Renowned Iraqi-Israeli Author Sami Michael Dies at 97, Leaves Legacy of Unity

Jerusalem, Apr 2 AP - Sami Michael, the esteemed Iraqi-Israeli author celebrated for his insightful narratives on oppressed minorities and the unique struggles of Jews from Arab countries, passed away on Monday at the age of 97. Michael's literary works, deeply influenced by his own experiences as an Arabic-speaking Jew, have been pivotal in highlighting the complexities faced by Mizrahi Jews originating from the Middle East and North Africa. His stories also shed light on his profound connections with Israeli Palestinians in Haifa, a city known for its diverse population.

Itamar Drori, a senior lecturer in literature at Israel's Bar Ilan University, remarked on Michael's ability to bridge cultural divides through his characters. "His characters bridged the divide between Jews and Arabs," Drori stated, emphasizing the author's unique perspective fostered by his upbringing in Baghdad's vibrant cultural milieu. Michael's affinity for Arab culture in Israel was notably influenced by the discrimination Mizrahi Jews faced from the predominantly European Jewish leadership in Israel.

Throughout his life, Michael was a vocal critic of Israel's policies towards Palestinians and consistently advocated for the rights of oppressed minorities. His commitment to civil rights was exemplified through his long-standing role as president of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, a position he held for over two decades until his resignation last September. The organization praised Michael for his relentless pursuit of justice and his unwavering hope for societal change.

Born into a wealthy mixed neighbourhood in Baghdad in 1926, Michael's early political activism within the Communist Party eventually led to his exile. Facing persecution from Iraqi authorities, he fled to Iran in 1948 and subsequently sought refuge in Israel in 1949. There, he initially worked as a journalist for an Arabic-language Communist newspaper in Haifa before transitioning to a career as a hydrologist with the Israel Hydrologic Authority.

After nearly two decades away from writing, Michael published his first novel in Hebrew in 1974, titled "All Men are Equal — But Some are More." The novel delves into the challenges faced by Mizrahi Jews integrating into Israeli society post-independence, highlighting the discrimination and hardships they endured. Over his career, Michael authored more than 20 novels and children's books, along with plays, essays, and cultural critiques. His contributions to literature were recognized with numerous awards, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award for children's literature and the Prime Minister's Prize for Hebrew Literature, which he won twice.

In an interview with Israel's Haaretz newspaper in 2018, Michael expressed his belief in culture's role to confront ignorance, injustice, and corruption. Reflecting on his experiences in Iraq, he stressed the importance of active engagement by intellectuals and cultural consumers to prevent societal decay. "Signing petitions was not enough," he asserted, advocating for tangible actions against policies pushing society towards detriment.

Michael leaves behind a legacy that transcends literary achievements; he is survived by two children from his first marriage and his second wife, journalist Rachel Yona Michael. His life and work continue to inspire discussions on cultural identity, minority rights, and the power of literature to foster understanding and change.