Sami Michael, an Iraqi-born Israeli writer whose novels illuminate the world of Jews from Arabic countries and their prejudices and discrimination that they, as well as Israeli Arabs, have experienced, died on April 1 in Haifa, where he lived. He was 97.

A native Arabic speaker, Mr. Michael had to master Hebrew to publish his first novel in 1974. Mr. Michael went on to write a dozen novels, three books of nonfiction, three plays and a children’s book, winning many awards and honorary doctorates. In a statement of condolence, referencing other Israeli world-class writers, President Isaac Herzog of Israel extolled Mr. Michael as a “giant among giants.”