Michael Bar-Zohar

Michael Bar-Zohar is an acclaimed Israeli historian, biographer, and former politician, renowned for his extensive body of non-fiction works. He has authored over thirty books, including the official biography of Israel's founding father, "David Ben-Gurion", and is currently writing a biography of Shimon Peres. His works have been translated into sixteen languages and have earned numerous international awards. Under the pseudonym Michael Barak, he has also ventured into fiction writing.

Born in Bulgaria and raised in Israel, Bar-Zohar studied political science in Jerusalem and France, earning a Ph.D. A veteran of four Israeli-Arab wars, he spent nearly a decade as a close aide to David Ben-Gurion, shaping his perspective on Israeli history and politics. His writing often explores themes of leadership, conflict, and diplomacy, reflecting his firsthand experiences in government and military service. As a professor at Haifa University and Emory University, he further cemented his reputation as a scholar of international relations.

Bar-Zohar's contributions have been widely recognized, earning prestigious honors such as the French Academy Award, the Ben-Gurion Award, and the International Migration Award. He was knighted by France as a Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur for his literary and diplomatic achievements. A two-term member of Israel's Knesset, he also represented the country at the Council of Europe, advocating for peace and cooperation in the region. His works remain essential readings in the study of Israeli history and Middle Eastern politics.