The Holy Land at War: A Journey Through Israel, the West Bank and Gaza

by Mark Patinkin

In this revealing journey through Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza itself, longtime journalist Mark Patinkin explores one of the world’s most divisive conflicts, capturing the stories of both sides in “The Holy Land at War.”

He saw where Oct. 7 unfolded, and later witnessed Palestinian hardship - and hospitality - in Ramallah and Bethlehem. He traveled through the now dystopian landscape inside the war zone, spoke with wounded IDF soldiers, the parents of Israeli hostages, and heard the words of everyday Palestinians struggling to survive in Gaza.

Patinkin took a similar trip three decades ago during the first intifada, and in 2024, caught up with many he interviewed then, weaving in their views on what has - and mostly hasn’t - changed.

“The Holy Land at War” is not a political analysis but a personal odyssey – one writer’s attempt to bear witness through those touched by this long conflict, Jews and Arabs sentenced together by history and geography.

Patinkin’s hope is that readers will feel they have been brought along.

And that the journey will be revealing.

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2024

Reviews

[Cori Loescher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book sharing first hand experiences of the Israel/Palestine war. Mark’s knowledge and access over multiple years and visits bring insider insights to the reader. Accounts told by persons living, working and serving on both sides allow you to get a much deeper bilateral view of the conflict. It is tremendous to hear these chilling, poignant and heart wrenching stories and to gain a deeper understanding of the motivations on both sides. Sadly it leaves me with little hope for resolution despite Mark’s best attempt to end with a positive perspective.

[Connie Ciampanelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Providence Journal columnist Mark Patinkin traveled to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza soon after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and its aftermath. It is not about battles, but rather the story of the people on both sides of the war who live in the Holy Land. Patinkin's writing is clear-eyed and unbiased, and he writes with great heart, grace, dignity, and deep compassion.

A must read for anyone who wishes better to understand the people in the middle of this conflict.
Highly recommended.

[Lev Rothenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful, gentle and amazing book writtem with compassion and intelligence.
The author causes the reader to see the humanity in everyone involved in the Israel/Palestinian world. That is difficult to see as the solution still seems so very far away.

[Rebecca Brenner Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

readable, informative, and brave