J.K. Rowling slams Israeli government’s ‘brutal and unjust’ treatment of Palestinians

J.K. Rowling, author of the hit Harry Potter novels, has spoken out against the Israeli government’s “brutal and unjust” treatment of the Palestinian people on Twitter, but stopped short of calling for an all-out boycott of Israeli goods.

“A cultural boycott places immovable barriers between artists and academics who want to talk to each other, understand each other and work side-by-side for peace,” said Rowling referring to boycott and divest movements sweeping across university campuses in the U.S. and Europe.

However some of her readers drew parallels between her books and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating that “talking” did not stop the “Wizarding war” in Harry Potter. Rowling then responded by pointing out what’s true in the fictional series generally has no bearing in real life.

Some of Rowling’s fans echoed her approached on the conflict calling for peace, rather than partisanship and strife.

“It’s extremists on both sides that ruin it,” said one user.” Most citizens just want peace, and a person is a person – not a Muslim or a Jew.”

Rowling recently signed a letter in response to 700 artists calling for a cultural boycott of Israel back in February. The letter cites “cultural boycotts singling out Israel are divisive and discriminatory and will not further peace” and that “cultural engagement builds bridges, nurtures freedom and positive movement for change.”

Featured image via Twitter

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