Healing Israel/Palestine: A Path to Peace and Reconciliation

by Michael Lerner

Healing Israel/Palestine shows that it is possible to be both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine, and provides a clear blueprint for a peace settlement. Unequivocally opposed to war makers and terrorists, Rabbi Michael Lerner asserts that a spiritual and progressive perspective, rooted in the highest values of the human race, is crucial. Perfect for individuals, discussion groups, and organizations, this book answers difficult philosophical and political questions that emerge when advocating peace and justice in the Middle East. It includes extensive historical information with a focus on current events, photographs, and detailed political maps of the region. An appendix provides resources for readers interested in activism.

Genres: Middle East

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2003

About the author

Michael Lerner was an American political activist, the editor of Tikkun, a progressive Jewish interfaith magazine based in Berkeley, California, and the rabbi of Beyt Tikkun Synagogue in Berkeley.

Reviews

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had been on a friend’s mother’s shelf for years before it made its way to me. I wanted to brush up on my understanding of Israel’s history, and this book felt like a decent way to do it. He takes a very rabbinical approach to events- “On the one hand….on the other hand…so you could see how one side would think…and the other side would feel…” and so on. It was an honest and balanced approach that I appreciated, but I had to remember, it was published in 2002. Near the end, the author says he believes peace is possible within 20 years. If he had only known. Ultimately what he thinks both sides need is a change of the heart- finding compassion and recognizing the humanity of the other side, to act out of goodness and hope for peaceful coexistence. The idea is beautiful, but quaint, and feels rather impossible. At the time of publication, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad weren’t anywhere near what they are now. Israel hadn’t left Gaza, and Hamas hadn’t taken control. The entire world hadn’t seemingly changed overnight, denying Jews their ethnic and cultural history, and denying Israelis empathy and compassion in the present. As if it’s completely impossible- or somehow indefensible- to be able to have empathy both for Palestinian and Israeli civilians at the same time. I don’t know what Lerner would suggest at this moment, but I finished this book with even less hope than I had when I started, and it was already in short supply.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadness was my primary emotion reading this book as Lerner would represent a far left element (to Zionists) of Zionism that would be ignored presently. Sadness further that it seems that Zionism itself has certain blind spots that cannot be faced no matter how sincere the attempt from within Zionism.

One example would be Question 10 at the conclusion of the book referring to the Zionists coming to the land and then taking it from another people. Lerner's response alludes to the idea of the immigrant or aslyum seeker "not being accepted" as the Jews were escaping persecution which of couse is very true - they were escaping persecution before and after WWII. Yet it leaves out completely the contextual element of power represented by the British firstly and secondly British support for a specific agenda of these immigrants which was Zionism as both ideology and practical plan. Zionism didn't leave room for the land's current inhabitants - of which these inhabitants were well aware and who were themselves traumatized after massive war time loss coupled with British aggressiveness! This history can be found in Palestinian writers like Khalidi whose own family was writing of Zionism's plans during WWI and before.

At another point Lerner alludes to this same idea of immigration for Jews as a form of "affirmative action which progressives should agree with". This is a terrible analogy IMO in that affirmative action in the States is meant to rectify past injustices within the country and most importantly is about re-balancing power. In Palestine the incoming Jewish immigrants after Balfour in particular WERE most definitely in a greater position of power than the land's inhabitants as the Zionists had the firm support of the British. Plus, affirmative action in the States is about injustices of one towards the either being set right through action. The Arabs didn't commit the injustice as horrific as the Holocaust was so how is affirmative action relevant in this context? One of the primary deceptions of this entire conflict is the powerful Arabs vs the weak Zionists. This has actually never been the case - especially after Balfour when the Zionists were backed by the colonial powers. It is in fact a dangerous lie and must be challenged even if from someone I othwerwise respect as much as Lerner.

Now Lerner anticipated my sort of criticism. At the back of the book he said that some will just say he's a closet Zionist. I don't know if it's so hidden and that's ok but history, narrative and perception are everything and if this part is not accurate it's hard to see both perspectives and I'm really attempting through his writing - yet again if this is as far towards the Palestinian perspective as is possible in Israeli society then we are in serious trouble.

The elements of non-violent practice, the theology of the love aspects of welcoming the other in Judaism and the tenets of the faith as laid out by Lerner are of course beautiful and insightful. And he also acknowledges a clear grasp of the issues facing the Palestinians and what they might consider most important (at least from my experience with Palestinians themselves). Yet it's these historical perceptions or blind spots that actually become major or primary issues. Perhaps blind spots are the tragedy of historical trauma and in this case two horribly traumatized societies. What our answer is on December 3 watching the worst bombing yet of this 2 month genocide, I have no idea. Ceasefire and then what?

[Hadas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-rounded, heart-breaking, and oddly still relevant.

[Kate Cleland-sipfle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't let the publication date discourage you; the author's timetable for steps toward peace (not the "road map" steps, mind you) has been overruled by the passage of time, but the background, detail, and reflection are well worth reading. I learned a lot, and I agree with the author that it would be good if he and someone of Muslim faith, especially of Palestinian extraction, could collaborate on a sequel. He says that both sides have contributed to the current mess and have missed opportunities to consider the humanity of the other and engage them to work toward solutions. Many historic events and processes are summarized here, yet with enough detail to give a sense of the complexity involved. U.S. involvement is not spared, nor should it be. I agree with the author that non-violent protest would be the best course to follow. I've said for years that I'll side with the first people who lie in the road to show the world they want peace. It doesn't look as if I'll take sides for quite a while, alas.

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book from the perspectives of both a Palestinian & Israeli. They have been able to really share their experiences & the thought processes they have gone through. There are certain parts/chapters of the book were Zionism come into play that for me was hard to follow sine unfamiliar w/ it. Unfortunately there are no easy answers to the turmoil that has been happening for hundreds of years in that area. Being able to see things from both their perspectives is something you won't normally expect. They are trying to create a vision for peace amongst their people which at this point in time seems impossible. The torment that both sides have gone through is awful but trying to repair it is on such a difficult level beyond their capacity. They have some resources in the back of the book so you can contact various organizations to get more involved or just to gain more knowledge.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amongst angry voices, broken promises, and catastrophies on both sides, Rabbi Michael Lerner offers one of the clearest steps to compromise and understanding. Unlike many Jewish voices, Lerner offers equal compassion for the plight of Palestinians and is not blindsighted by allegiance Jewish faith to make a fair judgment, but without suggesting the destruction of the Israeli state. Simply because this book is older does not mean it does not hold true. It remains the best hanging ideas in the balance and may some politicians be wise enough to use it.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a rabbi, this book tries to see both sides in the history (which is rare), and offers a vision for reconciliation, starting with Jews apologizing, a not-too-popular point of view.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how Rabbi Lerner expresses a peaceful Jewish perspective. Too bad there are not more like him.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost done, this is definitely worth reading