Avraham Gabriel 'Boolie' Yehoshua, commonly known as A. B. Yehoshua, was a prominent Israeli novelist, essayist, playwright, and intellectual, often hailed as the 'Israeli Faulkner' by The New York Times for his profound literary contributions. Born on December 19, 1936, in Jerusalem during the British Mandate period, Yehoshua's works frequently explored complex themes such as Jewish identity, the strained relations between Jews and non-Jews, intergenerational conflicts, and the intersection of religion and politics in Israeli society. His writing career spanned over five decades, beginning with his debut novel 'The Death of the Old Man' (1971) and including acclaimed works like 'The Lover' (1977), which won the National Jewish Book Award, 'Mr. Mani' (1989), and 'The Liberated Bride' (2013). Yehoshua's writing often critiqued Israeli society while advocating for empathy and understanding, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Beyond literature, Yehoshua was an influential public figure and pedagogue. He served in the Israel Defense Forces in the Nahal brigade during the 1950s and later in the Israeli Navy's officer training program. Academically, he held a B.A. in French and Hebrew Literature from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1959) and served as a professor of Hebrew and Comparative Literature at the University of Haifa from 1972 until his retirement in 2002, mentoring generations of writers. Of Mizrahi Jewish descent from Iraqi roots, Yehoshua was a vocal proponent of Israeli cultural pluralism and critiqued Ashkenazi dominance in Israeli society.

A vocal supporter of peace initiatives, Yehoshua advocated for a two-state solution and was a founding member of the Peace Now movement. He frequently engaged in public debates, essays, and lectures on reconciliation with Palestinians, though his view that diaspora Jews should fully integrate into Israeli society drew criticism from some Jewish communities abroad. His intellectual activism earned him numerous accolades, including the Israel Prize for Literature in 1995 and the Dan David Prize in 2006.

Yehoshua passed away on June 14, 2022, in Haifa after a battle with cancer, leaving a lasting legacy in Israeli literature and discourse. Married to Rivka with three children, he was known for his secular outlook and commitment to humanistic values. His works have been translated into over 20 languages, influencing global perceptions of Israeli identity and the Middle East conflict. No major legal troubles or scandals marred his career; instead, he was respected for his ethical stance on peace and human rights.