Israel: Um Guia sobre o Conflito Israelo-Palestiniano para os Curiosos, os Confusos e os Indecisos

by Daniel Sokatch

«Daniel Sokatch fez um trabalho notável nesta história do conflito, usando uma linguagem clara e acessível. Nenhum leitor concordará com tudo o que ele escreve. Isso é bom! Mas todos os leitores serão capazes de reconhecer a sua honestidade, paixão, inteligência e humanidade.»
Daniel B. Shapiro, embaixador dos EUA em Israel (2011-2017)

«Podes explicar-me a situação de Israel em dez minutos ou menos?» Daniel Sokatch - judeu, especialista no conflito israelo-palestiniano e defensor da igualdade de direitos para todos os israelitas (incluindo os árabes) - vê-se perante esta pergunta quase diariamente.

Israel - Um Guia sobre o Conflito Israelo-Palestiniano para os Curiosos, os Confusos e os Indecisos é a história desse conflito e uma tentativa de partilhar os factos de uma disputa centenária entre dois povos, na qual ambos os lados se veem como vítimas (e de facto são- -no). É ainda uma tentativa de explicar porque é que as pessoas têm emoções tão fortes acerca deste tema, mesmo quando sabem pouco sobre ele.

Com ilustrações de Christopher Noxon, Israel é um livro acutilante, de leitura acessível, sobre a história e os contornos políticos, religiosos e humanitários de uma das mais complexas disputas do mundo. Escrito por um perito que compreende os dois lados do conflito, este é um guia moderno (com ecos do clássico Guia dos Perplexos, de Maimónides) sobre Israel e a questão israelo-palestiniana.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics, Israel, Middle East, Jewish, Judaism

384 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2021

Reviews

[Natalia · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's not a "conflict in Ukraine." It's the Russian war against Ukraine.

Ukrainians were not "in conflict with Russia" until Russians started killing us and launching missiles to destroy Ukrainian cities.

It's KYIV, not Kiev.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still reading — my Kindle recorded that I was done reading it ….
because I jumped to the end to read some notes.
I’m actually not done —-it’s very good though — accessible!
— would make a great discussion pick. Which a few of us plan to do.

UPDATE….(forgive the length)….
This is a valuable- easy to follow - educational & enjoyable….
The type of book you want to put into the hands of everyone around the world.


Update review ….
Anyone who wants to read this book, and join a book discussion—here on Goodreads, everyone is welcome. It will be very informal-no rules-and a little fun.
Bruce Katz will set up a discussion group for us (thanks Bruce).
Stacey B. sent me this link:

https//www.sixthan-di.org/event/daniel-sokatch

The link allows anyone who wants to listen to the online talk by the author on Nov. 8th 7:30 PT. (price is $6 - pay online)

“Both Israelis and Palestinians have invested a great deal of energy and innovation in trying to strengthen their claim to the land by denying that as the other”.

“The challenge of the place of Israel’s Arab citizens in Israeli society goes right to the heart of the unresolved nature of what Israel is meant to be”.

Now for an update review:
Goodreads member *Linden*, was the first review I read — (clear, short, and ‘right on’). I’m sure she speaks to everyone who reads of this book:
“Written in a friendly readable style, it is a very evenhanded look at Israel’s history, it’s politics, and its relation with the land and the Palestinian people. There is no doubt that the region has some complicated politics, but this respectful look at all the parties involved is a must-read for any open-minded reader interested in history or current affairs”. — thank you *Linden*!

I knew there was something refreshingly interesting about Daniel Sokatch when I heard him being interviewed on CNN….. after all the hullabaloo hit the news about Sally Rooney declining to sell translation rights to an Israeli publisher. (I felt very unsettled).

The beginning of Daniel’s book —was very relatable.
Ever been to a rock ‘n’ roll floor/pillow/sitting/reclining Seder— a non-traditional Jewish Seder with your political family and friends?
Why is this night different from all others??….
I have …..
The beginning introduction of Daniel’s book had me saying…
YES, yes… I repeat ….YES!

