Dvora Omer

Dvora Omer (Hebrew: דבורה עומר; October 9, 1932 – May 2, 2013) was an Israeli children's book author. She is considered one of Israel’s greatest children’s book writers.

Biography

Dvora Omer was born on Kibbutz Ma'oz Haim in the Beit She'an Valley. Her parents divorced when she was a child. When she was 11 years old, her mother was killed in a training accident in the Haganah, a pre-state military organization. Her father, Moshe Mosenzon, was a newspaper editor who served in the Jewish Brigade. As a young girl she published her writings in the youth journal Bama’aleh edited by her father. Upon completing her military service, she studied at Oranim Teachers College. Before dedicating her career to writing, Omer worked a few years as a school teacher in the Kibbutz.

Dvora married Shmuel Omer, with whom she had three children, including Ron Omer and Gil Omer.

She died on May 2, 2013, aged 80, at Kfar Ma'as.

Omer's sister, Vered Mosinson, is also a published writer.

Literary career

Omer began writing while she was a teacher, and continued with many books that reflect the developing state and culture of Israel. Most of her books are for young adults, and have been translated into many languages.

Awards and recognition

In 1968, Omer was awarded the Lamdan Prize, for children's literature.

In 1979, she was awarded the Prime Minister's Prize for Hebrew Literary Works.

In 2006, she was awarded the Israel Prize, for her lifetime achievement and special contribution to society and the State.