Arabic Poetry in Israel: the Developing Expression of the Identity and Aspirations of the Arabs in Israel.

Abstract

The emergence of Arabic poetry in Israel had significance for modern Arabic literature in general. In its beginnings in the early 1950s, this poetry was subjected only to local criticism. Critiques were often narrow and shallow and lacked objectivity. and still today, no comprehensive study of its development has been made. During its first ten years, this poetry underwent major changes. The imitative and weak form that first characterized it became more innovative and geared towards new modes of expression; its content shifted away from the merely personal to the communal and then to the political. Eventually the poets gave expression to major issues of Arab life in Israel and in the Arab world at large, especially after the growth of Arab nationalism during the high tide of Nasserism. It developed into a vocal means of expression of the dilemma of the Arab community, and a tool to defend Arab rights against the discriminatory policies of consecutive Israeli governments. Yet for almost twenty years this literary production remained unknown or even ignored by Arab critics. Following the 1967 War, however, they began to show a growing interest in this poetry, adopting for it in their writings the term "poetry of resistance". Being almost exclusively interested in its political features, Arab critics based their studies upon a limited number of poets and themes. Lack of proper and detailed information and the published materials made these critiques inadequate; since, moreover, the Arab critics lacked personal experience of Israel, their comments often lacked accuracy and objectivity. The defeat of the Arabs in 1967 and 1973, the recurrent massacres of the Palestinians in Jordan (September 1970) and Lebanon in addition to the emergence of the P.L.O. as the representative of the Palestinians had significant impact on the Arabic poetry in Israel. A new sensibility and vision developed from them. During the last ten years, increased commitment to the Palestinian issue, and new forms of the acquiring of poetic expression drawing from Arab culture and history have become essential characteristics. This trend towards a fearless expression of commitment has been enhanced by the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, the massacres of Palestinians, the perceived indifference and impotence of the Arab states and the growing sense of racism in Israel amongst militant Zionists. This poetry has become a sophisticated and eloquent means by which Arab intellectuals in Israel express their Arab identity and their love for their l and . Based on materials in a variety of published and manuscript forms, this dissertation presents information concerning the emergence of Arabic poetry in Israel and shows how it has developed to relative maturity and a proper place in contemporary Arabic literature.