Arab and Jewish Women in Kentucky: Stories of Accommodation and Audacity

Kentucky Remembered: An Oral History Series

by Nora Rose Moosnick

Outwardly it would appear that Arab and Jewish immigrants comprise two distinct groups with differing cultural backgrounds and an adversarial relationship. Yet, as immigrants who have settled in communities at a distance from metropolitan areas, both must negotiate complex identities. Growing up in Kentucky as the granddaughter of Jewish immigrants, Nora Rose Moosnick observed this traditionally mismatched pairing firsthand, finding that Arab and Jewish immigrants have been brought together by their shared otherness and shared fears. Even more intriguing to Moosnick was the key role played by immigrant women of both cultures in family businesses―a similarity which brings the two groups close together as they try to balance the demands of integration into American society.

In Arab and Jewish Women in Stories of Accomodation and Audacity , Moosnick reveals how Jewish and Arab women have navigated the intersection of tradition, assimilation, and Kentucky's cultural landscape. The stories of ten women's experiences as immigrants or the children of immigrants join around common themes of public service to their communities, intergenerational relationships, running small businesses, and the difficulties of juggling family and work. Together, their compelling narratives give greater voice to Arabs and Jews in America's rural areas.

228 pages, Hardcover

First published May 20, 2012

Reviews

[Miki Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosie asked me to help her with her blog and website, and I thought I should first read the book. I don't usually read non-fiction, but I am very glad I am reading this non-fiction book. I thought I knew about the Arabs and Jews in Lexington, having worked with, and been a friend or customer of so many. But I am learning so much! We read about the Arab-Israeli conflict every day in the news, but we never hear about the friendships and common ground shared by many, especially here in this country; about similarities and integration rather than divisions. This is a somewhat academic book, but the stories of the women are very personal and very real — not impersonal and totally objective as many academic books are. I look forward to discussing it with Rosie next time we meet. I have so many questions and comments! I very much recommend this book.