JK Rowling responds to Palestinian girl’s letter using Dumbledore

Outspoken author J.K.Rowling has used her Harry Potter character Dumbledore to explain her stance on one of the most complicated political situations.

Albus-Dumbledore

by Ellie Hooper |
Published on

Responding to a letter from a Palestinian fan, who questioned the author’s stance on Israel, Rowling explained her position using none other than the wise wizard to make things clear.

In the letter titled ‘Why Dumbledore went to the hilltop’ the author explains how Professor Dumbledore  demonstrates perfectly how Palestine and Israel should be encouraged to work together.

Explaining that the wizard is the ‘moral heart’ of the Harry Potter series, Rowling says that he is a great symbol for diplomacy, as is his decision to ‘go to the Hilltop’ and sacrifice himself.

Dear J. K. Rowling,I am an avid fan of yours, and have continuously read your Harry Potter books non-stop since the... > >

Posted by [Mia Oudeh](#) on [Friday, October 23, 2015](https://www.facebook.com/mia.return/posts/10156192243015385)

Rowling is opposed to Palestine’s cultural boycott of Israel, which she, among many others, believe ‘will not further peace.’

After seeing a letter Palestinian Potter fan Mia Oudeh wrote which argued with hew view, the author composed a response.

‘The Palestinian community has suffered untold injustice and brutality’ says Rowling.

‘I want to see the Israeli government held to account for that injustice and brutality.

‘Boycotting Israel on every possible front has its allure. It satisfies the human urge to do something, anything, in the face of horrific human suffering.

‘What sits uncomfortably with me is that severing contact with Israel’s cultural and academic community means refusing to engage with some of the Israelis who are most pro-Palestinian, and most critical of Israel’s government.

‘Those are voices I’d like to hear amplified, not silenced. A cultural boycott places immovable barriers between artists and academics who want to talk to each other, understand each other and work side-by-side for peace.’

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