Under samme åbne himmel

by Tala Albanna, Michelle Amzalak, Dimitri Krier (Translator)

The remarkable, year-long correspondence between two young women in the wake of October 7—a Palestinian from Gaza City and an Israeli from Sderot—who, through letters, developed an improbable friendship through faith, genuine curiosity, and a shared hope for peace and liberation. Perfect for readers of Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza and The Eyes of Gaza.

"Tala, I've been thinking about you constantly ... I can't imagine what you've been through these past weeks. Are you safe?" "Michelle, I wish that I had the chance to know you better in different circumstances. I believe that it would be different."

In early 2024, French journalist Dimitri Krier reached out to two young Tala Albanna, a twenty-year-old from Gaza City, Palestine; and Michelle Amzalak, a twenty-four-year-old from Sderot, Israel. Tala had never spoken to anyone from Israel; Michelle had never spoken to anyone from Gaza. Would they be willing to write to each other? Both women said yes.

Over the course of a year and a half, Tala and Michelle opened up to each other about their faith, their families, and everything they'd ever wanted to say to someone on the other side of the divide, including their shared, unshakeable conviction that the bloodshed in Palestine served no one—and that, if history could be rewritten, they might have had a very different relationship. "Michelle, I wonder if you ever have questioned the validity of your state," Tala wrote, " ... Please tell your people to stop stealing our humanity and let us determine our fate." "I write to you of the harder days, of extreme war escalations and personal struggles," Michelle wrote, "but the truth is it feels almost shameful to mention these things to you after reading how hard you are fighting just for basic survival."

With the clear-eyed reflection of Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza and the uncompromising, on-the-ground testimony of The Eyes of Gaza, I Pray You Will Be Safe memorializes the improbable, border-transcending friendship between two ordinary young women, brought together by their unflagging faith, uncommon empathy, and a fierce hope for a better future.

Genres: Nonfiction, Israel, Memoir, War, History, Middle East

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was invited to read this book by the publisher, Little Brown & Company (my sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for granting me access to this treasure). What a poignant series of letters written between two women, one Palestinian, one Israeli, begun after the atrocities in Gaza perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

The idea of two people on different sides of the political spectrum writing letters to each other came from French journalist, Dimitri Krier, from a project he had been working. He was able to secure willing participants in Tala Albana, a 20 year old Palestinian living in Gaza City, and Michelle Amzalak, a 24 year old Israeli living in Sderot who started corresponding almost a year after the Hamas attack. That these two agreed to write is a great idea and accomplishment but what they wrote each other is equally amazing. In fourteen letters the women wrote frankly sharing heartfelt, intelligent and discerning thoughts and insights. The women had never before spoken to someone from the other side of the issue so there are some tensions but their humanity and desire to get past differences was amazing.

The most compelling statement comes from Amzalak who writes “I want people who read our letters, whether they support Israel or Palestine, both or neither, to understand this situation benefits no one except the selfish interests of leaders who will never pay the true cost.” In their summary letters to the readers, both make compelling summations of their position and life on their side. Both want to extend the arm of friendship- which what this world needs!

As I read I would occasionally look up at my silent TV with its multiplex four college games and pause to think I’ve never had to wake up to sirens, bombs or many of the horrors both women have experienced. I’m sitting safe in my condo insulated from the reality these two women have to face. This is why books such as this one are incredibly important - we must know of these sufferings and then we must do what each is able to do to work for change.

I gave this book five stars for its beautiful and honest letters; for the valiant women who wrote them and reached friendship and for the French journalist who conceived of this book’s concept. Highly recommend.

[Silje Holmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kan ikke kloke, modige damer ta over som verdensledere snart

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful little book, that I think everyone could benefit from reading. I found it interesting how this book did not try to convince you to support either side, but to just try to understand both sides, and what they go through. It was heartbreaking to hear them go through war then a ceasefire and hope, to going to war again and finding it difficult to keep hope. They both seek peace but it gets more and more difficult for them to believe it can happen. They are both similar places in life, in the same war, but we clearly see the difference between both sides. I would recommend everyone to read this, and keep speaking up for what you believe is right and wrong.

[Ebba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hjärtskärande och insiktsfullt om två unga kvinnors liv som pågår mitt i den brinnande världshistorien, mitt framför våra ögon. En brevväxling med bottenlös sorg och ilska, men också med spirande drömmar och medmänsklighet. Läs denna!

