A group supporting Palestinian rights, CanLit Responds, has concluded its boycott of the Giller Prize, a literary event, following confirmation received via email from executive director Elana Rabinovitch. The group was informed that the Giller Prize no longer has sponsorship connections with Scotiabank or the Azrieli Foundation. Rabinovitch also clarified in the email, shared with The Canadian Press, that Indigo Books’ association with the prize was solely as a promotional partner, not a sponsor.
CanLit Responds initiated the boycott in the fall of 2024 due to the sponsors’ ties to Israel, garnering support from numerous Canadian authors like David Bergen, Shani Mootoo, and Thea Lim. Scotiabank, the naming sponsor of the $100,000 prize for twenty years, faced protests in 2023 over its subsidiary’s investment in an Israeli arms manufacturer, leading to the Giller Foundation severing ties with the bank last year.
The boycott continued as CanLit Responds demanded that the prize not be affiliated with Indigo or the Azrieli Foundation. The protesters objected to Indigo due to its CEO’s involvement in a charity providing scholarships to former Israel Defence Forces soldiers without family in Israel. Rabinovitch’s email in January to CanLit Responds clarified that Indigo never financially supported the Giller, only showcasing nominated works in their stores.
Protesters also raised concerns about the Azrieli Foundation’s ties to the Azrieli Group, which has connections to Bank Leumi, listed by the UN Human Rights Office for activities related to settlements in Palestinian territories. The Azrieli Foundation, distinct from the Azrieli Group, emphasized its investments within Israel’s recognized borders.
The Azrieli Foundation’s funding agreement with the Giller ended as scheduled after three years, according to the foundation’s director of communications, Heather Sherman. Despite activist pressure, the foundation remains open to future collaborations. Rabinovitch mentioned in her email that the Azrieli Foundation’s contract with the Giller concluded in 2025, with the Giller sustaining operations for 2026 through anonymous donations.
CanLit Responds hailed the end of their campaign as a victory against normalizing violence against Palestinians, urging the Giller to ensure transparent and ethical sponsorships. Organizer Michael DeForge emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust with writers and readers, with uncertainty over authors’ future participation in the prize. Writer Andre Forget expressed cautious willingness to consider submitting work in the future based on evolving circumstances.
Recent regulatory filings revealed Scotiabank’s asset management division divested its remaining holdings in Elbit Systems Ltd., an Israeli defense manufacturer. The 2026 Giller Prize longlist will be unveiled in mid-September, followed by the shortlist announcement in early October.