Introduction excerpt:
“Have you ever found yourself at a dinner party when the topic of Israel came up, and you wanted to flee to another room?”
“I feel your pain. I’m often asked, can’t you just explain the Israel situation to me in, like, ten minutes or less? People want to know, they want to understand, and they want me to wrap it up before their entrées arrive. This book will take more than 10 minutes to read, but it won’t be a daunting, intimidating undertaking. It will be, I hope, interesting and engaging, and after you’ve read it, you’ll be able to hold your own and any Israel conversation, at any dinner party”.
Israel

I was ready for the ride….and excited to read this book — a buddy read — with Goodreads buddy Stacey B. ……now open to everyone who wants to join. 🙂

Linden already gave us the nuts and bolts - of what to expect …..
….we will go deeper into specifics in the group discussions….
So - I’ll add just a few tidbits:
PART 1… The author looks at how we got to where we are today in regards to Israel. He defined some of the key terms and familiarize ourselves with a story of Israel as well as the geography, history, and contours of the conflict.
PART 2…Daniel takes us deeper into the most important and often contentious and emotionally loaded issues that define Israel and the challenges it faces today.

Questions to contemplate:
….what is the evangelist Christian obsession with Israel?
….what is the relationship between the two largest Jewish communities in the world: Israel and United States?
….why are there so many land mines when it comes to talking about, and criticizing Israel and it’s policies?
….what does it mean for a country that calls itself a Jewish state to have a non-Jewish minority that makes them citizens?
….how can a country that considers itself a democracy guaranteeing equality for all citizens even describe itself as a state that belongs only to one particular class of those citizens?
….would a two state solution suddenly become more appealing to Israelis? Would it be too late?
….what is the purpose of the BDS movement? What do those in favor say vs. those who oppose it say?
….is criticism of Israel anti-Semitic? No. (except when it is). Just being anti-Zionist make you anti-Semitic? No. (except when it is).
…. Since Palestinians no longer care for a two state solution because they do not believe one will ever come to pass, their demand is ‘one person, one vote’. How would Israel, liberal American Jews, the United States, and international community respond to an organize movement making this demand? How long would status quo of occupation and disenfranchisement last if this were the official Palestinian position?
These are just ‘some’ of the questions that the author examines.

A QUESTION I have…. “Why was Palestinian left off the books title?

Another question I have…(believing that Israelis and Palestinians alike, should have equal rights), with a strong emotional ‘pro-Israel’ stand….(a growing awareness that this too is - me - is part of the problem), how am I do be….and what is my role as An American liberal Jew (with first cousins, nephews and nieces all living in Israel - and my own emotional attachment to Israel (directly affected by being in Israel during the Yom Kippur War), ….can I trust myself to have a balanced and nuanced position when it comes to the conflicts between Jews and Palestinian? It’s an honest question— one I may be criticized just by having the question.

So…….much is covered in Daniel’s book. He does an excellent job sticking with the facts.
Daniel didn’t engage in propaganda. (But he comes with his own perspectives) > Both sides - “two peoples”,
“both with legitimate connections and claims to the land, who have been victimized by the outside world, each other, and themselves. It is a conflict about land and also about memory and legitimacy; about the right to exist and also
about the right to self-determination. It is about survival and justice. It is about competing narratives understood by their adherents to be singularly ‘true’. These narratives are fueled not only by lived experiences, but also by stories and religious traditions and family and media consumption and political persuasions—and by various degrees of ignorance, willful or otherwise, I believe that’s the biggest obstacle to resolving conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is not a lack of political imagination, but a lack of political will”.

