A Wall in Jerusalem: Hope, Healing, and the Struggle for Justice in Israel and Palestine

by Mark Braverman

Violence in Israel and Palestine has become the norm.Do we even understand this conflict? Do we know where it comes from?Why can't the two sides reach agreement? Can Jews and Palestinians find a way to coexist?An American Jew, Mark Braverman thought he understood the reasons for Israel's existence. But when he visited the region and began to understand the forces that are fueling and perpetuating the conflict, he realized just how far we are from achieving peace. From the bustling communities on either side of the Jerusalem barrier, to the historical lessons of the Nazi Holocaust and South African apartheid, to the foremost voices in theology and conflict resolution today, Braverman answers the questions above and offers a course of action both at home and abroad to realize peace.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Mark Braverman is the executive director of the Holy Land Education and Peace building Project, a grassroots organization that promotes interfaith dialogue, peace-building, and conflict resolution in the Middle East. Braverman currently lives in Bethesda, Maryland, with his wife, Susan.

Reviews

[Melissa Volpone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an unbelievable book. Written 10 years ago, and even more depressing in the midst of human rights violations happening now.

Written by an American Jewish man, he explores the brainwashed support people lend to Israel in order to make up for historical antisemitism, while ignoring the very real genocide Israel is committing against the Palestinian people.

Well researched, well argued, full of compassion. I learned so much.

Free Palestine.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical trek through the past bloody religious wars, South African apartheid & the persecution of the Jews by other governmental ethnic groups & of course Adolph Hitler & co.

Violence in Israel & Palestine has become quite the norm. Can Jews & Palestinians ever find a way to coexist (Holy Land)? 100’s of religions around the globe. Now Jerusalem has Zionism, not exactly in line with most Christian values.

I’m at awe over this book. Not bringing the race card into focus, but world news & history is my forte. It’s amazing just this week everyone in the sports world is gripping about a pro Basketball owners racial remarks. Goodness my biological dad was in WWII Germany he was in a Army unit that took care of the concentration camps. It messed him up for the rest of his life (PTSD).

My point is why is it; African Americans make more fuss than the Jewish race? They have endured racial conflict since Jesus time. & to this very day both race/culture still do.

Awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written historical fact found religious book. It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. A book you won’t want to put down. This could make also make a great Gaza strip religious movie, or mini TV series (A & E; History channel). There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published only last year, this book compassionately and clearly tells the story of Palestine from the perspective of a Jewish activist who finds himself being truest to his Jewish identity as he strives to work toward an end to the apartheid inflicted by the state of Israel, whose conquest strips Palestinians of their dignity and rights while keeping Israelis from finding healing and meaning through empathy and connection.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book written by an American Jew who recognises that the form of apartheid being perpetrated via the wall and other means in Israel is not only oppressing the people of Palestine but also preventing the Israelis from attaining their own healing and meaning and identity.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is often stunning in its insight and simplicity, and I truly appreciated Braverman's introduction to good people of all faiths, all working toward freedom and democracy. Yet--

Inspirational though it is, this was not an easy read for me. At this moment, evil seems so ascendant in our fallen world! Hate, fear, greed and racism are so prevalent everywhere we look. How, under these circumstances, can the Palestinian people continue to endure? How can we actually achieve a lasting peace?

Braverman comes to the same conclusion as Wes Howard-Brook did in Come Out, My People. There are, indeed, two religions in the Bible, but they are not Judaism and Christianity. They are the religion of freedom, and the religion of empire. At one point, Braverman quotes Marc Ellis, who says,

Constantinian Christianity has now been joined by Constantinian Judaism. Constantinian Islam is also a reality. Yet there are Christians, Jews, and Muslims who also oppose and suffer under Constantinism. (page 190, paperback)

Braverman's thesis, built up through autobiographical passages and scores of interviews, is that these people of faith--those who follow the religion of freedom, not the religion of Empire--may create a beloved community, in the Holy Land and throughout the world. The community will be united in love for the land and love and respect for each other. May this come to pass! May we all keep working toward it. But it seems so, so far away right now.

[Jeanie Linton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book during college (about a decade ago), began reading it, and then stopped because who has time to read during college? Anyways, I kept it and kept it on my shelves as an adult until now. With the Israel/Hamas and Palestinian conflict occurring in 2023 and 2024, this book was calling my name to pick back up. I have been trying to learn about the history of the Israel and Palestinian conflicts for centuries, as well as understand the religious, political, and socio-economical variables driving it all. It's so complicated. Braverman's book gave me another lens at which to view the conflict. His perspective is wise and humble, to say the least. I am thankful for this book, and thankful for wanting to buy it at a used book store over 10 years ago.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We simply must educate ourselves and stop this madness.

[Lyle Appleyard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from a Goodread Giveaway Contest.

I found the book interesting. It presented the view of Isereal from a Jew's point of view. Hes is not happy with the direction of Isreal. He is not happy with the wall that is seperting the Jews and Palestines. He makes comparsions betwen what is happening in the Middle East and what had happened in South Africa and the segragation in the American South. He examines the role religion has played in causing and solving the problems.

The opening chapters were a little confusing as the the author was giving his observations. I was not sure where he was going until we got into the latter chapters.

I would recommend the book. The problem in the Middle East is a complicated one. It is good to facts from all sides.