ORGANIZERS:

Hannan Hever, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Omri Grinberg, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

 

The aim of the conference is to discuss the manner in which Arab culture(s) and Arabic are present in modern Hebrew literature, and how the former critically influences the latter. Within the context of the current turmoil in and around the Middle East, and despite the ongoing struggle for social justice in Israel, it appears that in Israel, the gaps between Arab society and culture and Hebrew culture are becoming ever more drastic. Recent attempts at racist and nationalistic legislation – some of which succeeded – together with media discourse, are worsening the already present everyday tensions. Historically, Jewish literature has continually sought to emphasize its own uniqueness, and its ability to not only endure but also develop, in the Diaspora as well as in Israel.

Acknowledging these complex contemporary and historical realities, the conference aims to demonstrate and discuss how Arabic and Hebrew (languages and cultures) influenced each other, and at times functioned together in a manner that nullified the attempt to dichotomously separate the two intermingled traditions. Some topics to be addressed are: Anton Shammas' novel "Arabesques" and its ongoing influence, tweny-five years after its publication; ethnic and national tensions and the poetic efforts aimed at easing them; the young generation of "Mizrahi" Jewish-Israeli authors and their confrontations with Arabic and Arab traditions; the unique contexts and challenges of translating from Arabic to Hebrew; identities in conflict; and historical representations in texts translated from Arabic to Hebrew.

The conference is funded and supported by the Israel Institute for Advanced Studies, The Center for Literary Studies, Mandel Institute of Jewish Studies, and the Hebrew University Faculty of the Humanities.