Uriel Simon, a prominent Israeli biblical scholar known for his literary approach to scripture and his advocacy for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, died on September 30 at his home in Jerusalem. He was 97. His wife, Shulamit Simon, confirmed his passing.
Born in Jerusalem on July 29, 1929, Simon was the son of Akiva Ernest Simon, a German-born educator and early peace activist, and Tatiana (Rappaport) Simon. After serving in Israel’s military during the 1948-1949 war, Simon pursued academic studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, earning his doctorate in biblical studies in 1961. He later joined Bar-Ilan University, where he taught for nearly four decades, serving at times as head of the biblical studies department and founding the Institute for the History of Jewish Bible Research.
Simon was widely recognized for challenging traditional biblical scholarship by emphasizing the literary qualities of biblical texts rather than focusing solely on their historical origins. Colleagues noted his interest in how biblical stories speak to contemporary audiences and his meticulous attention to narrative techniques and character study. For example, in his commentary on the Book of Jonah, published in 1999, Simon interpreted the prophet’s flight not as simple disobedience but as a moral conflict between divine mercy and strict justice. This perspective contrasted with prevailing interpretations and highlighted what Simon described as “compassionate irony” in the text.
His pioneering work also extended to medieval biblical commentaries, particularly those of Rabbi Abraham Ibn Ezra, whose rationalist approach Simon admired for its commitment to truth over tradition. His analysis often gave renewed attention to secondary biblical characters, exploring their roles as moral counterpoints to more prominent figures.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Simon was a committed peace activist. He helped found the religious Zionist left-wing movements Netivot Shalom and Oz VeShalom, advocating for dialogue and compromise with Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Simon argued that Israel’s right to the land depended on ethical conduct and that the pursuit of peace was a biblical imperative. He frequently spoke out against maximalist territorial claims, emphasizing that strength must serve peace efforts rather than undermine them.
Simon’s engaging lecturing style drew audiences from religious and secular backgrounds alike. Those who heard him described his compelling narratives and use of humor and thoughtful pauses to illuminate familiar biblical stories in new ways.
He is survived by his wife Shulamit, their son Itamar Simon, a professor of microbiology and molecular genetics, their daughter Michal Nagen, founder of a military preparatory academy for Israeli women, 12 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
Shortly before his death, when asked about belief in the afterlife, Simon affirmed his faith but acknowledged the difficulty of objective reflection in his final days, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship intertwined with a call for peace and justice.