Aharon Ashman

Aharon Ashman (1889-1981) was born in the Ukraine. He was active in the Jewish self-defense units during the Petliura pogroms at the end of World War I. His literary career began after his arrival in Eretz Israel in 1921. He wrote poems (some of which became popular songs) and dramas, including a biblical trilogy and a play about early pioneer settlers. Ashman translated many librettos for the Hebrew opera. In addition to teaching, he edited school textbooks for the study of Hebrew. He served as president of the Israel Authors and Composers Association from 1956 to 1961.