The Jerusalem Inception: A young talmudic Scholar, a beautiful Israeli spy, and the 1967 War

by Avraham Azrieli

On the eve of the Six Day War, in the divided city of Jerusalem, a young Talmudic student falls in love with a beautiful Mossad agent twice his age, breaks off the shackles of religious observance, and volunteers for a dangerous mission that will determine the outcome of the war. Relying on recent disclosures about what instigated the greatest Mideast war, “The Jerusalem Inception” tells the story of courageous yet imperfect men and women engaged in a race against a national calamity. It starts in Neturay Karta, a fiercely anti-Zionist Orthodox sect in Jerusalem, and continues through the corridors of power and the annals of covert operations as the Jewish state is caught in a titan match between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Faced with the most dangerous moment in Israel’s short history, the agents of the Mossad and its sister spy agencies will stop at nothing to prevent a second Holocaust. “The dramatic outcome of the 1967 war continues to dominate the Middle East. If you want to know what really happened (and at the same time fall in love with a striking cast of unforgettable characters) then ‘The Jerusalem Inception’ is for you. In the best tradition of ‘Eye of the Needle’ and ‘The Bourne Identity,’ this one is a hit!” —Stephen J. Wall, author of ‘The Morning After’ and ‘On the Fly.’

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Israel

376 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 22, 2011

About the author

Avraham Azrieli writes books and screenplays. His first novel was The Masada Complex (a political thriller), followed by the Israeli spy novels The Jerusalem Inception and The Jerusalem Assassin, as well as Christmas for Joshua (an interfaith family drama), The Mormon Candidate (a political thriller), Thump (a courtroom drama featuring sexual harassment and racism), and The Bootstrap Ultimatum (a mystery involving the commercialization of Memorial Day). More recently, he has written a series of novels inspired by the true story of the first woman to lead a nation in human history, starting with Deborah Rising (HarperCollins 2016), which won the 2017 Illumination Book Award for fiction, Deborah Calling (HarperCollins 2017), and continuing with Deborah Slaying and Deborah Striking. A prequel to the Deborah series, The Elixirist, was published in 2020. The Plot to Save America, a mystery set in an authoritarian America, came out in 2022.
Besides fiction, he has also authored Your Lawyer on a Short Leash - A Guide to Dealing with Lawyers and One Step Ahead – A Mother of Seven Escaping Hitler’s Claws, an acclaimed WWII true story, which inspired the musical By Wheel and by Wing.
While growing up in Israel, Avraham received an extensive Talmudic education and performed his mandatory military service in the IDF. After attending law school, he served as a law clerk at the Israeli Supreme Court in Jerusalem. He later earned an advanced law degree from Columbia University in New York City, served as a law clerk at the Federal District Court, and started his legal career with Davis Polk & Wardwell. He has advocated for clients before trial and appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court. He currently lives near Washington DC. Like Ben Teller, the protagonist in The Mormon Candidate and The Bootstrap Ultimatum, Avraham often rides his motorcycle in the mountainous forests of western Maryland.
To learn more, visit www.AzrieliBooks.com
Avraham Azrieli's Books:
The Jerusalem Inception - "Boldly realistic plotlines and genuine, well-developed characters. Highly recommended!" Yahoo News/Politics. "Protagonist Jerusalem Gerster is the quintessential recruit." NY Daily News.
The Jerusalem Assassin - "Action-packed escapade ... memorable cast of characters ... pages turn as fast as the plot twists and locales shift, taking the reader from Paris to Zurich to Amsterdam to Tel Aviv." Jewish News.
The Masada Complex - "Brims with gritty authenticity ... a genuine treat!" David Liss, author of Conspiracy of Paper, winner of Edgar. "Riveting portrayal of global intrigue!" Stella Pope Duarte, author of If I Die in Juaréz, winner of the 2009 American Book Award.
The Bootstrap Ultimatum - "The real magic here is Azrieli's incredible ability to create well-developed characters as well as his skill in knowing how to draw in his readers." Examiner. “Fast-paced action thriller ... but also full of heart. Sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats." Hollywood Book Reviews. "Riveting. It doesn't get any better than this, folks!!" Sun Francisco Book Review.
The Mormon Candidate - "Plotted like a cinematic thriller, Azrieli has come up with a very powerful novel. At work here is his extraordinary magic in making his readers as eager as his protagonist in uncovering the truth and thus effectively creating pervasive fear and suspense. Sure to keep you up late against your better judgment. Don't say I didn't warn you." Norm Goldman, Examiner.
Thump - "A light-hearted romp through sexual proclivities ... the characters are lovable ... the irreverence is delightful. Thought-provoking. Interesting. Unconventional. Recommended!" U.S. Review of Books.
Christmas for Joshua - "In its own gentle way, the book is as much a page-turner as Azrieli's thrillers - pulling the reader into complex personal and familial conflicts." The Jewish Journal.

