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Boualem Sansal, boycotted in his country due to criticism of radical Islamists, speaks to Ynet about Israel, Arab Spring and literature. ‘We can argue about a certain Israeli policy, but the most important thing is to be friends,’ he says

The Algerian author had only good things to say about Israel and its residents after his visit: “Israelis have all the reasons in the world to be proud of what they have achieved in their country in such a short period of time.

“In so many fields, Israel is at the international forefront and it is very impressive. Tel Aviv’s modernity blew me away, literally, and as for Jerusalem, there are not enough words to describe it.”

“I wanted to see everything, and to meet as many people as possible – Jewish Israelis and Arab Israelis. But unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time. My visit in Israel was only five days long,” Sansal said.

“I would like to see an Israeli writer visit Algeria one day. I would welcome him or her,” Sansal confesses, adding that he would be honored if it were Amos Oz, David Grossman or A.B Yehoshua. He is nevertheless realistic, stating: “I doubt the Algerian government would grant a visa to an Israeli writer, as the Israeli government has done for me.”

Sansal’s previous visit to Israel must not have contributed to his sense of security, but he prefers to focus on the visit’s positive aspects. “I have many friends in Israel, and I am grateful for that. I felt very welcome in Israel. I’m not only referring to official representatives; I’m referring to everyone who came to listen to me and the people who invited me to their homes. It was heart warming.”

Regarding Lieberman’s support of him following the cancellation of the Parisian prize Sansal he was supposed to receive, Sansal commented: “Lieberman’s gesture moved me. When word of his support reached me, I couldn’t believe it. His statement was so gracious in comparison to Arab governments. He told them: ‘You’re persecuting intellectuals. We embrace them and care for their safety. That is why your citizens are rebelling against you.’ That is a harsh blow to Arab governments.”

Hamas officials in Gaza leveled harsh criticism against Sansal’s visit to Israel. “I wouldn’t wish Hamas upon my worst enemy. It is a terrorist movement of the worst kind. Hamas has taken Gazans hostage. It has taken Islam hostage,” the writer said.

Full article via Ynet

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