The Holy and the Broken: A cry for Israeli-Palestinian peace from a land that must be shared

by Ittay Flescher

When dehumanisation and destruction become the norm, the cycle must be broken.

For over twenty years, Ittay Flescher has worked as an educator, journalist and peacebuilder in Melbourne and Jerusalem. When he woke up on the morning of October 7, 2023 to the sounds of rocket sirens over Jerusalem and later saw the devastation of Gaza in response, the grief and sadness that engulfed him - and so many others - compelled him to how can we find a way forward? Following years spent facilitating dialogue between Jews, Muslims and Christians, Ittay believes that peace can only be found if we are willing to empathise with the pain of others.

The Holy and the Broken challenges Palestinian and Israeli leaders, citizens and their supporters across the world to imagine a different reality; to look at history with a different eye; and to search for moments of engagement rather than resentment in the narratives of the past that each side tells about itself. Ultimately, this is a story that aims to comfort the troubled and trouble the comfortable.

'Courageous and considered. Ittay nurtures the tender, fragile shoots of peace. The world could do with more people like him' Paul Kelly, Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist

'A book of rare insight and compassion, The Holy and the Broken offers the one thing we thought we'd lost after October 7: a glimmer of hope for meaningful lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians' Bram Presser, author of The Book of Dirt

'At a moment when many are choosing sides, Ittay Flescher encourages us to choose humanity. He offers a vision of a shared future, grounded in his life's work of grassroots peacebuilding with Jewish, Muslim and Christian youth. This timely and extraordinary book offers something precious and much hope' Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Central Synagogue, New York City

'A valuable primer for anyone wanting a fair-minded introduction to this desperately bleak conflict, and written by a man who is clearly big-hearted and brave' James Button, Jewish Independent

'What comes across consistently throughout the book is the author's sincerity and willingness to grapple with difficult issues and tough questions' Hannah Rozenblat, Jerusalem Post

'This is a thoughtful and thought-provoking book, heartfelt and honest. You do not need to agree with everything Flesher has to say to find the book moving and challenging' Michael Gawenda, former editor in chief, The Age, Melbourne

'This ability to empathise with the suffering on both sides is a core value of Flescher's reconciliation work, and the underpinning to many of the options he outlines' Dr Anne Sarzin, Jwire

'As challenging and as contemporary as it is compassionate. In a world broken by war and polarisation, Ittay offers peaceful possibilities and nuanced perspectives' Rabbi Ralph Genende OAM, author of Living in an Upside-down World

'The Holy and the Broken breaks new ground. Yet what makes it truly singular is its consistent humanity, and its centring of ordinary Israelis and Palestinians' John Lyndon, executive director, Alliance for Middle East Peace

'This account of the writer's devotion to peacebuilding in our war-torn region is a shining testament to what can and should be done by those who can imagine a future peace. It lights a candle in an age of darkness!' Sari Nusseibeh, author of Once Upon a A Palestinian Life

'When you finish it, you will not only know more about what's happening between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, but you will also know more about yourself' Maoz Inon, Israeli peacemaker and social entrepreneur

'A powerful testament to the possibilities of reconciliation and mutual empathy during conflict, what sets this book apart is its commitment to showcasing the experiences of the diverse individuals involved - especially the integral, yet frequently overlooked, stories of women. By highlighting the gender dynamics at play, Flescher enriches our understanding of the conflict and...

Genres: Nonfiction, Jewish, Politics, Audiobook, Religion, History

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2025

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ittay Flescher’s The Holy and the Broken is a timely, heartfelt, and empathetic exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the wake of October 7, 2023.

What stands out most is Flescher’s sincere commitment to empathy and dialogue. He refuses to dehumanise or diminish the suffering of either community, instead challenging readers to imagine a different, shared future. His focus on peacebuilding, especially through initiatives like Kids4Peace and the inclusion of women in reconciliation efforts, offers me a much-needed glimmer of hope.

I understand that Ittay is between a rock and a hard place, and his recent interview with Eylon Levy shows how a right wing hardcore Zionist can shut down any dialogue in the snap of a callous finger. However I did find myself frustrated by what occurred in the attempt to balance narratives, which felt to me like a reluctance to fully confront the scale of death and devastation in Gaza and the immense power imbalance between Israel (as the occupying force) and the Palestinians. Considering this didn’t start on October 7th I would have preferred a more direct reckoning with issues of international law and the ongoing occupation.

