A group supporting Palestine that previously led a campaign against the Giller Prize has declared an end to their boycott of the literary award. CanLit Responds, representing numerous authors and book workers, initiated the boycott in 2024 due to the Giller’s association with sponsors linked to Israel. Notable Canadian writers like David Bergen, Shani Mootoo, and Thea Lim joined the protest.
Scotiabank, a long-time naming sponsor of the $100,000 prize, faced backlash in 2023 over its subsidiary’s investment in an Israeli arms company. The Giller Foundation cut ties with Scotiabank the following year. Despite this, the boycott persisted as CanLit Responds demanded the prize sever connections with Indigo and the Azrieli Foundation.
Critics raised concerns about Indigo’s CEO supporting a charity providing scholarships to former Israel Defence Forces soldiers. However, the Giller clarified that Indigo had never financially supported the prize, only promoting Giller-nominated works in their stores.
The Azrieli Foundation’s ties to the Azrieli Group, involved in activities in Palestinian territories, also drew criticism. The foundation emphasized its separation from the group, stating its investments remain within Israel’s borders. The foundation expressed a commitment to supporting Canadian arts and culture.
Rabinovitch confirmed in an email to CanLit Responds that the Giller’s association with the Azrieli Foundation ended in 2025. She mentioned that the Giller managed to sustain operations for the 2026 prize through a bridge gift and anonymous donations.
CanLit Responds hailed the end of their campaign as a victory against normalizing harm to Palestinians. The group urged the Giller to ensure transparent and ethical sponsorships. Organizers emphasized the need for the Giller to rebuild trust with writers and readers, suggesting that some boycotting authors may choose to participate in the prize again.
Regulatory filings revealed Scotiabank’s asset management division divested its holdings in Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd. The 2026 Giller Prize longlist announcement is scheduled for mid-September, followed by the shortlist reveal in early October.