The Only Jew In The Room: Searching For Understanding In An Arab Islamic College

by Avi Shalev

After 24 years of service in the Israel Defense Forces and the Civil Administration, Lt. Colonel Avi Shalev (Ret.) set out to experience the Arab world from a different perspective—by studying Arabic and Education at Al-Qasemi College.

As the first Jewish student at this Arab Islamic (Sufi) college located in the Arab Israeli town of Baqa al-Gharbiyye, Shalev gained an intimate view of Israel's Arab Palestinian society. Through vivid journal entries, he introduces us to the many young women and men who studied alongside him—learning of their hardships, personal strengths, hopes and dreams, as well as their resentments, struggles with identity, and ambivalence toward Israel as a Jewish state.

The Only Jew in the Room reveals the complex human connections formed when two cultures meet with openness instead of fear. Shalev candidly addresses traumas, ideological divides, and the desire for a shared future where both Jews and Arabs can thrive in Israeli society.

This enlightening memoir provides a nuanced look at the lesser-known side of Arab-Jewish relations in Israel. At its heart is the belief that mutual understanding paves the path forward.

The Only Jew in the Room is Shalev's insightful first book.

Genres: Jewish, Nonfiction

371 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2023

Reviews

[Lynne Golodner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating and original book with deep questions and honest wondering. I enjoyed it.