Sasson Somekh

About the Author

Sasson Somekh is a distinguished scholar and author whose work bridges the rich cultural landscapes of the Arab world and Jewish heritage. Born in Baghdad in 1933, he experienced the vibrant multicultural life of mid-20th-century Iraq before emigrating to Israel in 1951, where he became a pioneering figure in the study of modern Arabic literature. As a professor emeritus at Tel Aviv University, Somekh's writings explore themes of identity, exile, and the intricate interplay between Arab and Jewish narratives. His memoir 'Baghdad, Yesterday: The Making of an Arab Jew' offers an intimate portrait of his formative years, capturing the essence of a lost world with poignant clarity and historical insight. Somekh's contributions continue to illuminate the complexities of Middle Eastern cultural dialogues, earning him international acclaim for fostering cross-cultural understanding.