Alice Walker refuses to publish The Color Purple in Hebrew - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Author Alice Walker has denied a request from an Israeli publisher to release a Hebrew edition of her novel, "The Color Purple."

The book details the struggle of black women in the South in the 1930s.

In a letter to Yediot Books she said it was because Israel is "guilty of apartheid and persecution of the Palestinian people."

She says she grew up under "American apartheid" and says Israeli's treatment of Palestinians is worse than blacks in South Africa.

Walker wrote:  "I would so like knowing my books are read by the people of your country, especially by the young, and by  the brave Israeli activists (Jewish and Palestinian) for justice and peace I have had the joy of working beside.  I am hopeful that one day, maybe soon, this may happen.  But now is not the time."

The head of the Anti-Defamation League said he was saddened by Walker's decision.

Abraham H. Foxman said in a statement:  "It is sad that people who inspire to fight bigotry and prejudice continue to have a biased and bigoted side.  For some time Walker has been blinded by her anti-Israel animus.  Unfortunately, this willful ignorance and bias against Israel has led her to exercise poor judgment in her publishing endeavors."

Walker is trying to pressure Israel to end its control over the Palestinian territory.  She is part of a movement that is using boycotts, divestment and sanctions in an effort to bring results.