Lots more covered - but brilliantly written for REAL PEOPLE to understand….(could be a great book to teach from - with our High School kids around the world).
Other topics covered: “The Lexicon of the Conflict” at the back of the book was very helpful.
The Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel, Diaspora, Druze, Fatah, Gaza, the West Bank, the Six-Day War, the Yom Kippur War— The shocking and surprise attack.
NOTE…I was on Kibbutz Gesher at the time - sent to stay in a bomb shelter for about 10 days),
Palestinian Authority, Zionism, Golan Heights, the Syria and Galilee region, settlements, an understanding of ‘Greater Land of Israel’, Green Line, Nakba, Hamas, Intifada, IDF Israel Defense forces, Oslo Accords, democracy, suicide bombings, Jerusalem (East and West), the Old City, Knesset, Palestinian Liberation Organization,
Israel Prime Minister Yasser Arafat (The history, his character, the assassination, and eulogy) >>
NOTE … I was so moved by the granddaughters eulogy of her grandfather. VERY BEAUTIFUL.
Road map for peace, Temple Mount, Israel’s war of independence (catastrophe for the Palestinians), ‘The Suez Crisis’ often referred to as the Second Arab-Israeli War, (Israelis call this the Sinai War), Battles initiated by Egyptian president Nasser, ‘State of Palestine’, Lebanon, AND MORE….

BUT….THIS BOOK IS EASY TO FOLLOW….
…..it’s incredibly informative —easier to comprehend than most books ‘about Israel’ — (wonderful conversational intimate styling). Even the graphic cartoon inserts are helpful)…

So….with history comes demonstrations, protest, strikes, riots, major wars, ongoing bombings and friction, violence, many soldiers and local residents killed on both sides: Palestinians and Jews….
PACKED FILLED with complex issues, ….

NOTHING IS SIMPLE WHEN IT COMES TO ISRAEL

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can We Talk About Israel?

Daniel Sokatch is the CEO of the New Israel Fund, an NGO that sponsors organizations within Israel/Palestine that promote liberal democracy, equal rights, and shared society. The organization's best-known grantee is the Parents Circle Families Forum featured in Column McCann's novel Apeirogon.

In his book, Can We talk about Israel? Sokatch provides a historical overview of Israel from Biblical times to the present and a guide to the conflict's hot-button issues. He also describes his journey as a Jewish American, his opposition to the occupation, his devastation at the failure of the Oslo Accords, Rabin's assassination, and the continuous expansion of the settlement movement. While Sokatch's journey is not uncommon in the American Jewish community, openly describing these sentiments is not the norm. In this sense, Can We talk about Israel? is a courageous book. Sokatch's life choices reflect this courage. While many American Jews experience dissonance, few dedicate their lives to working for change.

Sokatch's activism and his work raising awareness and funds for activist NGOs lend credibility to this book. (See https://www.nif.org/our-issues/). He writes in a lively, informal conversational style that is very accessible. The two hundred-page history provides a solid framework for his discussion of the current impasse. While I was familiar with the history, his analysis of hot button issues enhanced my understanding. His chapters on the settlements, BDS, Israel's Arab citizens (Palestinian, Bedouin, and Druze), anti-Semitism, and the American Evangelical community were very insightful.

The book ends with profiles of three activists:
Maisam Jaljuli, 47, a Palestinian citizen of Israel, Feminist and political activist

Mutasim Ali, 34, a Sudanese political asylum seeker, immigrant rights activist, lawyer, and refugee

Gadi Gvaryahu, 64, Jewish Israeli Human Rights activist.

For Sokatch, who believes in the two-state solution, the activism and work he sees on the ground give him hope for the future. Can We Talk about Israel provides a nuanced and thoughtful analysis of the conflict. I highly recommend it.

[Carmel Hanes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to say right up front that my review won't do this book justice. First, because I listened on audio so I can't provide quotes or review important sections to help be more specific; second, because while I was very interested in the content, my previous knowledge of Israel and the on-going conflict with the Palestinians was so minimal that I still couldn't pass a test on all the complexities of the situation; and third I have a heck of a time with remembering names (again, impacts that specificity thing).

But, I can highly recommend this as a very cogent and well-researched history of Israel/Palestine.

It answered questions I've had about our national policies when it comes to Israel and why it's been so difficult to find solutions to the ongoing conflict and violence in the region. It appeared to be well-balanced and fair to both sides and all factions that are stake-holders in the situation (past and present), outlining the multiple efforts throughout the years to reach agreements, only to have that process derailed. I learned a great deal about what life is like for the average Israeli and Palestinian, the hardships endured, the feelings on each side. And I learned that, like the U.S., both sides have divisions within them, further complicating the attempt to find peace. Terms, places, people I've heard over the years were explained, connected and woven into some "aha" moments.

