The president of PEN America resigned following the publication of a report detailing how Israeli and Jewish writers are facing "increasing isolation and exclusion" after the attacks on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza. Dinaw Mengestu had been leading the organization since December 2025, and he noted that the report examined the effects of cultural boycotts, stating that it unfairly discredited the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement.

The report was published under the title "A Silent Moratorium" and was authored by three writers. Among the authors are PEN America's editorial director Lisa Tobin and former Los Angeles Times writer Geraldine Baum. The report is based on interviews with over 30 Israeli and Jewish writers. The authors express that they feel excluded from the literary world due to their identities, nationalities, or views.

The writers state that this situation negatively impacts their reputations and livelihoods, leading people to self-censor and generally restricting their freedom to write. PEN America emphasizes that this silencing and exclusion contradicts its commitment to advocating for a culture of free expression for all. While this report raises significant discussions in the literary world, it also raises questions about the future and mission of PEN America.