Natalie Portman opened up her “broken heart” to the world after the death of iconic Israeli author Amos Oz.

“We lost a soul, a mind, a heart, Amos Oz, who brought so much beauty, so much love, and a vision of peace to our lives,” Portman wrote on Intagram. “Please hold him in your hearts and read his gorgeous books.

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My heart is broken. Today we lost a soul, a mind, a heart, Amos Oz, who brought so much beauty, so much love, and a vision of peace to our lives. Please hold him in your hearts and read his gorgeous books. My most loving embrace to his family, which he loved extremely. Photo by @jasonkempin/@gettyentertainment.

A post shared by Natalie Portman (@natalieportman) on Dec 28, 2018 at 1:22pm PST

Portman, who directed the film version of Oz’s autobiographical “A Tale Of Love And Darkness” led a chorus of literary paying homage to Oz, who died of cancer.

The Israel Prize laureate wrote dozens of novels, short stories and essays, with “My Michael,” “Black Box” and “A Tale of Love and Darkness” among his most famous works.

Among the condolences and adoration for his writing was praise for his unabashed hope for peace. Even Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev, who often clashed with the progressive author, said in The Times of Israel that his works “resounded around the world and inspired all our hearts.”

Very sad to hear of the death of Amos Oz. May his memory be for a blessing, indeed. I had the honor of interviewing him to a packed auditorium at @92Y a few years ago. He was gracious and thoughtful, and insisted that I drink a Scotch with him in the green room beforehand.

— Ruth Franklin (@ruth_franklin) December 28, 2018

Above and beyond the loss of a major literary talent Amos Oz’s passing is a huge blow to Israelis and Jews of conscience for whom he has long been an articulate, spiritual guide on the very elusive quest for peace

— Allyn Fisher-Ilan (@AFilan) December 28, 2018

When I interviewed Amos Oz last month we joked about how the best examples of coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians were in the medical field and the criminal world. Honored to have spent time in this prolific author’s presence…. https://t.co/ephkhPIcsO

— Ruth Marks Eglash (@reglash) December 28, 2018

Two months ago in the last interview Amos Oz gave infornt of the cameras he told me: “I want to leave this world with the feeling my words meant something to someone” – well they certainly did!
Today Israel and the world are mourning you – #AmosOz may you Rest In Peace https://t.co/LP4g7o4Yag

— Antonia Yamin (@antonia_yamin) December 28, 2018

Alyssa Fisher is a news writer at the Forward. Email her at [email protected], or follow her on Twitter at @alyssalfisher

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