There was much about this stalemate that reminded me of events here in the United States--the land issues between the government and the Indigenous population, the second class status of POC, the conflicts between "left" and "right" political camps, and the growing sense of "democratic recession"--a term used in the book which was new to me, but describes changes occurring around the globe. Israel has had its own unique historical path with its own reasons, but the underlying nature of conflict seems to mirror much of the rest of the world. It's an important book for many reasons.

[Israa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy. This book is entertaining and informative at the same time. As a Palestinian, the author's account does not come from my point of view. I didn't see the other side of the story described here.

[Yulia · Rating 1 out of 5]

russian invasion of Ukraine
russian annexation
The russo-Ukrainian War

But it is not Ukrainian conflict

Книга намагається дати нам пояснення щодо існування двох народів на одній території та причини їхніх конфліктів. Чому Ізраїль? Чому Палестина? Але як експерт в цій історії автор повністю уникає і навіть обезцінює історію боротьби інших.

Якщо ви вже згадуєте Україну в своїй книзі, оцінюєте нашу важливість та популярність, то хоча б постарайтесь погуглити як називається те, що ми переживаємо - війна, вторгнення, імперіалістична війна.

[Jan Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second history of Israel I've reviewed, the first being My Promised Land, but my perspective has changed since then. One thing in common, though, is that reading both was a slog, not really fascinating and interesting.

Maybe the reason is that it's partisan. Both were written by left-leaning authors. I have read that most histories of Zionism and of the state of Israel are partisan one way or the other, and that is true of this one. Because it's partisan, it has a defensive feel, despite the wish of the author to be transparent and nuanced. The leftward slant affects what gets said and what doesn't. The book has to fit today's particular polarized version of left and right, even though those were different times and today's view didn't yet exist.

For example, the author finds it necessary to emphasize that the whole idea of the Promised Land is the Jewish version of Muslim ideas of conquest, European colonialism, and Manifest Destiny in the U.S. Well, he doesn't exactly say that, since he quickly moves on to the thinking of fundamentalists. But he might as well. If he's taking the bible literally -- as actual history -- then his reading is as literal as those he criticizes as fundamentalist and bible literalists. He turns up his nose at the animal sacrifice (cultic) stage. He begins the history of Israel with early biblical history, but without distinguishing between bible stories (Abraham, Moses, and yes, Jesus), that is, between foundational stories, on one hand, and history, on the other. It bugs me when writers conveniently but inexactly use the bible either as history or as metaphor, according to whim or the needs of their tale.

Because he's writing from the left he's overtly self-critical of Judaism to demonstrate his lack of bias, resulting in a leaning-over-backwards posture.

And he talks of the idea of Zionism as having been a comfort to the Jews and having held them together over the centuries. This is loose thinking! Although "Next year in Jerusalem" was in our prayers, literal thinking along those lines was not yet a twinkle in the Jewish people's eye, and, in fact, as modern times dawned, the idea of the widely scattered Jews as still a people was not much in evidence either.

The book is like that: covering the main bases of the history, and often conventionally presented. Not the latest findings or research. Nothing that's going to knock your socks off.

He's self-critical. He does love Israel. For him it comes down to what Amos Oz said about having a right not to let oneself -- one's people -- be martyred.

That, of course, won't satisfy the Israel haters. For them loving Israel is a no-no.

He's apologetic. I'm not talking about the technical meaning of an apology as a defense but in the conventional sense of feeling guilty and therefore tending to apologize. I thought a little about that. In the paper last week was a story on a Native American tribe that's getting a say on Indian mounds in central Georgia that are being developed now by the National Park Service. Those Indians were driven out 200 years ago. But you don't hear an apologetic note in the words of American anti-Israel activists. I think it comes from being culturally pickled in guilt over the centuries.

Of course in an open Western society, control for everybody comes from inside (not outside). It just shows up as guilt more blatantly in certain segments, especially when hard to shine the sunlight of open discussion.

