Phil Klay has been appointed the new president of PEN America, succeeding Dinaw Mengestu, who resigned after concerns regarding the organization’s response to the Israel-Hamas war. Mengestu criticized a PEN report highlighting the “widening cultural isolation” faced by Jewish and Israeli writers, saying it indicated bias against Palestinians.
Klay, an Iraq War veteran and National Book Award winner, has shown support for the PEN report but has also been vocal about Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. In his new role, he emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and understanding diverse perspectives to foster a more inclusive public dialogue.
This leadership transition underscores ongoing divisions within PEN America regarding its stance on free expression and cultural representation in the context of the conflict.
