Acclaimed Israeli Author and Poet Yehuda Atlas Dies at 89

Acclaimed Israeli author and poet Yehuda Atlas, best known for his beloved children's book "And This Child is Me," passed away on Thursday at the age of 89. His family remembered him as an "eternal child" who acted out of a desire to help others, noting his work as an editor, children's author, and translator, and his later focus on at-risk children.

Born in 1937 in the Ein Iron moshav, Atlas grew up in a farming family. He studied Oriental Studies and Philosophy at Tel Aviv University. His career included a five-year tenure editing the youth magazine "BaMachane Gadna" and a 35-year career as a journalist and editor at Yediot Ahronot.

Atlas's literary career took off in 1977 with the publication of "And This Child is Me," a collection of short poems about children's daily lives that achieved significant success and inspired further works. The book was adapted into a popular record two years later, featuring music by Avner Kenner and performances by Kenner, David Broza, Mazi Cohen, and others. His poems became source material for prominent Israeli musicians, with Yoni Rechter composing "Ani Rotze Shiptaom" for Arik Einstein, and Matti Caspi composing and performing "Oli Ze Me'aliv."

Throughout his prolific career, Atlas authored 32 children's books, including original stories and adaptations in prose and verse. He also wrote four books for adults and translated approximately 60 books, mostly illustrated. He is survived by three children and four grandchildren.