Shlonsky, Abraham David (Avraham)

(1900-73)

   Prominent Israeli poet and essayist. Born in Ukraine, he immigrated (see ALIYA) in 1921 to Palestine, where he worked as a laborer for several years. After a brief sojourn in France, he returned to Palestine and in 1925 joined the editorial board of Davar. He subsequently worked for Ha'aretz. Among the themes of his early poetry were the experiences of the Third Aliya (1919-23) and the evils of city life. In 1933, he established the literary periodical Turim. Beginning in 1939, Shlonsky became identified with Hashomer Hatzair and the left wing of the Labor Zionist Movement; he served as editor of several of its literary publications and of Sifriyat Poalim, Hashomer Hatzair's publishing house. He was also active in the international Peace Movement. A prolific and popular writer, he published articles, essays, and poetry, including children's literature, much of which appeared in book form. He also translated many classic pieces of literature and plays into popular Hebrew. He died on 18 May 1973 of natural causes.