Amos Oz’s widow and other children dispute portrayal of writer as abusive

The widow and two children of Amos Oz are pushing back against the portrayal of the novelist as an abusive father as detailed in the autobiography of their daughter and sister.

“We knew a different father. A warm, loving, attentive dad who loved his family,” widow Nili Oz writes in a statement also signed by children Fania and Daniel Oz.

“The claims that Galia levels against him are in total contradiction to our strong memories our whole lives,” they write, adding that they were surprised by the accusations.

Fania Oz-Salzberger outside grandmother’s house in Rivne, November 2014. In the film, Oz-Salzberger could be seen visiting sites author Amos Oz had heard about in his childhood, but never seen with his own eyes. (credit Yifa Yaakov)

An autobiography by Galia Oz calls Amos Oz a “serial abuser,” who used to beat her and humiliate her.

They note that Galia has not been in contact with the family for seven years, and that Oz tried until his dying day to connect with her and understand her claims against him.

“Galia’s pain is likely real and heartbreaking, but we remember differently. Totally differently,” they write.

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