//Skip to content
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

On the Friendship Between Naguib Mahfouz and Israeli Writer Sasson Somekh

September 16, 2019
Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz with Israeli writer Sasson Somekh, Alexandria, 1994 (Courtesy of Sasson Somekh)

When it comes to cultural exchange between Egypt and Israel, it is usually boiled down to the controversy of normalizing relations with a state that is guilty of war crimes and illegal annexation of Palestinian territory. While boycott can be an effective strategy in shedding light on injustices, and carries empathy towards the struggles of those who are stripped from their rights, it is not yet acknowledged that cultural diplomacy can also play an important role in achieving various other goals, from national security to political peace. Cultural diplomacy is more than just the exchange of ideas, information, art, and language among different nations; it can also act out as a positive force in spreading a certain political cause by presenting it in a more interesting and understandable form. In other words, to present a political cause to a foreign audience, one must also present the culture of its people with it in order to create more depth, connection and understanding of the cause. A symbol of good cultural relations is the relationship between Sasson Somekh, who recently passed away August of this year, and Naguib Mahfouz. Born initially in…


Hi guest,

You've read all of your free articles.
Subscribe now to support independent journalism and to enjoy:


Unlimited access to all our articles

Exclusive events and offers

First access to new premium newsletters

Ability to comment on articles

Full user profile