The Los Angeles Review of Books decided to cancel an interview with Shai Davidai, an Israel-born professor known for addressing antisemitism at Columbia University. Senior editor Rob Latham labeled Davidai as “a toxic figure” after initially commissioning freelancer Melissa Uchiyama to conduct the interview in connection with his forthcoming book, “American Intellectual Antisemitism: The Anti-Jewish Movement Tearing Through Our Universities,” as shown in email communications.
After reading the 2,000-word piece, Latham changed his mind, stating that Davidai “pretends to want respectful exchange.” He argued that the professor is a “controversial figure” who requires more extensive interrogation than a standard interview would allow, expressing regret for approving the assignment in the first place.
When Uchiyama proposed revisions to help publish the article, the LA Review declined her efforts. It had recently published a favorable piece on Mahmoud Khalil, known for his anti-Israel stance, which added a layer of irony to the situation. Latham suggested that Uchiyama look for a more sympathetic outlet to publish her work, offering a $100 kill fee, which she turned down.
Latham expressed that a candid discussion with Davidai would be challenging and that pressing him could lead to a heated encounter. Davidai remarked that the cancellation reflected the censorship he’s been battling, pointing out that his book deals with these very media distortions and omissions.
He criticized the “double standard” he perceives in how different viewpoints are treated and concluded that the issue wasn’t about Uchiyama’s questioning but about selecting the wrong interviewee altogether.
It’s a difficult time for Jewish and pro-Israel authors facing what some describe as “blacklists” and “boycotts.” Davidai noted he was denied by 36 out of 38 publishers before securing a deal with Wicked Son, part of Post Hill Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster. His new book, expected to release on October 6, promises an incisive critique of how radical ideologies have fostered environments on college campuses rife with anti-Jewish, anti-Israeli, and anti-American sentiment.
Uchiyama expressed pride in her “balanced” interview, emphasizing that she tailored it for her audience, which is not predominantly Jewish. The retraction of the interview is just another occurrence in Davidai’s complicated career journey; he has gained attention for resisting anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
Once a celebrated academic who enjoyed accolades and widespread publication, Davidai eventually stepped back from his position after false charges were dropped against him. He has since taken a role at the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy. The Los Angeles Review of Books and Latham had not responded immediately to inquiries regarding the situation.
