An Israeli literary organization has been barred from participating in the upcoming Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy, according to reports from Middle East Monitor and Haaretz. The fair’s board decided not to allow any official Israeli institutions to exhibit, preventing the Israel Institute for Hebrew Literature from joining the event. The organization, funded by Israel’s culture and foreign ministries, was established to promote Israeli literature abroad and had previously participated in the Frankfurt Book Fair.

The Bologna Children’s Book Fair, one of the world’s largest and most influential publishing events, traditionally includes national stands from various countries. However, organizers cited a board decision to exclude official Israeli representation this year. The move comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza and allegations by human rights experts and legal scholars accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians.

Observers described the decision as a reflection of political and moral positioning within the global cultural sector, signaling a broader trend of cultural boycotts against Israel.