Scholar to Speak on Hebrew Literature of Iraqi Jews

Professor Lev Hakak of UCLA will present the Carleton College Forkosh Family Lecture in Judaic Studies at 8 p.m. on Monday, April 27 in the Severance Great Hall. Entitled “The Writer as a Loving Fighter: The Contribution of the Hebrew Literature of the Jews of Iraq to the National Identity in Israel,” Hakak’s presentation is free and open to the public.

Narrated with love for the Jewish people and the State of Israel, early realistic literature by Israeli Hebrew authors from Iraq sought to correct a less than respectful image of their community in Israel and how it was being treated. On a social, national mission, in their first novels and short stories in Hebrew, these writers fought to establish a positive image of Jews from Iraq.

A professor of Hebrew language and literature at the University of California, Los Angeles, Hakak received his BA from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem and his MA in Hebrew literature from the University of California. He is also a graduate of the Hebrew University Law School and is a licensed lawyer in Israel and California.

His many publications in two novels, one of which has appeared in English, a collection of short stories, and a volume of poetry. He has published numerous scholarly articles and eight books on Modern Hebrew literature.

The recipient of several awards for his writings and research, in 1996 Hakak received the Annual Friedman Award for his Contribution to Hebrew Culture in America from the Hebrew Association of America. He has also received the Rachel Award for Poetry and the Barkaai Award for Original Prose. Hakak currently serves as the editor of Hador: The Hebrew Annual of America.

Hakak’s appearance is part of the Carleton College Mideast Connections Lecture Series and is made possible by the Forkosh Family. For more information, including disability accommodations, contact the Office of the Dean of the College at (507) 222-4311.