Reviews

[Hermien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting historical background but the romantic side of the story didn't quite work for me.

[Cate (The Professional Fangirl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Reading Good Books review.

When you hear the word “inception” nowadays, the first thing that comes to mind is that mindmelt movie by Leonardo Di Caprio with the dreams and spinning hotel rooms. I admit that when I first got this book, without even reading the summary, I thought that this might be something like that movie. But it’s not.

Inception means “the creation of something”. That’s where the genius of this book start. The title has a double meaning (or it’s just me over-reading into things). Israel is on the verge of losing the Six-Day War. Forces are at work inside the government as well as the religious community of the country. A son of a Jewish rabbi falls in love with a beautiful Mossad agent and goes on to leave his religious duties to join the fight for his country.

The story starts out at the end of World War II. A Nazi leader and his pregnant teenage lover are on their way to freedom when they were ambushed by two Jewish boys out for revenge. The girl, Tanya Galinski, is spared and she goes on and falls in love with one of the boys, Abraham. Years pass and they all go on with their lives. Tanya becomes a Mossad agent, Abraham becomes a rabbi, and the other boy, Elie becomes an agent himself with plans of advancing his status no matter what.

We are then introduced to Jerusalem “Lemmy” Gerster, Abraham’s son. He was raised in a very religious environment with minimal exposure to anything else. Tanya suddenly comes back to Abraham’s life and seduces Lemmy. He gets caught up in the web of lies, conspiracy, and deceit spun by Elie Weiss. Lemmy must decide where his loyalties lie.

I must say, this was not the easiest of reads but it is definitely a good one. It set a consistent pace, never a boring moment. It has espionage, romance, a clear explanation of both government and IDF Intelligence Corps as well as some aspects of the Jewish faith. It is a mix of fact and fiction. The number one strength of the book is its airtight research and believability. It is intriguing and for a history buff like me, it is definitely very interesting. The story is good and the factual, historical aspects of it are a pleasant extra.

I mentioned the brilliant title. Looking at it from one side, it talks of Tanya creating a sense of rebellion in Lemmy… Jerusalem (against his strict religious reality/beliefs). On the other, it can be Elie planting moles into the Israeli government to gain control. Either way you want to look at it, it’s a perfect title.

Among the likes of the Jason Bourne series and Mission: Impossible franchise, The Jerusalem Inception is a daring piece of literature and I cannot wait for what comes next.

Rating: 4/5.

Recommendation: I can see military history buffs getting into this. Fans of thrillers and espionage novels will definitely like this. Definitely a lot of guy readers will like this.

[Kiran Watwani · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only read this for a break from all the non fiction I've been reading, and maybe I should have researched a bit more and picked a better work of historical fiction. Its supposed to be about the 6 day war and the ghost of the holocaust that plagues its survivors. great premise, bad writing. I didn't expect a very good book and it wasn't. If anybody has a better piece of fiction to help me make sense of the middle east please write to me. I am not necessarily looking for reportage.. but narratives of ideology or philosophy to explain people's convictions. What in the world could keep us from making peace? Religion? Oil? The past? America? lol. What are these wars really about? Its so hard to believe it can not be resolved. But I don't know too much about the conflicts so I was looking for help in this book. And it was terribly written, but I should credit it for having helped me understand a few things I hadn't thought about with reference to Israel. And someone should tell him Hindu is not a language, Hindi is.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Jerusalem Inception begins at the end of WWII, with a crazy love triangle where two men (Abraham and Elie) are both smitten with Tanya Galinski. When they both lose Tanya, the story jumps forward 2 decades to 1967, going into the 6 day war. When Tanya is turned down by, now Rabbi, Abraham, she then goes after Abraham's son, Lemmy. Now Lemmy must decide where his loyalties lie, with his father and faith, or with the obviously alluring Tanya. Meanwhile, Elie is plotting revenge and fates are shifted as Lemmy must head off with the future of his nation relying on him.

