Simon & Schuster Imprint to Republish Palestinian Novels Despite Author’s Repeated Anti‑Jewish Posts
The decision raises political and reputational risk for Atria because Susan Abulhawa has posted praise for violent actors and language that minimizes the Holocaust.
Overview
- Atria announced in a July press release that it will rerelease Mornings in Jenin and The Blue Between Sky and Water on Sept. 29, 2026 under a confirmed republication deal.
- Reporting in early August renewed focus on Abulhawa’s social posts that call Israelis dehumanizing names, praise the Oct. 7 attackers, and say the Holocaust has “lost its meaning.”
- Abulhawa also posted praise for Kozo Okamoto, a participant in the 1972 Lod (now Ben Gurion) Airport massacre that killed 26 civilians, which drew particular attention.
- The book announcement revived scrutiny of a prior collaboration with Rama Duwaji and prompted public condemnation from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in March 2026.
- Beyond the July press release, reporters say Simon & Schuster, Atria, and parent KKR did not answer requests for further comment, leaving the publisher’s next steps and commercial fallout unclear.