Still, this is a courageous book that does not shy away from difficult questions.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a salve for my the damage and despair my heart and soul have felt for the duration of this current war. Finding voices and stories that echo my feelings and answer my questions with neutrality, with humanistic ideas and with compassion has brought me lots of hope. It has also helped me unlearn and unpack truths and narratives I grew up with, and simultaneously encouraged me to continue to hold multiple opposing truths in my heart, knowing that everyone who lives between the river and the sea deserves better, and this is the beginning of how we get there.

[Caren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am familiar with Ittay Flescher through his op.eds published in the New York Times. His perspectives on the Palestine-Israel conflict result from his activism in organisations set up to promote peace between the two peoples and their governments. Flescher is a committed idealist and, although his "plan" for peace provides hope, it seems impossible at this stage of the historical relationship of the two peoples.

The basis of his proposal is that both Palestinians and Israelis learn to view each other from a new perspective, one that instead acknowledges the humanity of the other, one that recognises that each has suffered, that each has a human need for security, and that each must work to share the land that each cherishes. I was carried away with his clarity of vision while reading, but once I turned on the news, that hope was again quashed. He writes to Israelis that "Until this land is a safe and secure home for Palestinians, it will never be a home that is safe and secure for Israelis." His message to Palestinians is equally clear in the need for them to recognise Israel's right to exist.

[Jen Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ittay Flescher’s debut, The Holy and the Broken, is an extraordinary work that offers a profound salve for the soul during tumultuous times. With remarkable insight and sensitivity, Flescher weaves together themes of hope, resilience, and the duality of human experience in a way that resonates deeply. His exploration of the sacred and the shattered reflects both personal vulnerability and collective pain, yet ultimately opens a path toward healing.

Flescher’s prose is both lyrical and incisive, capturing the complexities of life with honesty and grace. The book does not shy away from the harsh realities of our world; instead, it embraces them, offering a balanced perspective that transforms suffering into an opportunity for growth. This transformation is particularly powerful in today’s troubled times, providing readers with a source of comfort and understanding that feels both timely and timeless.

For anyone seeking solace and a thoughtful reflection on the human condition, The Holy and the Broken is a must-read. I am deeply grateful that Flescher has given us this work and it’s a true testament to the power of literature to heal and inspire.

[Felicity Gooding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been wanting to understand the history of the Israel / Palestine conflict and I think this book tried to gave a balanced and compassionate view with an Australian twist. Heavy topic but an easy to read book with an optimistic message of hope. ‘Don’t be right, be smart’.

[Annelise Caplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to anyone grappling with complex and conflicting emotions about the Israel/Gaza war. In fact I think it’s essential reading for everyone.

Ittay’s writing is very balanced and informative, but also extremely digestible. After reading this book, I find myself having greater hope for peace between the Israeli and Palestinian people - something I’ve questioned since October 7.

[Gabi Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a long period of sadness and anger and grief, this book is a beacon of hope. Easy to read and well articulated it’s a good read for anyone who wants to understand the tensions within the land of Israel / Palestine and reminds us that peace is possible.

[Luke McCarthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit wishy-washy, but Flescher strikes me as a fundamentally decent person. I was moved by his stories of interfaith dialogue, and on the whole, find his vision of the future a worthwhile one (even if I may not be in complete agreement). One wishes that he would do more to foreground the relatively glaring disparities in power and might throughout this ‘conflict’, though the figures tend to speak for themselves.

[Nabil · Rating 3 out of 5]

If the past 80 years have taught us anything it’s that peace won’t be found through bullets, nor through systematic oppression, occupation, blockades, or terror. But it won’t also be found at negotiating table either, at least until we can see each others’ humanity and begin to trust one another.

This is what this book is about. It’s about the foundations for a lasting peace. Flescher does a good job of humanising each other’s fear and suffering. He even recognises, though not enough, the power imbalance between Palestinians and Israelis. As his own experience shows, that is rare from a Zionist. But as we learnt early from the Black Lives Matter movement, that imbalance matters, and as such, an “all lives matter” response is missing the point. The imbalances between occupier and occupied matters.

While I’m sure we wouldn’t agree on many specifics of a peace treaty, I wholeheartedly agree that a prerequisite to any treaty is to see the humanity in each other, through programs like Kids4Peace and many others in Israel/Palestine and across the world.

One of my favourite lines in the book is a quote from Rabbi Abraham Heschel, “in a free society, some are guilty, but all our responsible“. Let’s teach our kids to see the humanity in each other.

