Genocide in Gaza: Yasmeen Lari turns down Israel’s prestigious Wolf Prize 2025
Pakistan’s renowned architect Yasmeen Lari. File photo
(Web Desk) Due to continuing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, Pakistan’s renowned architect Yasmeen Lari has turned down the Wolf Prize 2025 in the field of architecture.

Confirming her decision, Lari explained that she could not accept the award due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In an interview with Arab News, Lari said, “I declined the award because of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, a reason I explicitly stated in my response to them.” She added that her decision to turn down the award was "the very least I could do."

The Wolf Prize aims to promote "friendly relations among people" through recognition of contributions to humanity. It is granted annually in Israel since 1978, honors living scientists and artists for their achievements in various fields, including architecture.

Lari expressed her gratitude for the honor in her letter to the Wolf Foundation, but made it clear that accepting the award was "out of the question" given the situation in Gaza.

Lari has long advocated for socially responsible architecture, particularly for marginalized communities. She co-founded the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan in 1980, through which she has helped build sustainable shelters and ecological cooking stoves using natural materials. In 2023, Lari was awarded the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects Royal Gold Medal for her humanitarian contributions.