by The Editors of WLT

Daniel Simon, the esteemed editor in chief of World Literature Today (WLT), is set to deliver an insightful lecture on the multilingual literatures of Israel. This event, organized by the University of Oklahoma’s Schusterman Center for Judaic & Israel Studies, will take place on Wednesday, April 2, at noon CDT. Attendees can join in person at Zarrow Hall 145 or participate online; the event is free and open to the public without the need for advance registration.

Exploring Israel’s Multilingual Literary Landscape

In his presentation, Simon will delve into the works of poets Lea Goldberg (1911–1970), Jabrā Ibrāhīm Jabrā (1919–1994), and Almog Behar (b. 1978). He aims to uncover the common threads that connect these writers, particularly their roles as translators and their deep engagement with language. Operating within the linguistically diverse contexts of Mandate Palestine and modern Israel, these poets challenge the notion of prioritizing Modern Hebrew over other languages. Instead, they embrace what scholar Lital Levy terms a “poetics of translation,” emphasizing linguistic inclusivity and interaction. Their experiences of physical or cultural exile further position them as bridges between multiple cultures and languages.

About Daniel Simon

An award-winning essayist, poet, and translator, Daniel Simon has been at the helm of World Literature Today since 2008. He also holds affiliate faculty positions in English, International Studies, and Judaic Studies at the University of Oklahoma. A Nebraska native with five books to his credit, his latest poetry collection, Under a Gathering Sky, was published by SFA Press in 2024. Looking ahead, Simon is preparing an anthology titled Is There a World Literature?, slated for release by Restless Books in spring 2026 to commemorate WLT’s centennial. His professional affiliations include membership in the Academy of American Poets, the Nebraska Center for the Book, and the Norman Arts Council Roundtable.

Event Details

• Date and Time: Wednesday, April 2, at noon CDT
• Location: Zarrow Hall 145, University of Oklahoma campus, 700 Elm Avenue
• Online Access: A webinar link is available for virtual attendance.
• Post-Event Access: The lecture will be archived on the Schusterman Center’s YouTube channel for later viewing.

About the Schusterman Center for Judaic & Israel Studies

As the largest center of its kind in the Southern Plains region, the Schusterman Center is part of the Dodge Family College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Oklahoma. It is dedicated to promoting the study and understanding of Judaic and Israel studies through various academic and public programs.

This upcoming lecture by Daniel Simon promises to offer valuable insights into the rich tapestry of Israel’s multilingual literary traditions, highlighting the enduring power of translation and cultural exchange in shaping literary landscapes.