Leading Authors from the Hebrew University

3 July, 2025
 
HUJI Authors

 

As Hebrew Book Week draws to a close, we continue to celebrate the remarkable authors who have walked the halls and shaped the intellectual landscape of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem! We're proud to highlight these distinguished writers who have left an indelible mark on literature. We highly recommend exploring their captivating books, all available in English either through our university library or for purchase online. Dive into their stories and discover the powerful voices from HUJI!

 

Here is a list of prominent authors and their roles at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem:

 

  • Amos Oz (1939 – 2018): Studied Philosophy and Hebrew Literature at HUJI and served as Writer in Residence. He was one of Israel's most acclaimed and widely translated authors.

 

  • Leah Goldberg (1911 – 1970): Was a Professor and Head of the Department of Comparative Literature at HUJI. She was a multifaceted literary figure, celebrated for her lyrical poetry and significant contributions as a translator and scholar.

 

  • David Grossman (born 1954): Studied Philosophy and Drama at HUJI. He is a towering figure in contemporary Israeli literature, known for his powerful novels that delve into the complexities of the human condition and the profound impact of conflict.

 

  • Yuval Noah Harari (born 1976): Is a Lecturer in the Department of History at the Hebrew University. He is a bestselling historian and philosopher, globally recognized for his insightful works on humanity's past, present, and future.

 

  • Noa Yedlin (born 1975): Studied for her BA and MA in East Asian Studies at HUJI. She is a contemporary Israeli author who has garnered critical acclaim for her satirical novels and sharp, insightful observations on modern life.

 

  • A. B. Yehoshua (1936 – 2022): Studied Literature at HUJI. He was a prominent novelist, essayist, and playwright of the "New Wave" generation, known for his sharp insights into human nature and Israeli identity.

 

  • Martin Buber (1878 – 1965): Was a Professor of Social Philosophy at the Hebrew University. He was a profoundly influential philosopher and theologian, known for his philosophy of dialogue, particularly his I-Thou concept.

 

  • Ada Aharoni (born 1933): Completed her Ph.D. on Saul Bellow's Introspective Fiction at HUJI. She is a prolific author, poet, and peace researcher, whose extensive writings often focus on themes of cross-cultural understanding and women's issues.

 

  • Yehuda Amichai (1924 – 2000): Studied Literature and Biblical Studies at HUJI. He is considered one of Israel's greatest modern poets, whose accessible language and emotional depth beautifully captured the essence of Jerusalem and universal themes.

 

  • Batya Gur (1947 – 2005): Studied Hebrew literature and history at HUJI and completed her MA in comparative literature. She was a highly respected author and literary critic, celebrated for her sophisticated psychological mystery novels that often explored deeper philosophical and social themes.

 

  • Aharon Appelfeld (1932 – 2018): Studied at HUJI in the 1950s. He was a prominent Israeli novelist and Holocaust survivor whose profound works often explored the lives of Jews in Europe before and during the Holocaust.

 

  • Dahlia Ravikovitch (1936 – 2005): Studied Literature, English, and Language at HUJI. Her poetry is renowned for its intense emotional power, vivid imagery, and a profound sensitivity to suffering and injustice.

 

  • Erez Biton (born 1942): Earned a B.A. in Social Work from the Hebrew University. He is a pioneering Israeli poet and cultural activist, widely considered the founder of Mizrahi poetry in Israel.

 

  • Zeruya Shalev (born 1959): Studied Bible and Hebrew Literature at HUJI. She is an internationally acclaimed author, known for her emotionally intense novels that delve deep into the complexities of relationships and identity.

 

  • Haim Gouri (1923 – 2018): Studied Hebrew Literature, Philosophy, and French Culture at HUJI. He was a revered poet, novelist, journalist, and filmmaker, a significant voice in Israeli culture particularly known for his poignant reflections on the Holocaust and the Israeli experience.

 

  • Chaim Nachman Bialik (1873 – 1934): Was a member of the Board of Governors of the Hebrew University. He is widely regarded as Israel's national poet, a foundational figure of modern Hebrew literature and culture.


For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge norms and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the university, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research, with over 11,000 patents and groundbreaking contributions recognized by nine Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 81st globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2024), it celebrates a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en.