Sami Michael, an Iraqi-Israeli author known for his poignantly written stories about oppressed minorities and the challenges faced by Jews from Arab countries, passed away at the age of 97. His characters, often Arabic-speaking Jews like himself, shed light on the unique struggles and obstacles Mizrahi Jews from the Middle East and North Africa faced. Michael’s works also highlighted his close relationships with Israeli Palestinians in the diverse city of Haifa. Throughout his career, Michael bridged the gap between Jews and Arabs through his writing, bringing attention to discrimination faced by Mizrahi Jews in Israel.
Growing up in Baghdad as a native Arabic speaker, Michael felt a connection to Arab culture in Israel, especially as he faced discrimination from Israel’s European-influenced Jewish leadership. He was a critic of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and an advocate for oppressed minorities, serving as the president of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel for more than two decades. Michael expressed his pain and anger towards the injustices in Israel, calling for change and instilling hope in others. His unique perspective as a Mizrahi Jew provided valuable insight into the challenges faced by this community in Israel.
Born in a wealthy neighborhood in Baghdad in 1926, Michael’s involvement in the Communist Party led him to flee Iraq in 1948, eventually settling in Israel in 1949. He worked as a journalist in Haifa before becoming a hydrologist with the Israel Hydrologic Authority. After a writing hiatus, he published his first novel in Hebrew in 1974, focusing on the struggles of Mizrahi Jews adapting to life in Israel. Throughout his career, Michael wrote over 20 novels and children’s books, as well as plays, essays, and cultural criticism. His works won numerous literary awards and were adapted into films.
In a 2018 interview with Haaretz newspaper, Michael emphasized the importance of culture in shedding light on ignorance, injustice, and corruption. He felt a responsibility to address Israeli policies that he believed were leading the country into an abyss, drawing on his experiences witnessing silent intellectuals and writers in Iraq in his youth. Michael believed that signing petitions was not enough, stressing the need for real action from intellectuals and consumers of culture to effect change in society. His dedication to speaking out against injustice and advocating for change was a central theme in his life and work.
President Isaac Herzog praised Michael as a “giant among giants” in Israeli literature, highlighting his contributions in enriching the country’s literary landscape. Michael is survived by his two children from his first marriage and his second wife, journalist Rachel Yona Michael. His legacy as an author who shed light on the struggles of Mizrahi Jews and advocated for oppressed minorities will continue to inspire future generations of writers and activists in Israel and beyond.
