“European anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism are utterly completely different from those who existed earlier than October seventh,” mentioned French author Michel Hoherbeck in response to questions from the Jerusalem Post at a press convention simply earlier than accepting the Jerusalem International Book Forum at Miskenkent Shaananim on Sunday.
He is a visitor of honor and runs concurrently on the Forum and the Jerusalem International Writers Festival.
Houellebecq, beforehand a recipient of Prix Interallié and Prix Goncourt, mentioned, “What has occurred since is a monster. I’m supposed to grasp the world I stay in. In Europe, I believed I used to be on a constructive journey by way of attitudes in the direction of Jews.
Houellebecq additionally mentioned throughout his go to that “Unfortunately, Be’eri will not be in Switzerland, all residents have weapons of their houses.”
At a press convention, he was a “resident.” [of the south of Israel] They might have been higher protected…. It is not possible to understand what occurred once they hear these tales. ”
He was requested if he felt the 2015 novel “submission” concerning the Islamic social gathering that dominated France in accordance with Sharia’s legal guidelines. “I used to be not a superb prophet in any respect. It’s not possible to say that the political disaster has been resolved. [political] The mannequin seems to be a potential different. ”
Houellebecq’s acceptance speech
In his acceptance speech, he mentioned: “I’m not an awesome scholar of spiritual points, however the imprint of monotheistic religions is infiltrating me. In all Western writers, whether or not they prefer it or not, the imprint of monotheistic religions is infiltrating. They are the supply of an essential a part of the heritage of human tradition, and Jerusalem performs an essential function in human historical past.”
He added: “I take an ethical stance, and due to this fact I usually consider irony in France. Today I’m significantly grateful for the will to reward me with the phrases of the judges for my “ethical expertise.” These are usually not simply phrases, so that is what is often mentioned about me, however whether or not it is one thing that considers my ebook, ethical quest nourishes them and acknowledges them.
Houellebecq’s “Moral Talent”
Professor Gur Zak, 2025 Award Jue Judge, spoke about why he was awarded the award.
“At a time when world literature is more and more converging with preconceived notions about id politics, Houellebecq will not be afraid to cope with essentially the most basic and important points of human existence (growing older, loss of life, love, gender), however dares to write down about them within the clearest and most keenest means.”
In a recorded video, President Isaac Herzog advised Houellebecq, “It is a superb pleasure to ask you to Jerusalem: Michelle Hoellbec, probably the most influential writers of literature, human creation, and our time.
“Mr. Houellebecq, you could have grow to be synonymous with writers who’re trustworthy to freedom of considering. Jerusalem is a metropolis of spirit, ardour, cultural richness and human range. It is obvious that freedom is the best worth for you.
The ceremony occurred in entrance of the French ambassador, Frederick Journal. “One factor that Israel and France have in widespread: we’re an mental nation. It’s nice that we’ve got come to us and agreed to obtain the Jerusalem Prize.
The Jerusalem International Book Forum and the Jerusalem International Writers Festival are supported, amongst others, by the Jerusalem Foundation, the Municipality of Jerusalem, and the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
“There’s one thing that pulls me to the spirit of Israel, however I do not know why,” Houellebecq, who has visited Israel earlier than, advised a information convention.