This book gives great historical accuracy and intriguing religious conflicts that I had never understood before reading this. The author did a great job of teaching me something, even though I didn't realize at the time that I was, in fact, learning. You must read the book to find out how it all ends!!!

[Paula Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jerusalem Inception is a historical fiction about the Six Days War of Israel in 1966. The main character is Lemmy short for Jerusalem. He is the son of a Rabbi of an ultra conservative group of Jews living in Israel. The author does a wonderful job of intertwining the story of Lemmy's father, his friends Elise and Tanya who had all be victims of the Nazi regime during WWII with the Lemmy and the time leading up to the Six Days War. This is the 1st book of a trilogy. I could not put down this book!

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel starts with a bang and never stops impressing. I don't usually pick up a political intrigue novel, but I was not disappointed that I did this time. The characters and plot line draw you in and never let go. I can't wait to read the sequel and other books written by this author.

[joseph myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaim Potok fans arise, this one's for you!

It would be difficult to create a truer history of the events leading to the 1967 war between Israel and the Arab states, using fict ional and some real people. A great read and a lesson which the West doesn't want to hear.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A time in history

Fascinating historical fiction account of the 6 Day war. Insight into the different factions within the Israeli population is illuminating. I look forward to reading the next novel in the trilogy.

[Dennis Schaab · Rating 5 out of 5]

riveting story of Israeli ingenuity and courage

The Jerusalem Inception is fascinating story which I enjoyed thoroughly. I told a story that was riveting from the first page to the last. It is a book that the reader will not forget.

[TJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn’t get into it. Didn’t like the characters

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

True history with a mixture of love and intrigue

A spy story. A love story and the revealing history of Israel and the six day war she was forced to fight.

[Paul Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good combination of fact and fiction giving a great insight into the formation of Israel as we know it and life therein. History, spies, politics and religion. A very good read.

[Amzon_Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Truly Brilliantly Written Tale Of Real Events…

.. with some fictional characters in the mix.

This is the first book by the author I’ve read. I’ll be moving directly on to book 2.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Azrieli returns with another captivating novel, moving the focus to the period directly before the Six Days War. The novel is set alternately within an ultra-Orthodox community inside Jerusalem and in the smoke-filled back rooms of the Israeli War Cabinet. While living inside Neturay Karta, Lemmy Gerster lives the life of a rabbi's son, studying all day and absorbing the word of the Talmud. When a friend of his father's, the beautiful Tanya, appears to deliver a message, Lemmy is captivated and begins visiting her. During their visits, Tanya opens Lemmy's eyes to the outside world, through books and thoughts that contradict his upbringing. When he makes a decision that forever alters his life, his actions have repercussions that cannot be reversed. Meanwhile, the aggression is building on many sides, as Egypt and Jordan plot an attack on Israel to wipe it off the map. The UN peace forces are strongly tipped in favour of the Arabs, only adding to the non-neutrality it denies. Azrieli delves into two parallel worlds within the pages of this book; the isolated life of the ultra-Orthodox Jew who bemoans the evils of the secular world, and the struggle of Israel as it faces obliteration on all sides by its Arab neighbours. Tensions in both worlds climb while the story progresses, with explosive outcomes by the final pages. A complete shift from his first book, but Azrieli captures the essence of his characters while telling a powerful story.

