A few lovingly chosen poems by Yehuda Amichai with Robert Alter

Yehuda Amichai (1924-2000) is widely beloved as Israel’s “national poet.” His iconic poems are read at public ceremonies and Memorial Day services, but many of his lesser-known poems equally evoke the land and its history. Born in Poland, Amichai emigrated to Mandate Palestine in 1935, witnessed the birth and growth of the state and fought in many of its wars. With eminent translator/critic Robert Alter, we’ll take an in-depth look at a few of Amichai’s poems and unlock the secrets of their lasting appeal.  In conversation with Moment book review editor Amy E. Schwartz.