[Benjamin Farr · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into 'The Holy and the Broken' naively expecting a thoughtful and balanced exploration of the conflict. What I found instead was a thinly veiled piece of revisionist advocacy. The book positions itself as a nuanced account, but page after page reads more like an apologetic defense of one side — with Palestinians framed almost exclusively as victims and Israelis as aggressors.

Any complexity, history, or context that doesn’t suit the author’s narrative is conveniently downplayed or ignored. This isn’t serious analysis, it’s agenda-driven storytelling masquerading as scholarship. If you’re looking for genuine balance, critical engagement with facts, or an honest reckoning with both peoples’ suffering and responsibility, you won’t find it here.

A deeply disappointing and frustrating read.

[Cel Jel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book making me think. Helping me understand more than I did of the Naqba and the other various changes that had occurred since 1948. I have some questions to do with some statements but will be investigating further.
The time line at the end helped me understand I had a couple of blanks in the understanding of Palestine u der the Ottoman Empire it was also good to learn of some of the groups that helped getting Muslim and Jewish people together so they can learn to talk. Ittay works especially with a group that gets young people from Gaza and Jews from Israel to interact.
It is worth reading this book. In some ways it may depress you and make you think it may not be able to be solved, and in other ways it will allow hope.

[Stephania Windholz Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ittay Flescher’s work is an essential read for anyone with strong views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict who struggles to see the perspectives of the other side. Engrained in facts, history, and deep compassion for both peoples, it challenges readers to move beyond black-and-white narratives and engage with the humanity of all involved. Through personal stories and on-the-ground insights, Flescher provides a balanced and thought-provoking perspective, making this book especially valuable for those willing to step outside their ideological bubbles and develop a deeper, more nuanced understanding of a complex and often oversimplified conflict.

[Hannah Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no complaints. Ittay is an amazing peace builder and always knows exactly how to say the thing I have been trying to figure out how to say for so long. He holds space for voices of moderation when our world so often shuts those voices out, especially when it comes to this conflict. I wish I highlighted as I went along so that I could easily go back to all of the quotes that struck me— there were so many of them. His hope is inspiring and we should all do our best to dream with him.

[Ben Ginsburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

One person's take, including a great overview of the known and little-known history along with multiple perspectives on how we arrived at the current crisis and maybe - just maybe - how we can move forward. Perhaps the author is overly idealistic and positive; but mostly he's hopeful for a better future. Either way, it's a compelling read by someone who has done more than most to try to build a better world.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

The most honest review I can give this book is
…I was not the target audience.
I am not qualified to criticize objective flaws in the work
rather I can confirm that it does not appeal to me.

Just because the book does not agree with my personal taste
doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed by everyone…having a broader appeal.
The book is nominated for The Walkley Award 2025 in Australia
…so the author must be doing something right!

[Anton Grodeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ittay tells a fascinating story of his life and work in Jerusalem, and is a voice of hope and empathy in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts. For anyone that wants to go beyond sensationalised media reports about Israel and Palestine, this book is definitely worth a read.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

I have a bit of. Better understanding of the situation than I had before listening to this. I would like to listen again as there were some bits I need more clarification on. I hope one day it truly can be a shared land.

[samilto · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartfelt truth

Thank you.
On a day of continued suffering I, an Australian Jew. finished your book knowing that I am not alone in my belief for a better outcome for Israel and Palestine

[Farrells Bookshop · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable biography about an Australian Jewish man who (as a teacher) tried to work with youths to bring together young Israelite and Palestinian youths.

Read by Suzie

[Karen Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a journalist, teacher and Education Director for Israel’s Kids4Peace (now part of Seeds of Peace), Ittay Flescher has spent years bringing together youth across conflict lines. In this vital book for our times, Ittay shows how recognizing our shared humanity can cultivate dialogue and trust, dismantle stereotypes, counter dehumanization, and foster empathy—demonstrating that in both groups, there are partners for peace. In his book, Ittay highlights the young voices challenging the one-sided narratives they have inherited, and how, “two rooted and indigenous national identities” can engage in difficult conversations about historical events, identity, and coexistence.

What resonated most for me (as the daughter of a war survivor) was Flescher’s ability to humanize conflict. He reminds us that behind every headline are innocent mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons who deserve our compassion. He has learned that people with extreme opinions often carry deep traumas that shaped their beliefs: “I can understand someone’s pain and show empathy for that without agreeing with their political view.”

The Holy and The Broken includes an actionable roadmap to dialogue, incorporating lessons from conflicts and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, South Africa, and beyond. It is a powerful testament to the power of listening.