Another issue is that these histories for the most part are seen as Jewish stories and Jewish-interest. So, for example, this author talks about the (in)famous line about a land without a people for a people without a land as created by Jews as a Zionist rallying cry. Although it did become that, he does say it was soon understood not to be true either literally or in terms of a political vacuum. The phrase, though, was not created by "the Jews." The original version was vintage 1853 from Lord Shaftesbury (Anthony Ashley-Cooper), showing a biblical and, not to mention, Eurocentric, attitude.

As Orlando Figes says about the Crimean War, the impact of religion is often underestimated. Here I'm speaking of religion other than Judaism, meaning Christianity.

Sokatch talks about Balfour and his Declaration, but he doesn't know that Balfour was influenced by his religious leanings.

Not everybody knows all this stuff, obviously.

But one could wish that those writing books on topics were a little more up to date on the latest research, the wider implications, and the details.

The overly Jew-centric slant of these histories may soon be mitigated by Walter Russell Mead's new book The Arc of a Covenant: The United States, Israel, and the Fate of the Jewish People. I've also gotten hold of an earlier book along those lines, Shalom Goldman's Zeal for Zion: Christians, Jews, & the Idea of the Promised Land. I had a chance to meet that author when he was still at Emory, soon after his book was published, and I never forgot about it. The fact that Mead referenced him frequently led me to it finally.

I'm not sorry I read Can We Talk About Israel? but not excited about it either. I'm awarding three stars. It's not worse than My Promised Land; it's that the context within which I'm reading has broadened.

[Bandit · Rating 5 out of 5]

What? No reviews? Does no one want to have the Israel conversation? I mean, sure it’s controversial, but it’s so interesting. Ok, guess I’m the first to rate and review this, very good, then, I’m glad to help get this book the attention and audience it so absolutely deserves.
I was actually able to have an intelligent informed conversation about Israel prior to reading this book based on having taken an excellent Middle East class and doing other reading and following the news. But the thing about knowledge and information is that there’s always more to be had. And this book provided that amply. It even had drawings, very good ones, from minimalist outline like sketches to excellent portraiture.
The thing is my knowledge of Israel’s past, facts and politics went up to approximately the beginning of Netanyahu’s reign and since then the country has taken a critical turn to the right, following the terrifying global nationalistic trend of recent years and this book covered all of that. So now I’m educated…and saddened. But that’s politics for you. You can’t be informed and happy or, you know, that thing they say about ignorance…
But whether you had some foreknowledge of Israel or none, this book will get you up to speed. It’s an excellent comprehensive primer on the country’s origins and it’s tumultuous existence. The author is someone who really knows what he’s talking about, having lived there and having been actively involved with it as the CEO of the New Israel Fund. The man is used to talking about Israel, knows how to do it and can write about it eloquently, eruditely and accessibly.
And boy does he have his work cut out for him. Israel isn’t just one of those divisive subjects that make you want to avoid politics in polite company, it’s also an insoluble political puzzle. A question with no right answer. The author, to his credit, tries to provide answers stated with tact as personal opinions while presenting the readers with a multitude of perspectives, but in the end it seems (more so the more I learn about it) that there is no end to it all. Two nations both convinced of their right to belong, unwilling or unable to satisfactory compromise.
The last four years have been spectacular for Netanyahu, propped up by his best American buddy, but now things have changed. And (related or not) The New York Times has had reports of worse violence in years in Israel the last few days. It’s difficult to hope for a happy resolution, based on the ample empirical evidence offered in the book. The author tries to give you a positive ending, featuring testimonials of individuals who are fighting for unity and trying to make a positive change, but as nice as that is, it seems profoundly insignificant against the sheer immensity of the conflict.
The interesting thing is that whatever you want to accuse Israel of, it’s nothing new, it’s just more recent. America has been found on displacing and killing the native people and everyone seems to be ok with it, made Thanksgiving out of it. It seems that in politics as in life, if you’re large, loud and obnoxious enough, you’ll be forgiven. Israel, a country the size of New Jersey, remains as controversial as ever and has had more than a fair share of wars, opprobrium and difficulties for a place that’s only been established in 1948.
But that’s just yet some of the yet another one sided Israel conversation, albeit now, thanks to this book, more informed than ever. This book is smartly laid out, first talking facts then connecting them to the grand scheme of global politics. You will absolutely be able to talk about Israel after finishing it, so fait accompli for the author. I’m very glad I read this book. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.