[Cherish · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, no notes. I am ashamed to say that I knew pretty much nothing about the genocide in Gaza until 2023, and I am still educating myself. This was so moving, I felt deeply emotional while reading it. To read their every day reality was harrowing and honestly shocking. This war is impacting millions of people and the generational trauma that is sure to follow this genocide will be really bad. Both of these women were so understanding, compassionate, and respectful, and I truly wish them both the best.

[Augustine Marguerite]

À mettre entre toutes les mains.

[Martha Seerup · Rating 3 out of 5]

En brevudveksling mellem to piger. Den ene fra Palæstina og den anden fra Israel. En bog der kun er blevet vigtigere i løbet af 2026.

[Jihad Hamid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was initially hesitant to read this as I did not have any information on the journalist or the women writing the letters and was concerned it could be Zionist propaganda. I am so happy that I gave it a chance. As much as I’ve followed this genocide, both of these women have given me a perspective I hadn’t heard before. The humanity that they are able to express is so heartening in a heartbreaking situation. Tala gives more grace than I can imagine having. And Michelle’s growth is encouraging to see on a micro level but her analysis of the feelings of the majority in Israel does not give much hope for the future. Regardless as is expressed multiple time in the book-the conversation is the point. There is no hope at all without communication and this is a wonderful addition to the conversation.

[Reeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haluaisin että sota loppuu, että epätietoisuus haihtuu, että minua sisältäpäin kalvava kuoleman- ja haavoittumisen pelko häviää. - - Sää kylmenee. Kaipaan talvivaatteitani. Tyttöjen juttuja, kynsien lakkaamista. Peilistä on tullut etuoikeus. Aion käydä kampaajalla ja useita kertoja kasvohoidoissa kun sota on ohi. En tunnista enää itseäni. Sota on polttanut kasvomme ja vienyt kauneuden mennessään (s. 79)

Tosi mielenkiintoinen, koskettava ja ajatuksia herättävä kirja kahden nuoren naisen kirjeenvaihdosta. He ovat vihollisia, mutta suostuvat siitä huolimatta näkemään toisissaan ihmisen. Julman ajankohtainen tänä maailmanaikana ja monelta kantilta katsottuna.

[NS · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 Stars! I cannot recommend this book any higher. The most important thing I have read in my life. The most important book in our time across our planet. This book will be reveled upon and cherished decades and maybe centuries from now.

This book should be required of all Americans, and frankly all citizens on this planet. There is such love, hope, pain, empathy, and oppression shared by both of these beautiful souls. Both want the good things in life and peace on earth. Their writings are beautiful and share more deeply the true things going on in Israel, Gaza, and with other nations. Israelis are kept in the dark on all news, and only shared one sided propaganda. Protests, media, or any information sharing is banned. The only book that I have read that comes close to this one is The Diary of Anne Frank.

Israeli woman: ..."But I honestly cannot comprehend what goes through the mind of someone who spends this day bombing another human being. Professor Yehuda Elkana, a Holocaust survivor and historian, once said, “Two nations emerged from Auschwitz, a minority saying, ‘this will never happen again,’ and a scared and anxious majority saying, ‘this will never happen again to us.’”3 These days more than ever I believe he was right."

Israeli woman: (Netanyahu is extremely unpopular in Israel and has been for a very long time. His desire to cleanse Iran has been common knowledge there for decades)... "2021, there was a popular hashtag people used on Twitter: “#but_iran.” They would say something like, “I have to pay more than half my salary for rent #but_iran.” "

I received an ARC from the publisher who reached out to me for an honest review. I give 1 and 2 star for books when they deserve them. This rating is sincerely based on the merit and the cataclysmic weight this book holds for the world.

[Éric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quand même on aurait lu 20 livres sur le conflit depuis le 7 octobre, il serait urgent de lire cette correspondance entre Tala et Michelle qui ont tout vécu de l'intérieur, et ne sont ni journaliste, ni écrivaine.
A de rares moments ressort la candeur de leur jeunesse, mais bien plus souvent c'est une très grande maturité, exceptionnelle pour leur âge, et qui vient de leurs tragédies respectives qui les ont sûrement fait grandir trop vite.
Même quand l'une écrit quelque chose de dur, l'autre prend le temps de la réflexion et de la réponse.
Le prologue de Dimitri est très intéressant. Il n'a pas choisi Michelle et Tala au hasard, et il pensait qu'un dialogue serait possible. Elles ne sont pas représentatives ni des Palestinien.ne.s ni des Israélien.ne.s dans leur ensemble. Et en sont bien conscientes.
Cependant il serait irresponsable et désespérant d'ignorer qu'il existe des voix pour espérer et travailler à la paix.