As is often the case, the reader who opens their mind to what the author presents will come away with more than expected. Azrieli takes this story and fills it not only with interesting characters, but also with events that help the reader have a better understanding of the two aforementioned worlds. While the military and political build-up is taking place, there is a community whose struggles are no less worrisome. Taking the story within the ultra-Orthodox world opens the mind of the reader and, perhaps, sheds light on topics known to few. This way of life is much different from the secular lives of many, though the parallels are also impossible to ignore. No matter the religious conviction of the Jews, Orthodox and secular alike were handled like animals during the Nazi invasion and these uniting struggles return as an 'Arab Holocaust' is imminent. There is little within the pages of this book and will not pique the reader's interest, especially with so many sub-plots to keep the story moving forward. Azrieli not only has a gift for storytelling, but also for keeping the reader's interest through each chapter.

Kudos, Mr. Azrieli for this wonderful story. I can see great things coming from spending the time reader your work.

[Susan Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book begins by setting the scene, it is midnight 1944, and Tanya, a young Jewish girl is in a car with her lover, and saviour, General Klaus Koenig. Klaus Koenig is meeting with his old school friend, and banker Armande Hoffgeitz for the last time, Germany is losing the war and the last of the jewels taken from the victims at the concentration camps must be hidden away safely.

But waiting to ambush the car are Elie and Abraham, renegade Jews, intent in wreaking revenge on the Germans for the monstrosities they are committing.

When Elie and Abraham find Tanya, they allow her to stay with them. Soon she and Abraham fall in love. However their happiness is brief, when Elie returns from a raid alone…

Now we jump forward 21 years, and discover that Abraham did not die, but is instead the very important leader of the Neturay Karta, a fiercely anti-Zionist Orthodox sect in Jerusalem.

Tanya is now a respected Mossad secret agent, but her feelings have never died for the handsome young man she thought she’s lost all those years ago.

Therefore, when she discovers he is alive, she has to meet him. However, he is married now, and has a 17 year old son, Jerusalem, or Lemmy, who is a Talmudic scholar. What’s more Abraham is using his important religious standing for another purpose, doing what he feels he must, in a desperate attempt to prevent a second Holocaust.

The repercussions for Abraham’s family are far reaching, and young Lemmy’s life changes in ways he could never have imagined, causing him to question his Talmudic lessons, and things he always believed were true.

Set in a turbulent, modern Jerusalem, this eye-opener of a book tells the story of three people, all survivors of WWII, and how their survival shaped their lives, and made them determined, in their own different ways, to ensure the horrors inflicted on the Jews would never be repeated again.

This book gives an amazing insight into what it was like to live in Jerusalem during those turbulent times, the differences between the Zionists and anti-Zionists, and a glimpse into the government workings, secrets, and agents behind the scenes. Also, as a non-Jewish reader, I enjoyed learning about the Jewish beliefs, and traditions, and finding out about the motivation and leadership behind such an extreme group as the Neturay Karta.

Woven within its pages are secrets and lies, loves lost and hidden, resentment and betrayal.

This amazing story develops in ways in which the reader would never have imagined, and I thoroughly recommend it to mystery and suspense thriller fans.

[Christina Depuy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jerusalem Inception, by Avraham Azrieli, is the second novel by this author that I have read. It was riveting from the start of the text, and the novel continued to hold my interest until the very last page!

Tanya, a pregnant seventeen-year-old Jew, is running away with Klaus von Koenig, a Nazi general that saved her from the gas chambers. The US is winning the war against the Germans and the Holocaust is coming to an end. Koenig has stolen a fortune in valuable possessions from the Jewish people, knows they must flee, and entrusts Tanya with his bank ledger.

Enter Abraham and Elie, two young Jewish men that have managed to survive the concentration camps by hiding in the forest, stealing food and killing German soldiers whenever they had the opportunity. After noticing the general’s car approaching they use a tree branch to run the car off the road and murder the general. Noticing Tanya, they plan to kill her too until they realize that she is also Jewish and her life is spared. She joins them in their attempt at survival in the freezing winter forests of Germany. She and Abraham fall in love, but one horrible day he is shot by German soldiers and presumed dead. Tanya fears Elie, described as a man with “devil’s eyes,” and escapes into the snowy forest after he tells her Abraham was filled with bullets like “a bloody sieve.”

