Zrubavel Gilad Israeli poet. Date of Birth: 09.12.1912 Country: Israel

1. Early Life and Family
2. Military Service
3. Literary and Editorial Career
4. Poetry and Prose
5. Compilation and Editing

Early Life and Family

Zrubavel Gilad was born in Bender, Russian Empire (now Moldova), in 1912. His parents were Haim Glass and Hai Birbaer. In 1922, the family moved to Palestine (then under British Mandate) via Odessa and settled in Kibbutz Ein Harod.

Military Service

From 1942 to 1948, Gilad served as a combat commander in the Palmach, the elite unit of the Jewish paramilitary organization Haganah. He composed the Palmach's anthem, "Misaviv Yehem HaSaar" (Thunder Roars Around).

Literary and Editorial Career

In 1956, Gilad became one of the editors of the publishing house HaKibbutz HaMeuchad. He was awarded the Bialik Prize in 1981 for his literary achievements.

Poetry and Prose

Gilad authored eight poetry collections, including "Prihat HaOranim" (Pine Blossoms, 1950), "Nahar Yarkon" (Green River, 1956), "Afar Nokher" (Glowing Ashes, 1960), "Or Hozer" (Reflected Light, 1970), and "HaKikhli" (Thrush, 1978). He also wrote prose, including fictionalized memoirs of his childhood and youth in the kibbutz ("Siha Al HaHof" - Conversation on the Shore, 1954; "Shorshei HaNahal" - Roots of the Brook, 1978).

Compilation and Editing

Gilad compiled several anthologies, such as "Magen BaSefer" (about the participation of Palestinian Jews in World War II, 1952) and "Sefer HaPalmach" (The Palmach Book, 1955).