Et si vous ne les connaissez pas, allez voir l'association Les Guerrières de la Paix.

[Vanille Gautier (Abdelnour) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Une lecture utile qui répond aux questions qu'on se pose face au génocide en cours. À travers la correspondance de Tala (Gaza City) et Michelle (Sdérot, Israël), on comprend comment on peut continuer à vivre en Israël malgré tout, on découvre que les civils des deux camps ne sont pas (tous) animés par la haine, on lit à quoi ressemble réellement la vie quotidienne à Gaza.

Le format épistolaire décrit les événements de manière concrète et intime, force l'empathie. On redécouvre la timeline des événements à travers les réactions, les peurs (souvent partagées) et les silences de ces deux jeunes filles plutôt que par les gros titres des news. L'évolution de leur mentalité au fil des lettres est visible et révélatrice, en particulier celle de Michelle, qui réalise progressivement le déséquilibre des forces impliquées. Le livre ne cherche à convaincre de rien : il expose simplement deux réalités qui coexistent.

[Dimitri Krier]

!!!

[Marit Stensland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ei lita bok som viser lidelsen fra begge sider av konflikten, men også medfølelse mellom to mennesker. Krig har ingen vinnere.

[Nicole Chipp · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I really appreciate the insight this book gave into the experiences of Tala and Michelle. I wish this could have been a bigger project with multiple people of different ages and genders writing to each other across the divide. Both women came off as sympathetic and level-headed within this crisis. Michelle in particular showed growth through her letters, however that comes as no surprise given her background. Dimitri Krier really picked the perfect Israeli woman to take part in this project. She was raised in a pacifist family, her family lived in Palestine for generations before the creation of Israel, she went to the only school for both Israeli and Palestinian students. Her compassion and willingness to learn from Tala is indicative of her background. She is extremely aware of her privilege, which becomes even starker as Tala's life in Gaza becomes more and more harrowing. I wish the project could have also been done between a Palestinian and an Israeli who have more differing perspectives. However, I understand why that may not have been possible.
Krier included footnotes for each letter, providing context for things the women reference. However, I wish there was more context given on the actual writing and timeline of the letters. Were these the only letters written between the women? Were some things left out for their safety and privacy? Why were there two letters from Michelle back-to-back? There were a few times while reading where I felt a little lost. However, that is an extremely minor critique on an otherwise extremely powerful and compelling book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is passionate or at all interested in Palestine and Israel. This book provide first-hand accounts of what it's like living in Gaza and Israel after the October 7th attacks. Tala and Michelle provide distinct and individualistic viewpoints from these two groups that many are viewing as monoliths. It's important that we witness Tala's perseverance in Gaza and her struggles after she left. It's also important to read Michelle's feelings of conflict over Israel, her opinions on Netanyahu and the Israeli government, and her passion for human rights. I also think many people will be interested in the multiple times throughout the letters when Tala and Michelle comforted each other over their losses and reaffirmed again and again that they abhor violence committed against any civilian, Palestinian or Israeli.
Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for access to an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Aprilcots · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit that I was nervous to review this book. We have gotten so used to one sided propaganda here in the United States, that I was concerned that it was going to have an agenda or try to steer the reader’s sensibilities toward the author’s belief systems. Instead, it was an unflinching and honest glimpse of the terrors happening in Gaza and Israel through the eyes of two normal young women who were living through it. This is not an easy read. The horrors that these girls have seen are undeniably raw, and I think that’s exactly what is needed to pierce through the unseeing hearts of the black and white thinkers who have perpetuated these atrocities. There is anger. There is blame. They wrote through air raid drills and displacement and starvation and illness and upheaval and so much loss. Through it all, there is compassion and empathy and a real willingness to listen and change and concede and stand firm. I would put this book on the shelf with A Diary of Anne Frank and Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime as required reading of first hand accounts of atrocities that the world contrives to fit their own narratives.

I appreciated that the journalist who complied these letters clearly edited for errors, but allowed the voices of the two young ladies to remain their own. I learned a lot about the history of the area, of the grievances of both sides, and of the far right politicians who have perpetuated this violence for their own petty gains. For anyone who is willing to listen and learn and maybe sit with their own discomfort, I would recommend this book as an excellent place to start. Thank you, Net Galley and Little, Brown and Company for this advance reader copy .

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does one review a book composed of letters between two people who are taught to be enemies yet are willing to try to find common ground through their correspondence? The writing by Tala who lives in Gaza and Michelle who lives in Israel is exquisite. They are both honest and they express their raw emotions and suffering in a beautiful way. The French journalist who started the letter writing project and turned it into a book provides an introduction and footnotes that add context to the events referred to in Tala and Michelle's letters.

