Arrr, a swashbucklin' tale be told of Sami Michael, a fine Israeli author who be sailin' on to the afterlife at the ripe old age o' 97. Fare thee well, matey!
2024-04-01
Avast ye scallywags! The Iraqi-Israeli scribe, Sami Michael, who spun tales of the struggles of Jews from the lands of North Africa and the Middle East, has taken his final breath at the ripe age of 97. Fare thee well, matey!
In a tragic turn of events that would make even the hardiest pirate shed a tear, Sami Michael, a renowned Iraqi-Israeli author who chronicled the struggles of oppressed minorities, has passed away at the ripe old age of 97. His tales of Arabic-speaking Jews shed light on the unique challenges faced by Mizrahi Jews from the Middle East and North Africa, as well as his bonds with Israeli Palestinians in the bustling city of Haifa.His characters were praised for bridging the divide between Jews and Arabs, a feat that earned him accolades from literature scholars. Coming from an Arabic-speaking background, Michael often found solace in Arab culture in Israel, despite facing discrimination from the country's European-influenced Jewish leadership.Not one to shy away from controversy, Michael was a vocal critic of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and a staunch advocate for oppressed minorities. His passion for social justice led him to serve as the president of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel for over two decades.Born in Baghdad in 1926, Michael's journey led him to Iran and eventually to Israel, where he found his calling as a writer. His works, which include novels, children's books, and cultural criticism, shed light on the struggles of Mizrahi Jews in the fledgling state of Israel.Michael's legacy as a champion for the oppressed and a voice for change will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. President Isaac Herzog hailed him as a literary giant, while his works continue to inspire readers to fight against ignorance, injustice, and corruption.