'Amos Oz was one of the State of Israel's greatest writers'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expresses his sorrow at the death of the renowned writer, adding, 'Oz expressed with talent and emotion important aspects of the Israeli experience.'
Many of Israel's prominent figures eulogized Amos Oz, Israel's most successful and internationally recognized author, who died Friday at the age of 79 after a battle with cancer.
President Reuven Rivlin and his wife Nehama expressed their sorrow at Oz's death: "A story of love and light and now, great darkness. Sadness descends upon us as Shabbat begins. A literary giant. The glory of our creators. A spiritual titan. Rest in peace our dear Amos."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Rivlin and his wife's sentiments, saying: "Amos Oz was one of the State of Israel's greatest writers. He contributed to the renewal of Hebrew literature, through which he expressed with talent and emotion important aspects of the Israeli experience.
"Despite the fact we did not always see eye to eye, I deeply appreciated his contribution to the Hebrew language and literature. His words and his writing will continue to accompany us for many years to come. May his memory be a blessing," Netanyahu said.
Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid tweeted," Amos Oz once wrote: 'Touching is allowed! To move, to bring closer, to distance, to change, and to leave a mark. Touch the stone, touch what is alive, touch the people.' Oz succeeded in doing that and touched us all."
The renowned author's close friend, writer A. B. Yehoshua, said: "I just left the hospital after saying goodbye to him. Our 60-year-old friendship was profound and genuine. Throughout the years, Amos voiced his opinions and thoughts, but not because he sought to be against something, but since it was his truth. He was an honest man and a great author. He was a good friend and one of the greatest men Israel has seen."
Oz dedicated a big part of his life to public activity and was affiliated with the Zionist Left. Former Meretz chairman and a close friend of Oz, said: "We are parting from a great author and an intellectual, who had the ability to accurately express the vision of entire generations that had infinite love for this country, while eliciting criticism when needed and striving for a better and more just Israel."
Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev also paid her respects to the late writer. "I was sorry to hear about the passing away of Israel Prize laureate, Amos Oz, who won dozens of literary prizes in Israel and abroad for his inspiring works.
 |
"Your creations will continue to resound both in Israel and throughout the world. May you rest in peace, our courageous (Oz in Hebrew) spirit," Regev added.
