A group advocating for Palestinian rights, CanLit Responds, has declared an end to its boycott against the Giller Prize, a prestigious literary event, which it initiated over a year ago. The decision came after receiving an email from the Giller’s executive director, Elana Rabinovitch, confirming the termination of sponsorship ties with Scotiabank and the Azrieli Foundation.
CanLit Responds, representing numerous authors and literary professionals, launched the boycott in late 2024 due to the Giller’s association with sponsors linked to Israel. Notable Canadian writers, including David Bergen, Shani Mootoo, and Thea Lim, supported the boycott.
Formerly, Scotiabank had been the primary sponsor of the $100,000 prize for two decades. However, controversies arose in 2023 regarding its subsidiary’s investment in an Israeli arms manufacturer, leading to the Giller Foundation severing ties with the bank in the previous year.
The boycott persisted as CanLit Responds demanded the Giller Prize cut connections with Indigo and the Azrieli Foundation. Concerns were raised over Indigo’s CEO running a charity that aids former Israel Defence Forces soldiers. Despite this, Rabinovitch clarified that the Giller had only featured nominated works in Indigo stores and never received financial support from the bookstore chain.
Critics also objected to the Giller’s partnership with the Azrieli Foundation due to its ties to the Azrieli Group, which holds minority shares in Bank Leumi, listed by the UN Human Rights Office for activities related to settlements in Palestinian territories. The foundation asserted its distinction from the Azrieli Group, emphasizing its investments are within Israel’s recognized borders.
Rabinovitch revealed that the Azrieli Foundation’s contract with the Giller ended in 2025. To sustain operations, the Giller secured funding through a one-time gift and anonymous donations for the 2026 prize.
CanLit Responds hailed the end of their campaign as a victory against normalizing Palestinian oppression, urging the Giller Prize to ensure transparent and ethical sponsorships. The group emphasized the need for the Giller to rebuild trust with authors and readers, with uncertainties remaining on authors’ future participation in the prize.
The Giller Prize’s longlist for 2026 will be unveiled in mid-September, followed by the shortlist announcement in early October.
