Palestinian writer nominates Sami Michael for Nobel Prize
By Zvi Barel, Haaretz Correspondent
"It is with great pleasure that I recommend writer Sami Michael to be nominated to become a Nobel Prize laureate in Literature for 2005," is a recent address by a Palestinian writer, written at the height of an armed conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
Prominent writer and critic Professor Ahmed Harb of Ramallah signed on this recommendation, which he sent to the Nobel Prize board in Sweden after being requested to send nominees for the prize.
Speaking with Haaretz Harb explains that he was deeply impressed with Michael's writing, which in his opinion influences not only Israelis but many Palestinians and Arabs, who through his books are able to grasp the fate shared by the residents of this region.
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"Through his 11 novels, which were carved by a master, Sami Michael has won an Israeli, Palestinian and international audience, and as a Palestinian writer I am honored to warmly recommend Sami Michael as a Nobel Prize nominee," Harb wrote.
Harb, a native of the southern West Bank town of Dahariya, has written novellas on the lives of Palestinians, and has won great acclaim as on of the most important critics of Palestinian literature. He studied in the U.S., and teaches at the Bir Zeit University English literature and comparative literature.
"To me, literature and art stand above any conflict, as difficult and complex as it may be," explained Harb his choice for a nominee, "and it might be appropriate to view my letter as a missive of peace for both parties."
In response to Harb's recommendation Sami Michael said he is so moved by the important gesture "I feel like kissing him. He is taking such a huge risk by writing this recommendation. Gracious human beings like Harb are the most important indication that the we can have allies among the other camp," he said.
Among Michael's famous works are A Trumpet in the Wadi, Victoria and All Men Are Equal, But Some Are More.
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