It did strike me that the success of the project can only be attributed to the unique young women who chose to participate. If Michelle was not sympathetic to the Palestinian humanitarian crisis created by the Israeli government and Tala unwilling to separate the acts of individual citizens from those inflicted by their government their correspondance would be very different, if it had even started at all.

I Pray You Will Be Safe does an excellent job of personalizing the situation in Gaza by showing its impact on the lives of two remarkable young people. It is simultaneously heartbreaking and hopeful - I was moved.

Thank you to Little Brown and Company and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this remarkable work. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

[JL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tala and Michelle are two incredibly brave women on opposite sides of a conflict that’s spanned decades. Their letters, exchanged through a French journalist, were written with the knowledge that their governments and communities would not approve, yet they each committed to hearing and understanding the perspective of the other. These letters provide a glimpse into the complexities and hardships that are faced by civilians on both sides as Tala and Michelle navigate their daily lives and experience great losses.

I kept thinking about my own privilege as I read these letters. Thinking about how much I take for granted every day. Reliable access to internet. To education. To healthcare. To food and water. So many of us continue with our days, forgetting about the hardships of others. Many of us will never truly understand what people like Tala and Michelle have been through. But we can help. We can continue to hear their stories. We can continue to educate ourselves and others. And we can continue to vote and call our local and state representatives.

Tala and Michelle’s letters were honest, heartbreaking, and, at times, full of hope for a better, safer future. I pray we will see that future someday soon.

*Many thanks to Tala Albanna, Michelle Amzalak, Dimitri Krier, Little, Brown and Company, and NetGalley for an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for honest review*

[Whitney Hofstetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for an advance copy of this book.

5/5 stars

Plot: Non-fiction, the correspondence between two women- an Israeli and Palestinian.

Impression: I read this book in one sitting but it is very heavy! The words and experiences of these two young women will stick with me. They showed each other tremendous grace even in their willingness to communicate. That Tala was able to write to Michelle while literally going without food was inspiring. I appreciate their dedication to this project. I think it would have been interesting if the Israeli writer had been more moderate, but I don’t know if it would have happened. Both women showed remarkable openness in writing to one another.

Star System: 5 star reads are books I can’t put down and/or make me cry. This is a book that will stick with me for either the topic, writing style, or emotional impact.
4 star books are unique or interesting and perhaps teach me something new. A feel good read is usually 4 stars.
3 star reads are good, solid books. I’m not necessarily learning or feeling anything new.
2 star books have some plot holes or timeline issues. These are the books that just aren’t believable.
1 star books are typically offensive

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing example of how empathy can be fostered when opposite sides of a conflict take the effort to listen and be respectful of the other side.

Dimitri Krier could not have picked two more articulate and incredible young women for this project. Tala Albanna and Michelle Amzalak, although they call themselves ordinary, are incredibly well spoken and are able to humanize their situations. Growing up in an area with nonstop conflict, feeling powerless, having their lives completely disrupted, and still be able to try and help others around them.... They are a beacon of hope for this world's future.

I have to admit, I haven't paid much attention tomthe conflict in Gaza prior to reading this book, but now that I know what has been going on, I won't be able to unsee it. The atrocities the Isreli govenrnment are inflicting on the Palestanian people are brought to life through Tala's words. And the brainwashing the Isreli people are experiencing are felt in Michelle's words.

Everyone should read this book. Not next year, but now.

[Daulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would’ve loved some background info on the formation of Hamas and what they really are but also how the whole conflict really has come about between the 2 nations. Also would’ve been interesting to see the perspective of someone who is supportive of the current government to understand why. These 2 women really showcased what is important in this all which is being human and both show the desire for the same outcome, showing that we are not all as different as we think. Both women do a great job of displaying the evils of media and politicians and how they only are after their own interests and can cause so much harm.

[Sue May · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

A book of letters. Wasn't sure. But I truly enjoyed every one of them. These young ladies are so strong and smart. Gives me pause and can't forget how lucky we are. I appreciated this book and would highly recommend.

[Anna-Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is already available as an audio book in Finnish. (August 2026)

Saatavilla jo äänikirjana suomeksi. (Elokuu 2026)

[Dimitri Krier]

🫶🏻🫶🏻

[Tapani Aulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inhimillinen näkökulma mahdottomaan ongelmaan.

