Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari rejects Israel’s Wolf Prize 2025 in solidarity with Gaza

Eminent Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari declined the prestigious Wolf Prize 2025, an award granted by Israel to individuals with outstanding achievements in science and the arts. She made this decision in protest of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

After being nominated for the award, Lari wrote a letter to the Wolf Foundation, expressing gratitude for the honor. However, she firmly stated her refusal to accept it due to the Israeli genocide in Gaza as the reason for her decision.

The Wolf Prize, an international accolade, is awarded to living scientists and artists who have made significant contributions "in the interest of mankind and the promotion of friendly relations among people."

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It is presented in six categories, including agriculture, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, physics, and the arts, the latter encompassing architecture, painting, music, and sculpture.

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Explaining her decision to the media, Lari stated, "I declined the award because of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, a reason I explicitly stated in my response to them. Given the current situation, accepting the award was out of the question.

It is worth noting that Yasmeen Lari is not only a celebrated architect in Pakistan but also a strong advocate for social justice. Her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes led her to prioritize the plight of Palestinians over personal recognition.