debate about the role of social‑media platform X, where Abulhawa’s posts were made, in curbing hate speech. Observers note that the platform has been criticised for insufficient action against extremist content.
Representatives for Simon & Schuster, Atria and its parent private‑equity owner KKR did not respond to requests for comment.
Wider implications
The episode raises questions about how publishing houses balance the promotion of diverse voices with the responsibility to avoid amplifying intolerance. It also highlights the tension between free‑speech arguments and the need to prevent the spread of hateful ideology.
The story was first reported by the original wire report.