Two decades later, readers, and Tanya, find out that Abraham is in fact alive and married, with a teenage son, Jerusalem “Lemmy” Gerster. Abraham is a rabbi-mole put in place by Elie to ferret out information, and ensure non-violence from the strict Jewish insular sect of Neturay Karta.

Tanya is a Mossad agent, still in love with Abraham, while Elie has become head of the Special Operations Department and remains obsessed with obtaining General von Koenig’s fortune. Tanya begins to form a relationship with Lemmy, lending him forbidden books, making him question his beliefs, and ultimately seducing him.

True to Azrieli’s style, this novel is full of unexpected twists and turns that will shock and appall you. Tanya presents a strong female lead, but ultimately disappoints in her decision to seduce her original lovers child. It is hard to resolve her intentions with her actions. The inception of Lemmy does not disappoint, though. A phenomenal read!

[Sweetpea Works · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Jerusalem Inception
by Avraham Azrieli

I’ll start this one like I did the other . . . Take it from me. Don’t read a book series inside out.

That’s what I did when I read The Jerusalem Assassin also by Avraham Azrieli before reading The Jerusalem Inception. So instead of posting this immediately after the Jerusalem Inception. I am posting after reading both, which required some rereading of The Jerusalem Assassin.

The Jerusalem Inception takes place in the years 1966-67 set to the backdrop of the six day war between Jordan, Syria and Egypt.

The book opens with the end of the Holocaust as a young Elie Weiss and Abraham Gerster survive the horrific murders of their families by hiding in the ceiling crawlspace. Elie takes the course of a man determined to do whatever possible to avenge his family and the Jewish people. Abraham has that same goal but when they save Tanya and he falls in love, his goals become complicated. Jump ahead 21 years - Elie has moved up in the ranks of ILOT, (the Israeli intelligence agency) and Abraham Gerster (presumed dead) is posing as a Rabbi. Elie has become a master of manipulation and uses his abilities to control anyone he chooses like a master puppeteer. Using his influence, Abraham does his job to encourage and inflame his rabbinical students in an undercover plot. Tanya learns Abraham is alive but she feels deeply wounded because Abraham is married. She uses her womanly wilds, to get Lemmy (Abraham’s son) to question his intended rabbinical life for a secular or military one.

Again, I am not tooooo into political novels, however, this is another book worth ready by Avraham Azrieli. As is his pattern, his stories are told with high visual descriptions engaging the reader to live the moments as they happen. Yes, read his books because they are worth the ride.

Check out my review of The Jerusalem Assassin.
Reviewed by Darsell B. - sweetpeaworks@gmail.com

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of historical fiction, and a self-professed history nerd. I’ve actually spent quite a bit of time studying the period leading up to and during World War II. However, I haven’t read much - either fiction or nonfiction - about the period directly afterwards, and especially relating to those Jews who emigrated to Jerusalem during the war. It was thoroughly fascinating to get a story set in this time and space, and to encounter some of the struggles that people in the area, both Jewish and not, might have been facing during that time. Not only was this time period difficult for the Jews living in Jerusalem as a result of their religious struggles following the Holocaust, there was also a great deal of political and military upheaval in the region, including the Six Day War (also known as the Arab-Israeli war). Azrieli does a fabulous job of intertwining the personal stories with his exploration of the Arab-Israeli tensions leading up to the Six Day War. Also, as a history nerd, I greatly appreciated that he included a bibliography at the end of the book, so I could investigate the time period more for myself if I chose.

The characters were thoughtfully developed and well-rounded. The story begins at essentially the end of World War II in the Alps, where we meet Abraham and Elie. They are two young Jewish men who have witnessed unspeakable things during the war, as all survivors did. They encounter a young Jewish woman, Tanya, with a Nazi. Some events happen, and then we skip to twenty years later in Jerusalem, shortly before the events of the Six Day War. The same cast of characters, with a few additions, most notably Abraham’s son Lemmy (short for Jerusalem). An engaging, sometimes heart-wrenching story of life, scheming, war, love, and regret..

[Tyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jerusalem Inception is a thriller which follows three young Jews, Elie, Abraham and Tanya, as they fight to survive in Nazi Germany.

20 years later all 3 Jews end up in Israel and meet under strained circumstances. Elie became a Special Operations Agent for the Israeli Govt , Abraham became a Rabbi and a mole and Tanya a Mossad Secret Agent and then we have Lemmy Abraham’s son who was greatly used by Elie.

The main character in my opinion was Elie Weiss. He controlled everyone around him, he was a Puppet Master who used Abraham, Tanya and Lemmy as his Puppets. Helped Tappuzi, Eshkol (even though Eshkol didn't keep his part of the promise he made to Elie) Rabin etc. Made Abraham think Tanya was dead and vice versa...staged the circumstance that brought Abraham, Tanya and Lemmy together...indirectly caused what happened to Abraham's wife and Lemmy's best friend- Sanani, when they sabotaged the attack from the other region.

He created the circumstance which made Lemmy and Tanya's path cross, used Tanya to get to Lemmy who started doubting all he believed in and then joined the Israeli army then at the end makes Lemmy disappear without any one of his victims being the wiser.
He was cunning, manipulative, deadly, vengeful, efficient, smart and ambitious; however, I'm glad that at the end of the book, he still didn't get his hands on Gen. Klaus' fortune.

I enjoyed the book thoroughly because I also learned about the Jewish religion and some of the historic events that took place in Israel. This is an action packed novel with lots of history, religious traditions, suspense and romance. Loved it!

A sequel to this book would be great because I’d love to read about ‘Wilhelm’s’ life as a secret agent in Germany.

[Carol Piner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping Tale of Love, Hate and Religious Differences, August 15, 2011

I loved reading Avraham Arieli's "The Jerusalem Inception". The reason I enjoyed it so much is because I had the opportunity to not only read a very well written tale of intrigue, but I also was able to read about religious conflicts I have never known. Being a Christian, I knew little of the struggles between Israel and the Arabs in surrounding areas other than what I heard on news events. I must admit I had always been curious why the struggle was so heart felt on both sides and how they strived so hard. One side to hold onto precious land and the other to regain land they felt they lost.

Instead of a history novel, Arieli took the risk of including love stories that were certainly unexpected. A father and leader of religious extremists, Abraham Gerster, and his son, Lemmy, who was struggling to decide where his loyalties should be...with the woman who was teaching him to renounce his beliefs, including those of his father. In addition, both were under the spell of Mossad operative, Tanya Gilinsky. You can even add one more, Elie Weiss, who is not only in love with Tanya, but wants something very valuable that he had never been able to get her to give him...more I cannot tell you. You must read the book.

Altogether, Arieli's ability to include a gripping history lesson which includes much of Hitler's disastrous effect on the Jews, the conflict between Israel and the Arabs, a struggle between a father and son, and the love triangle plus one is a book that will hold your attention from beginning to end.

[Alicia Fawcett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this would be made into a movie. This is my favorite Azrieli book so far. Historical fiction is right up my alley. You can tell it is well researched. It sucked me in. The Jerusalem Inception is the total package; romance, family drama, politics, history, and internal conflicts. I couldn't put it down until I was done. Lemmy is such a multifaceted protagonist, You feel and relate to his struggle being pulled in so many different directions. The history involved makes for a tough topic. Questions are asked and points are brought up make for a very thought provoking read. As someone who loves history I found this extremely informative. I also didn't realize the extent of the religious conflict. Parts of it can feel heartwrenching, especially with such a vivid writing style, but it's a great read. Here's a great example "He watched her cross the room and his breath
quickened. What she radiated went beyond beauty. Perhaps it was the contrast between her black hair and the white skin, or between her physical smallness and the fierce posture. Or maybe the feline fluidity of her body’s movements. She sat down and removed the oversized sunglasses, revealing her turquoise-green eyes. Elie swallowed with difficulty. “You make an unlikely spy,” he said. “No one in this room will ever forget you.” The suspense is perfect. I think any reader would enjoy this book. I cant wait to read the sequel The Jerusalem Assassin next!

