Amos Oz, a leading Israeli writer and a well-known peace activist, has been awarded the Ovidius prize by Romania's Writers Union.
He won the $10,000 prize because of his literary merit and his peace work, Eugen Uricaru, president of the Writers Union, said Tuesday. He also said Oz's writings demonstrate interethnic tolerance and devotion to the concept of freedom of expression.
Oz is best known for "My Michael," one of his many novels. He also has written several short stories and numerous articles on the conflict in Israel. His family emigrated to Israel from Russia and Poland.
"I am especially honored to receive this prize. Romanian culture has many Jewish dreams in it, and Israeli culture is enriched by Romanian dreams," he said in a phone interview.