Yehoshua Kenaz facts for kids

Yehoshua Kenaz (Hebrew: יהושע קנז) (born March 2, 1937 – died October 12, 2020) was a famous Israeli writer. He studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Sorbonne in France. Kenaz is most known for his book Infiltration, which came out in 1986.

About Yehoshua Kenaz

Yehoshua Glass, who later changed his name to Kenaz, was born in Petah Tikva. This was in a place called Mandatory Palestine, which was controlled by the British at the time, in 1937. During World War II, his father worked for the British Army. Because of this, his family lived in Haifa for a while.

Yehoshua learned to play the violin when he was young. His younger brother, Hilik, was born when Yehoshua was thirteen. When he was older, he joined the Israel Defense Forces (the Israeli army). He was first sent to a training camp for soldiers who were not very strong. After that, he worked in the Israeli Intelligence Corps. He changed his last name to Kenaz. This name sounds like Othniel Ben Kenaz, a name from the Bible.

His Studies and First Story

Kenaz studied Philosophy and Romance languages (like French and Spanish) at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He also studied French literature at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. He wrote his very first story while he was in Paris. He sent it to a magazine called Keshet.

He became very well-known in Israel in 1986. This happened when his book Infiltration became a best-seller, meaning many people bought and read it.

Yehoshua Kenaz passed away on October 12, 2020, in Petah Tikva. He was 83 years old. He died after getting sick with COVID-19.

Yehoshua Kenaz's Writing Life

Yehoshua Kenaz translated many classic French books into Hebrew. He also worked for the Haaretz newspaper. He won many important awards for his writing. These include the Alterman Prize in 1991, the Newman Prize in 1992, the Agnon Prize in 1993, the ACUM Prize in 1994, and the Bialik Prize in 1995.

In 2007, his book Infiltration was chosen as one of the ten most important books in Israeli history. Four of his books have even been made into movies:

• Ahare Hahagim (After the Holidays) was made into a film in 1994.
• Alila (based on Returning Lost Lives) became a movie in 2003.
• On the Way to the Cats was made into a film in 2009.
• Infiltration was released as a movie in 2010. This film was highly praised at the Jerusalem Film Festival.

His Views on Society

Kenaz once said he was not a Zionist. Zionism is the idea of supporting a Jewish state. He felt that a Jewish state would not solve the problem of antisemitism (hatred towards Jewish people).

He supported a two-state solution for the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. This means he believed there should be two separate states, one for Israelis and one for Palestinians. He wanted the Hebrew language and culture to be strong and respected in Israel.

Books by Yehoshua Kenaz

Kenaz wrote many novels and collections of stories. Here are some of his most famous works:

• After the Holidays (1964): This book is about a family breaking apart in a small farming town. This happened in Palestine when it was under British rule.
• The Great Woman of the Dreams (1973): This story shows the lives of people living in an old apartment building in Tel Aviv.
• Musical Moment (1980): This is a collection of four short stories. They talk about growing up and losing innocence.
• Infiltration (1986): This book tells the story of young soldiers. They have small physical problems and are in basic training at an Israeli army camp in the 1950s.
• The Way to the Cats (1991): This book is about older people living in a retirement home. They have small power struggles with each other.
• Returning Lost Loves (1997): This novel has several stories happening at the same time. The characters in these stories are connected.
• Landscape With Three Trees (2000): This book has two novellas (short novels). They show how Israeli society changed from before the state was formed until today.

Books in Hebrew

• After the Holidays (novel), 1964
• The Great Woman of the Dreams (novel), 1973
• Musical Moment (stories), 1980
• Infiltration (novel), 1986
• On the Way to the Cats (novel), 1991
• Returning Lost Loves (novel), 1997
• Landscape with Three Trees (2 novellas), 2000
• Between Night and Dawn (novella), 2006

Books Translated into English

Many of Kenaz's books have been translated so English speakers can read them:

• After the Holidays (1987)
• The Way to the Cats: A Novel (1998)
• Musical Moment: And Other Stories (1998)
• Returning Lost Loves: A Novel (2001)
• Infiltration: A Novel (2003)

See also

• In Spanish: Yehoshua Kenaz para niños