Israeli Poet Naor Yitzhari Reflects on Turbulent Marriage and Divorce in New Poetry Book

Israeli poet Naor Yitzhari recounts his intense and tumultuous relationship with his ex-wife, whom he met in 2013 during an event production. Their passionate bond quickly evolved into marriage three years later, though they chose a non-religious ceremony to avoid rabbinical divorce complications. Yitzhari believes this lack of formal religious status contributed to the instability of their marriage, a theme explored in his recently published third poetry book, "I Never Called You My Wife."

The book portrays the gradual disintegration of their marriage, capturing the emotional turmoil and recurring conflicts that ultimately led to separation. Yitzhari describes how he found personal growth through teaching, writing, and academic studies, which created distance between them. Despite discussions about open relationships, neither partner pursued it, and Yitzhari views these talks as symptoms of deeper issues rather than mere relationship fatigue.

He emphasizes that their breakup was not caused by infidelity but by a fundamental lack of belonging and stability from the start. The couple has two children, now aged six and nine, whom Yitzhari identifies as the most painful aspect of their separation. He shares a poignant poem addressed to his ex-wife’s new partner, expressing his conflicted feelings and self-criticism for not fighting harder to save the marriage.

Yitzhari also reflects on the complex dynamics of co-parenting post-divorce, acknowledging the awkwardness and emotional challenges of maintaining a relationship for the sake of their children. He hopes his poetry resonates with others experiencing similar struggles, especially men who often lack emotional outlets during divorce. The book, published by Katherzis, serves as both a personal catharsis and a candid exploration of love, loss, and identity within a fractured marriage.