[Hege Guttormsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dette var sterkt! To flotte, smarte unge kvinner. Fulle av medmenneskelighet og et ønske om å leve i fred med hverandre, side om side uavhengig av religion og politisk ståsted. Den ene fra Gaza. De. andre fra Israel. Refleksjonene de deler med gir et innblikk i konflikten som man sjelden får når det snakkes om storpolitikk. Denne burde alle lese!

[Nadine Lensborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oplysende, personlig, ærlig og hjerteskærende brevveksling mellem to unge kvinder, Michelle fra Israel og Tala fra Gaza, som begge studerer jura og udviser hjerte, intelligens og mod. Både i deres sind, handlinger og ved at give sig i kast med denne brevveksling.
Denne lille bog har et stort, stærkt og dybt indhold. Man kan håbe den vil inspirere flere mennesker til at tilgå konflikter og svære samtaler med samme åbenhed , nysgerrighed, empati og viljen til at lytte som disse to unge kvinder. Eneste minus er at bogen stopper lidt brat, hvilket er logisk nok, da den jo skulle på bogform.

[Ewelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Niezłomne serca” to książka, która przerosła moje oczekiwania. Biorąc ją do rąk nie do końca wiedziałam czego się po niej spodziewać.
Gdy zaczęłam czytać nadal nie byłam przekonana czy zachwyci mnie ona. Ale kiedy dotarłam do części, w której była wymiana listów pomiędzy Talą – Palestynką z Gazy i Michelle – Izraelką z Sederot przepadłam. Obie dziewczyny mieszkały dość blisko siebie, ale wychowane były we wzajemnej wrogości. Nie chciały by ta wrogość jednak zamieszkała w ich sercach na zawsze i postanowiły do siebie pisać listy.
Gdy panował chaos wojenny, gdy słyszały świst pocisków rakietowych i widziały śmierć bliskich jak również dzieci postanowiły rozpocząć wtedy wymianę listów. W listach tych opisują nie tylko swoje emocje związane z wojną, ale również swoje marzenia, zainteresowania i swoją zwykła codzienność. Książkę tę nie czyta się łatwo, ze względu na ogrom tych emocji i świadomość, że te dwie osoby żyją naprawdę.
Książka ta napisana jest w postaci listów i jest ona bardziej o ludziach i ich emocjach w czasie trudnych, wojennych czasów niż o polityce. Pokazuje ona bezsilność, ale również to, że można wybudować most tam gdzie jest to niemożliwe. Pokazuje ona świat z dwóch perspektyw bez jednoznacznego oceniania.
Ci co szukają tutaj dynamicznej akcji to mogą być rozczarowani. Książka ta skupia się na emocjach i jest książką refleksyjną, a nie opisem wydarzeń z frontu.
Książkę tę polecam każdemu kto lubi reporterze i literaturę faktu. Tym, którzy lubią książki skłaniające do refleksji i szukających w nich wielu emocji.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

Otroligt fint initiativ. Viktigt att ge röst åt två kvinnor på vardera sida om konflikten. Tror Dimitri har varit ganska selektiv när han har valt vilka han vill ska brevväxla med varandra. Han har trots allt lyckats finna två som ändå bär på samma vilja att ha fred. De har liknande perspektiv på konflikten, om än något färgat av vilket land de kommer ifrån. Men det kanske behövde vara så för att konversationen skulle kunna hållas respektfull rakt igenom. För det om något känner jag att Michelle och Tala är för varandras situationer och åsikter.

Men trots detta så känner jag dock att förord och efterord är de två mest intressanta för mig då de återger situationen i en bredare helhet och återger lite mer fakta om konflikten än Tala och Michelle återger i sina brev till varandra. Däremot tycker jag att man får en bättre inblick i de båda ländernas situation genom de två kvinnorna.

Jag tycker nog ändå att det har varit intressant att ta del av deras berättelser, deras upplevelser och hur kriget ser ut för dem båda och deras folk.

[Jack]

(läst på svenska då, men finns inte på goodreads). Jävla jobbig läsning. Men fint. Viktig.

"Det är samma personer som jag går förbi på gatan, som håller upp dörren för mig i mataffären eller hjälper mig på bussen som sedan avsiktligt fäller bomber som dödar hundratals oskyldiga."

"Men det känns omöjligt att dejta någon under ett folkmord."

"Barnen som kommer och träffar mig på Rädda Barnen kan inte längre stå upp. De sitter ner, tysta, utan att leka - inte för att de inte har lust, utan för att de är svaga. De har ingen energi och får inte tillräckligt med mat."