Pakistani Architect Yasmeen Lari Rejects Israel’s Wolf Prize in Protest Against Gaza Conflict

Renowned Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari has declined the prestigious Wolf Prize 2025 in architecture, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In a statement on Tuesday, Lari confirmed her decision, expressing gratitude for the honor but firmly rejecting the award due to what she described as the "continuing genocide" of Palestinians.

The Wolf Prize, awarded annually in Israel since 1978, recognizes outstanding achievements in various fields, including architecture, with the aim of fostering international goodwill. However, Lari made it clear that accepting the award was "out of the question" given the current situation in Gaza.

Her decision comes amid escalating violence, with Palestinian officials reporting eight deaths in the past 24 hours despite a fragile ceasefire. Since the start of Israel’s military campaign following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, over 48,000 Palestinians—many of them women and children—have lost their lives. The conflict has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, destroying hospitals, schools, and residential areas.

Lari, a pioneer of socially responsible architecture, has dedicated her career to uplifting marginalized communities through sustainable design. As the co-founder of the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, she has developed eco-friendly shelters and cooking stoves using natural materials. In 2023, she received the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Royal Gold Medal for her humanitarian contributions.

"Declining the award was the least I could do in response to the ongoing genocide in Gaza," Lari told Arab News, reaffirming her stance in solidarity with Palestinian victims.