[Billie Rayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I would like to confess that I am not an avid book reader. While as a youth I had an insatiable appetite for reading, as of late I honestly can not remember the last time I have finished a book. However, "The Jerusalem Inception" literally gripped me from beginning to end!! I read it during work breaks, lunch breaks, breaks at home and everywhere in-between.

Azrieli has constructed a masterpiece from beginning to end!! This fictional story, which encircles around the aftermath of the Holocaust and its survivors, is woven together with so many layers of historical truth that your mind races in utter suspense from page to page.

What I appreciated the most was that it was entirely unpredictable, which only heightened the levels of suspense for me. There were numerous times my mouth dropped open in amazement to what the plot of the story had just revealed. The character development was also on point. I related to each person and their inner conflict ... even Elie. The story engaged me in such a way that I was pulled into their world.

I am normally disappointed in the way stories/movies end these days, it seems as though there is this mass build-up of a climax and then everyone just calls it a day, but that was not my experience with this work. Truthfully, my mind cannot escape its' curiosity of, "what happened to them next?!", so I look forward to sequel ;)

[Phaedra Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading Avraham Azrieli's historical fiction The Jerusalem Inception all day! I just read another of Azrieli's books this week and when I read several books by the same author I always worry that the stories might be a bit predictable, or follow a bit of a formula, but I did not need to worry! The Jerusalem Inception was a wonderful read and with vivid descriptions that had me holding my breath and sitting up at the edge of my seat closer to my computer monitor willing the story to go in a positive direction for the characters I chose to root for!

Azrieli seems to have a love of history and politics, which he uses to craft moving tales. When I finish his novels I feel like I need to pull out a history book, or do a search on the web to study the events he writes so beautifully about. His characters or deep with many layers that fascinate me and the subjects that he writes about are so well research and described that I almost feel like I'm sitting in a class being educated. The Jerusalem Inception explores the complex dance between politics and the Jewish faith, while mixing in a love story, spies and plenty of intrigue. This is the first book in a two book series, and I can not wait to read the next book.

[Hal Tepfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of books that are tied into events that actually happened, I found “The Jerusalem Inception” to be a great example of historic fiction. Upon discovering this book, I was captivated by reading about a time/place (Israel, 1967…the time of the “Six Day War”) that I have a great interest in, but little knowledge about, and I compliment the writer in the way that he draws the reader into that time and place. It’s rare to find a book that weaves together both war and romance, and does it as gracefully as the author has done here. I especially enjoyed the way the author describe the 1940s-era and the conflicts and relationships that arose, while atrocities were going on all around.

The characters were well-developed, especially the ‘hero’ of the book, Abraham Gerster. I found that the way the non-romantic triangle between Gerster, his “friend” Elie, and his lover, Tanya, was both well done and surprising, since the more typical approach that I was expecting was more of a romantic undercurrent between the characters. And, the twists that happen in the latter half of the book kept me reading well beyond my bed time!

All in all, a very fine book, and an excellent book about the atmosphere of Israel in 1967.

[Nickster214 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always loved a good thriller/mystery, and on that criteria alone this book is stellar; however, that isn't the only quality this book has. It is also a historical fiction, and you can feel the love for the subject the author has through his meticulous research on the time period, it makes the setting feel vibrant and very much alive. In addition, I was actually very surprised with the amount of characterization that happens throughout the novel, with most thrillers I've read the plot zips along at such a pace that I barely get to know any of the motivations or machinations of the characters as they get tugged along by the plot, so I was very happily surprised at how much I really did care for characters. The connection I felt for them actually intensified the "edge of your seat" feeling that I get while reading novels in this genre.

All in all though, I really can't recommend this novel enough, it might not break the mold,or do something that you've never seen before, but it's thoroughly entertaining, well thought out, and the writing style itself is actually quite good as well. So if your in the mood for historical fiction or just a good thriller you really can't go wrong with "The Jerusalem Inception".

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jerusalem Inception by Avraham Azrieli is a engaging book that takes place just before the Six Day War in Israel where several Arab countries were defeated by Israel. The book combines a number of facts and historical references combined with flawless historical fiction that engrosses the reader into a thoughtful, thrilling plot.

