Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari has declined Israel’s Wolf Prize 2025, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari has declined the 2025 Wolf Prize in architecture, citing Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza. In her response to the Wolf Foundation, Lari expressed appreciation for the recognition but firmly stated that she could not accept an award from Israel while it continues its attacks on Palestinians.
Why Yasmeen Lari Declined the Award
Lari made it clear that her refusal was directly linked to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In a statement according to Arab News, she said,
“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.”
Her decision comes as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise. According to Palestinian officials, over 48,000 people have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, and essential infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, has been destroyed. Lari’s rejection of the Wolf Prize aligns with growing global criticism of Israel’s actions and reflects the moral stance taken by many artists, academics, and professionals worldwide.
Who Is Yasmeen Lari?
Yasmeen Lari is Pakistan’s first female architect and a global advocate for sustainable and humanitarian architecture. Since retiring in 2000, Yasmeen Lari has focused on and co-founded the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, a UN-recognized NGO promoting sustainable architecture. Her notable projects include Angoori Bagh Housing in Lahore, Pakistan State Oil House, and the Finance and Trade Center in Karachi. She advocates eco-friendly, low-cost housing for marginalized communities using traditional materials.Her contributions to architecture have earned her prestigious accolades, including the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Royal Gold Medal in 2023 and the Jane Drew Prize in 2020.
Her architectural philosophy emphasizes using natural materials like mud, lime, and bamboo to create disaster-resistant and environmentally friendly structures. Lari has played a significant role in rebuilding flood-affected areas in Pakistan, helping to construct over 50,000 self-built homes and 80,000 fuel-efficient cooking stoves. Her contributions to architecture and social development earned her the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Royal Gold Medal in 2023, one of the highest honors in the field.
What Is the Wolf Prize?
The Wolf Prize, awarded annually by the Wolf Foundation in Israel since 1978, recognizes outstanding achievements in six categories: agriculture, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, physics, and the arts. The arts category rotates between architecture, music, painting, and sculpture. The prize is considered one of the most prestigious international honors, often seen as a precursor to the Nobel Prize.
However, due to its ties to Israel, the award has drawn criticism from those who oppose the country’s policies, particularly regarding Palestine. Lari’s decision to decline the prize adds to a growing list of professionals and artists who have distanced themselves from Israeli institutions in protest of its actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
By rejecting the Wolf Prize, Yasmeen Lari has taken a strong ethical stance, using her influence to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Her decision reflects a broader movement of solidarity with the Palestinian people and a rejection of honors associated with Israel’s government. While the Wolf Foundation has yet to comment on her refusal, Lari’s stand is a reminder of the growing intersection between global politics, ethics, and professional recognition.
Sources: Arab News, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, RIBA
