Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari declines Israel’s award over Gaza war

Renowned Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari has declined the Israel’s Wolf Prize 2025 in architecture, confirming her decision on Tuesday in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In her communication to the Wolf Foundation, Lari expressed gratitude for the recognition but stated she could not accept the award “in view of the unfortunate continuing genocide in Gaza.”

According to media reports, she declined the award because of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, a reason she explicitly stated in her response to them.

The Wolf Prize is an international award granted in Israel since 1978 to living scientists and artists for “achievements in the interest of mankind and friendly relations among people.” It is awarded in six fields, including agriculture, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, physics, and an arts category that rotates between architecture, music, painting, and sculpture.