Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari rejects Israel’s Wolf Prize 

Renowned Pakistani architect Dr. Yasmeen Lari has refused to accept the Wolf Prize 2025 in architecture, citing the ongoing genocide in Gaza as the reason for her decision.

Lari, a globally celebrated figure in sustainable and humanitarian architecture, expressed her gratitude for the prestigious award but made it clear that she could not accept it while Palestinians continue to suffer under Israeli aggression.

The Wolf Prize, awarded annually in Israel since 1978, recognizes outstanding achievements in science and the arts and aims to promote friendly relations among people. However, Lari stated in her letter to the Wolf Foundation that accepting the award was "out of the question" given the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Her rejection comes as Israeli attacks on Gaza intensify, despite a fragile ceasefire with Hamas. Reports indicate that over 48,000 Palestinians, including thousands of women and children, have been killed since October 7, 2023, with widespread destruction affecting hospitals, schools, and residential areas.

Lari, known for her socially responsible approach to architecture, has dedicated her career to helping marginalized communities. Through the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, which she co-founded in 1980, she has pioneered eco-friendly shelters and sustainable housing for vulnerable populations. Her contributions to humanitarian architecture earned her the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Royal Gold Medal in 2023.

Rejecting the Wolf Prize, Lari stated in an interview with Arab News, "I declined the award because of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, a reason I explicitly stated in my response to them." She further emphasized that her decision was "the very least I could do" in solidarity with the Palestinian people.