The story takes place between a number of important figures in the story. Tanya is a woman who was a Jewish girl in the midst of atrocities in World War II who had a Nazi lover. Due to circumstances during the war, she met two young men, Abraham and Elie. They saved her, but then thought she was killed in the forest by wolves. Years later, Tanya is alive and well serving in the Mossad. Elie is also working for the government. Abraham, however, is the leader of the ultra-Orthodox sect. He son, Jerusalem, is following in his footsteps, but once he meets Tanya, he is shown a world outside of his religious upbringing.

All of the main characters end up playing a vital role in the events of 1967 to free the country and provide room for its rebirth. There are many readers who would love this story, including those that read historical fiction.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jerusalem Inception opens in 1944, following three young Jews, Elie, Abraham and Tanya, as they fight to survive in Nazi Germany. We jump 21 years, to Israel, to find the same Elie, Abraham and Tanya as they continue fighting, with, or at the expense of, their families, for the survival of the Jewish race.

With so much discord in the Middle East today, it was very interesting to read about the beginning of the conflict. I loved the historical detail which was brought to this thriller- greatly helping the reader to care about the characters and understand what is at stake for them. I also really appreciated the different views presented throughout the story. It was obvious that there was, and is today, no clear cut answer for how to bring peace to the Israeli/Arab conflict, and by explaining the many points of view, the story becomes a rich and complex narrative. In addition to the wonderful history, the action kept me on the edge of my seat and held my interest throughout the entire story. I would highly recommend this book to those interested in historical narratives, action thrillers, or both.

[Shirley Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thread of this story, which follows the lives of three young Holocaust survivors, winds through a densely woven fabric of historical context starting with the final days of WWII Germany up to and including the Six-Day War in the Middle East some 22 years later. The juxtaposition of German Jews to Israeli Jews to isolated Orthodox Jews and their respective difficulties rectifying reality with spirituality makes for somewhat engrossing reading, though the story often gets bogged down in minutae: the character studies are overshadowed by detailed descriptions of religious observances, in-depth battle strategy discussion, and heavy-handed philosophical debate. Mr. A’s story essentially appears to be, in fact, the tale of the metamorphosing Jew in modern society. If the story were not so well-anchored and informed by such significant past events, it might stray into the maudlin territory of a Harlequin romance; however, the book is a rather intense multilayered study of the Jewish people/culture delivered via a story of love and sacrifice. It is worth the read for the wide open window into the Jewish soul alone.

[Shasta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book of Avraham Azriel's I've read and have been impressed with his work both times. I actually read the follow-up to this book, The Jerusalem Assassin, first so it was interesting to read this one. The story is so well crafted that it's not necessary to read one before the other, and I think I actually preferred reading them in this order. I was already familiar with the characters, and it was interesting to read their back stories in this way.

Avriel's characters are the best parts of his book, although the plot is really interesting as well, even more so because it's based on historical fact. You become engaged with the characters from the beginning, and the action will keep you intrigued until the very last page. This book is one that would lend itself well to a move screen. I greatly enjoyed this book, and I'll be on the lookout for more books by this author. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced, action packed drama, and if you enjoy historical fiction, you'll love this one!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy to have been introduced to Avraham Azrieli and his work! I could not put The Jerusalem Inception and finished it within a week. He has artfully mastered weaving a thrilling and exciting fictional story into the real lives of our heros from the 1967 6 Day War. As I am a descendant of a Holocaust survivor this story brings me closer to my family and the suffering they endured not only during the war but the decades that followed. Even though WWII had ended, Israelis and Jews were still fighting for their freedom and Avraham writes it beautifully. His attention to detail leaves you wondering what is going to happen next. His ability to craft multiple story lines at one time but bring them all together shows his true talent. You feel connected to Tanya and Abraham as well as Lemmy. You feel their pain, sorrow and ultimate hope for a better future. I absolute cannot wait to read the next journey in this gripping tale of heroism, family values and above all love for each other and love for Israel!