Elias Khoury, Prominent Lebanese Novelist, Dies at 76

Elias Khoury, a prominent Lebanese novelist and intellectual, passed away at the age of 76 after a prolonged illness. Born in Beirut on July 12, 1948, he was a significant voice in Arab literature, known for his dedication to the Palestinian cause and his criticism of Middle Eastern dictatorships. Khoury studied at Lebanese University and the University of Paris, earning a PhD in social history. His literary career began in 1975, with notable works including 'Little Mountain' and 'Bab al-Shams,' which addressed the Lebanese civil war and the plight of Palestinian refugees, respectively. Throughout his life, Khoury was an outspoken advocate for freedom of speech and a critic of Israel's policies towards Palestinians. He actively participated in the Lebanese civil war and was wounded during the conflict. His writings, which spanned five decades, included articles in various Arab media outlets, making him a well-known figure across the Arab world. He also held teaching positions at prestigious universities, including New York University and Columbia. In the wake of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, Khoury wrote an article emphasizing the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians, referring to Gaza as the 'biggest open-air prison.' His reflections on the Arab uprisings that began in 2011 highlighted the long-standing issues of fear and oppression in the region. Khoury's legacy as a novelist and intellectual will endure, as his works have been translated into multiple languages, including Hebrew. His contributions to literature and his unwavering support for the Palestinian cause have left a lasting impact on Arab culture and thought.