Acclaimed Israeli Author and Poet Yehuda Atlas Dies at 89

Acclaimed Israeli author and poet Yehuda Atlas passed away on Thursday at the age of 89. His family released a statement describing him as an "eternal child" who acted out of a desire to help others. Atlas was an editor, children's author, and translator, and in his later years, he focused on writing about at-risk children with a sense of mission.

Atlas's work deeply impacted generations of Israeli children, with his books becoming a staple in many households. His seminal children's book, "And This Child Is Me," published in 1977 by Keter Books, achieved significant success and was followed by a record of the same name two years later. Another notable work, "The Girl I Love," was released in 1988.

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