The Crown Family Center for Jewish and Israel Studies at Northwestern University and the Heksherim Institute for Jewish and Israeli Literature and Culture at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev present an International Conference in tribute to Israeli Author Sami Michael, Emet Award-winning novelist of Iraqi-Jewish origin, whose writing has spotlighted the heritage of Sephardic Jewry, broadening the definition of Israeli identity, and encouraged consideration of cultural “others.”

The conference, to be held on the Evanston Campus, will explore Michael’s inner world as moving between two diametrically opposed, yet surprisingly similar cities, Baghdad and Haifa, representing his relentless search for individual and collective identity in the intricate geo-political and emotional landscape of the Middle East.

The public is invited to the opening session of the international conference featuring Sami Michael in conversation with Benny Ziffer, author, journalist and literary editor of the Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz , followed by a recital of Iraqi Jewish traditional music performed by Yair Dallal, internationally renowned oud and violin artist whose compositions draw from Arab and Jewish musical traditions.

For more info, visit www.jewish-studies.northwestern.edu/events/