Ghassan Kanafani - On Zionist Literature

Ghassan Kanafani (1936-1972)

Ghassan Kanafani is regarded as one of the most well

known Arab writers and journalists of the past century.

His literary writings, in novels and short stories, are deeply

rooted in Arab and Palestinian culture, and have inspired

generations during his lifetime and after his martyrdom -

both in word and deed.

He was born in Acre in northern Palestine on April

9rh 1 936, and lived in Yaffa until May 1 948, when the war

that established Israel compelled him to flee his homeland

with his family to Lebanon and then Syria, after which he

lived and worked in Damascus, Kuwait and finally, from

1960, Beirut. Kanafani was martyred on July 8th 1 972, in

Beirut along with his niece Lamees in a car bomb planted

by Israeli agents.

Kanafani published eighteen books until his untimely

death, along with hundreds of articles on culture, politics

and the struggle of the Palestinian people. All of his

works have been republished in numerous editions in

Arabic after his assassination. His novels, short stories,

plays and articles have been collected and published,

the literary works of which have been translated into 20

languages. Some of Ghassan's work has been incorpo

rated into school and university curricula; some of his

plays have been made into theatrical productions and

radio programs in Arabic and other languages; and two

ii On Zionist Literature

of his novels have been adapted into cinematic features.

His work, written during the period between 1 9 56-1 972,

continues to enjoy increasing levels of interest to this day.