Seven years ago, Amos Oz stopped by APN’s Washington DC office to record this video. It was a last-moment initiative. I scrambled to prepare our clunky recording equipment, and then rushed to meet him at the elevator. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was. I’ve read all his books – some of them twice – and have always admired him for his literary achievements and for his dedication to peace and security for Israel.

Out of the elevator emerged a short, modest man, warm and upbeat.

As I attached the microphone to his jacket, I told him that his book A Tale of Love and Darkness helped me better know my mother. She grew up in the same Jerusalem neighborhood as he did, not far from his parents’ home, and shared many of the childhood experiences Oz describes in the book. He saw how emotional I was. He placed his warm hand on my shoulder and said: “This makes me very happy, your relationship with your mother.”

The camera rolled. He spoke about peace and about Peace Now. And I felt so fortunate to have connected with a literary giant, a founder of the peace movement that I so endear, who is also such a mensch.

Please watch the video, and please support us. He did. Go here to make your tax-deductible donation to Americans for Peace Now.

Ori Nir
APN Director of Communications and Public Engagement