Libro Possibile festival: 'No exclusion, Eshkol Nevo will be there'

The "Libro Possibile" festival, celebrating its 25th year of bringing culture to public spaces, has firmly stated that Israeli author Eshkol Nevo will not be excluded from the event. Artistic director Rosella Santoro responded to appeals demanding Nevo's removal, emphasizing the festival's commitment to fostering debate and embracing diverse perspectives.

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No exclusion, Eshkol Nevo will be at Libro Possibile, which for twenty-five years has brought culture to the squares and welcomed different voices, sensitivities, and positions with the aim of creating debate, beyond simplifications. We believe in the analysis of complexity, just as we believe in the free and peaceful expression of dissent which is part of the democratic essence.

"We cannot identify a writer with the political choices of their country's government," Santoro asserted. She added that "the world of culture cannot behave as if nothing is happening." Santoro noted that Nevo has publicly called for peace, identified dialogue and negotiation as the only solutions, and distanced himself from certain members of the current Israeli government.

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We cannot identify a writer with the political choices of their country's government.

Nevo's voice will be heard alongside other guests addressing the tragedy in Gaza and the Middle East, including Wael Al-Dahdouh, Al Jazeera's Gaza bureau chief, and Widad Tamimi. The festival will also feature prominent figures from the Church, who have a history of promoting dialogue and peace in war-torn regions.

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The world of culture cannot behave as if nothing is happening. Libro Possibile has not done so and will not do so.

Santoro highlighted that, as in its previous 25 years, "Libro Possibile" will facilitate civil and constructive dialogue. The 25th edition's theme, "Discourse to Humanity," inspired by Charlie Chaplin's final speech in "The Great Dictator," calls for responsibility, freedom, kindness, and knowledge in opposition to fear. Nevo is scheduled to appear on July 21 in Vieste, while Al-Dahdouh will speak on July 10 in Polignano a Mare.

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We have noted that Nevo has publicly invoked peace, indicated dialogue and negotiations as the only possible solution, and distanced himself from exponents of the current Israeli government. His voice, therefore, will be heard along with those of Wael Al-Dahdouh, Widad Tamimi, Lorenzo Tondo, and other guests who will address the drama of Gaza and the Middle East.