Two Israeli Arab authors who won literary awards in Lebanon will not be able to collect their prizes in Beirut later this month because of laws in the two countries, organizers of a cultural festival said April 7.
Instead of traveling to Beirut, writers Ala Hlehel and Adania Shibli will be going to London to receive their prizes there. The two are among 39 Arab authors to be honored at the Beirut39 Festival that starts Thursday, April 15.
The ban was not unexpected — Lebanon prevents Israeli citizens from entering the country, and Israel bans its citizens from visiting “enemy” states. — ap