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The speaker translates fiction and poetry from English to Hebrew. They won a prestigious award and are set to become a Nunerva Fellow in Berlin from 2026 to 2028.

The speaker references discussions held during CES 2022 about modern literature emerging in Israel, particularly focusing on fiction and poetry.

Today's topic revolves around the current state of Israeli poetry and its responses to global events. Specifically, the speaker will discuss how Hebrew poetry is confronting war and existential issues, particularly in light of recent conflicts in the region.

The speaker expresses gratitude for a safe environment to discuss poetry, contrasting it with the dangerous situation in places like Tel Aviv and Beirut. Furthermore, they note that some of their research was conducted during periods of conflict, emphasizing the importance of meeting in a peaceful setting.

There has been an immediate surge of poetic responses to events occurring on October 7, leading to the publication of numerous dedicated volumes and literary supplements titled "Here I Am: Poetry in Time of War". This project, edited by Elias Cohen, marks a critical turn in Hebrew poetry, reflecting current sentiments and responses. The project began with a call for submissions inspired by Nathan Zahch's famous anti-war poem written in 1983 as a protest against the Lebanon War in 1982. The original poem emphasizes the importance of saying "no" as central to the role of the poet, contrasting with the current initiative which promotes the statement "here I am."

The speaker argues that this shift might reveal changing attitudes towards the responsibilities of poets within society, inviting inquiry into the role of poetry in addressing political and social crises.

The speaker notes a troubling absence in contemporary Hebrew poetry related to protest against war and violence. This absence becomes particularly poignant when compared to protest poetry from past conflicts, such as the Lebanon War.

The speaker intends to analyze how recent poems articulate themes of absence and protest. They will provide specific examples:

1. Eil Stuttman's Poem: Written shortly after October 7, it was widely circulated and caused controversy for addressing the suffering in Gaza. Content: The poem details the emotional detachment of an addressee concerning the plight of children in war, presenting a stark depiction of suffering.

2. Characteristics of Modern Poetry: Many recent poems adopt a letter format, reflecting the personal manner in which poets confront their subjects, often through negation.

3. Therapeutic Poetry: Notable forms of poetry emerging post-conflict seem to have therapeutic qualities, reflecting personal and collective healing, as seen in poems by Gal Natanz and Chabtai.

The focus on the absence of decisive political voice in poetry today raises critical questions about how poets are perceived and how their roles have shifted in terms of collective moral responsibility. This absence signifies a broader cultural shift wherein poets are less expected to serve as moral authorities or representatives of societal dilemmas. The lingering effects of this absence relate to feelings of despair among writers and the perceived futility of protest in a volatile political landscape.

The speaker brings attention to the diminished status of the poet in current times, reflecting on how this erosion of authority impacts the engagement with protest poetry. Historical Trends: The speaker traces the development of Hebrew poetry from meaningful protest during the Lebanon War to a contemporary landscape devoid of similar movements.

The speaker posits that critics, scholars, and readers must also reflect on their roles in shaping the public's literary expectations. They highlight the importance of actively engaging with literature and questioning the nature of silence in poetic discourse.

In concluding, the speaker encourages a deeper exploration of responsibilities and expectations from literature, particularly in times of crisis. They emphasize the collaborative process of critically engaging with poetry to illuminate gaps in understanding and representation of pressing societal issues.

The speaker invites questions, comments, and discussions, encouraging attendees to dive deeper into exploring the relationship between poetry, protest, and the current sociopolitical climate.