Simon & Schuster confirmed that its Atria imprint will republish two of Susan Abulhawa's novels, Mornings in Jenin and The Blue Between Sky and Water, on Sept. 29, 2026. The decision comes despite the author's repeated public calls for Jews to be called "roaches," "demons," and "vampires."
In a statement to author Gerald Posner, former chief executive Jonathan Karp said the publisher "unequivocally opposes antisemitism, racism, and all forms of bigotry." He added that the company "remains committed to publishing a broad range of voices and viewpoints" and that "Susan Abulhawa's personal views are her own and are not reflective of Atria Books, Simon & Schuster, or its employees." The statement did not indicate any plan to edit the texts or distance the imprint from the author's rhetoric.
Abulhawa, a Palestinian‑born writer who lives near Philadelphia, has built a reputation for lyrical prose and for activism that targets Israel. Her author page describes her as a poet, essayist, scientist, mother, and activist. Critics, however, point to passages in her work that echo classic antisemitic tropes. French intellectual Bernard‑Henri Lévy called the original title of Mornings in Jenin, The Scar of David, a "concentration of anti‑Israeli and anti‑Jewish clichés masquerading as fiction." A Kirkus review of The Blue Between Sky and Water warned that readers' enjoyment "will mostly depend on how they react to Abulhawa's violently anti‑Israel and slightly milder anti‑American perspectives."
The controversy has drawn sharp rebukes from Jewish advocacy groups. Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive of the Anti‑Defamation League, posted on X that "Susan Abulhawa, an unabashed antisemite who traffics in antisemitic tropes and glorifies terrorism gets a book deal." He warned that the move could embolden campaigns to silence Jewish and Zionist voices in cultural institutions. The ADL's statement also noted that the publishing world is increasingly pressured to choose between free expression and the risk of legitimizing hate speech.
Simon & Schuster's own history with contentious authors adds a layer of irony to the current debate. After the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot, the company canceled a manuscript by Republican senator Josh Hawley, citing a "larger public responsibility as citizens." The book, The Tyranny of Big Tech, later appeared with a right‑leaning publisher. In 2017, the firm dropped a project by Milo Yiannopoulos after pressure from its liberal authors and staff, and the manuscript was self‑published. Those decisions have been cited by some as evidence that the publisher applies a double standard, tolerating extremist language from one side of the political spectrum while suppressing it on the other.
The Atria imprint's decision arrives as Simon & Schuster navigates its new ownership structure. Private‑equity firm KKR acquired the publisher in October 2023, and co‑CEOs Joseph Bae and Scott Nuttall have been briefed on Abulhawa's past statements. Neither executive responded to inquiries from the Washington Free Beacon, the outlet that first reported the deal. Industry analysts note that KKR's investment strategy emphasizes revenue growth, which may explain a willingness to pursue titles that promise strong sales despite reputational risk.
Beyond the United States, the episode resonates with Canadian readers and policymakers who monitor the influence of American publishing houses on the North American book market. Canadian booksellers often import titles from the "Big Five" publishers, and a decision to promote an author with overt antisemitic language could affect shelf space in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Moreover, the controversy intersects with ongoing debates in Canada about hate‑speech legislation and the balance between free expression and protection of minority groups.
Legal experts point out that the United States Constitution protects the publication of offensive speech, but private companies retain the right to set editorial standards. In Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms offers similar protection, yet the country's hate‑speech laws are broader, allowing for criminal prosecution of content that incites hatred against an identifiable group. While Simon & Schuster faces no legal barrier to releasing Abulhawa's books, the backlash could influence retailer decisions, library acquisitions, and public funding for literary programs.
Authors who oppose the deal have begun to voice their own options. Gerald Posner, who was preparing an essay about the controversy for the Free Press, wrote that he would consider leaving Simon & Schuster if the publisher "stands by Abulhawa's noxious views." He argued that "Simon & Schuster can publish whomever it likes, but it doesn't mean its authors have to reflexively support that decision." So far, no other high‑profile writers have announced a boycott, but the episode has sparked conversations about the responsibilities of large publishing houses in curating content.
As the release date approaches, the market response will be closely watched. If the books achieve strong sales, other publishers may feel pressure to prioritize profit over principled editorial choices. If retailers or libraries choose to limit distribution, the episode could become a case study in how commercial considerations intersect with community standards. For readers, the decision forces a choice between supporting an author's literary style and rejecting the hateful language that underpins much of her public persona.