Guernica, a nonprofit magazine operating at the intersection of art and politics, has published a powerful essay by a literary interpreter working in Israel and her experience in the wake of October 7 and the resulting war between Israel and Hamas. The essay “From the Edges of a Broken World,” by Joanna Chen, provides a first-hand account of how the author’s life has changed. It is deeply personal, and perhaps challenging in that she does not take a “side” in the current conflict – and perhaps that was the problem. By not holding to the correct point of view, the essay was too challenging for some Guernicathe readers.
While Guernica proclaims that it is “a home for singular voices, incisive ideas, and critical questions,” this essay has apparently crossed the line. The article has been removed from the magazine’s website. In its place we read the message: “Guernica regrets publishing this piece and has withdrawn it. A more comprehensive explanation will follow.”
Luckily, an archived version of the piece is available here. Give it a read and then reflect on how this piece could be so objectionable that it should be depublished, not simply criticized or disputed, but actually removed.
A current fundraising appeal on Guernica website declares: “At Guernicawe have spent the last 15 years producing uncompromising journalism.” After you de-publish the essay, you may have to withdraw that appeal, too.