This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. It’s a perfect book for people to read before they discuss Israel with one another. I thought that I understood a fair amount of what the situation was with Israel (past and present) but I learned a tremendous amount by reading this. It turns out that there were large gaps in my knowledge of all that has happened.

A couple of things in the movie Exodus I now truly understand. Ha!

There are great hand drawn maps and other drawings, some portraits included. I would have rather read a paper vs. e-copy so it would have been easier to return to certain pages to look at things more times than I did.

He definitely tries to be even handed. Sometimes he bends over backwards to be and sometimes less so.

I’d recommend this book to all college and high school students, book clubs, and anyone who wants to better understand the current situation and how we got there.

Extensive bibliography and notes. A mix of straight history and opinion.

As of now this is relatively current but given how much always seems to happen it might soon be more of a history book. I recommend reading it sooner rather than later.

The second to last chapter was the most upsetting for me and the last chapter the most uplifting. Overall, I have to say I only wish I felt more optimistic about Israel & the surrounding areas, and about the United States too. (Re the latter I’ve been reading a lot and I’m terrified about 2022 and 2024, etc.)

I would have loved to read this with someone or a group, chatting as we went. I think people will think all sorts of things about this book and this author’s take on things but as a springboard for discussion it’s perfect.

4-1/2 stars

[Marichka Blindiuk · Rating 3 out of 5]

це непогана книжка для тих, хто вже розуміють, що тема Ізраїлю й Палестини складна.

це невдала книжка для тих, хто співчувають тільки Ізраїлю.

хоча автор від початку обіцяє бути неупередженим і показувати обидві позиції – зрештою контекст Палестини часто опиняється в примітках (а вони чомусь аж у кінці книжки). виходить, що ти можеш побачити повнішу картину, але тільки якщо дуже захочеш.

плюс є нюанси, де автор з усіх даних обирає саме цифри певного фонду. а потім між іншим згадує, що він у цьому ж фонді працює.

коротше, мені здається нечесним називати її неупередженою (і це ще я доволі поверхово знаюся на темі). для формування хронології – цілком. для формування позиції – не думаю.

[Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew some of the history of Israel, but this book clarified the so much for me. Written in a friendly readable style, it is a very evenhanded look at Israel's history, its politics, and its relation with the land and the Palestinian people. There is no doubt that the region has some complicated politics, but this respectful look at all of the parties involved is a must-read for any open-minded reader interested in history or current affairs. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for this ARC.

[Bruce Katz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A serious, intelligent, and scrupulously even-handed look at the history of Israel. Sokatch doesn't go deeply into the weeds but he doesn't have to. What he's trying is to give a sense of the many factors that have defined Israel from the Balfour Declaration up through the recently ended Netanyahu tenure (and, of course, the impact that the Trump-Netanyahu bromance had in the Middle East and elsewhere).

The book covers pretty much what you'd expect in a history of Israel -- Zionism, population shifts ("The period from the 1920s through the early 1950s saw the greatest number of mass forced expulsions and population transfers in human history all around the world"), the Holocaust, the creation of Israel and the effect it had on Arabs who lived there and in the region, competing narratives, the many wars, the Intifadas, the controversy over settlements, the character of Israel and how it sees itself, etc. I thought I knew a lot about most of these things, certainly the important stuff, but Sokatch stunned me again and again. (My Kindle text is filled with highlighted passages and sections I labeled "wow" because I learned something that struck me as surprising and important. So many factions working against one another, internally and externally, competing visions of peace and persistent efforts to undermine any serious attempts for peace. It's astonishing and, sadly, deeply familiar in our own politics.)

The book is written in a conversational tone, making it very accessible, and the reader can't help finding some of his/her opinions challenged. The first part of the book is historical in its orientation. The second half, titled "Why is It So Hard to Talk About Israel," goes in a different direction. Sokatch talks about maps -- mental maps, literal maps, and the manipulation of maps; changing relations between Israel and American Jews (and Israel and evangelical Christians), BDM, whether Israel can be called an apartheid state, whether criticism of Israel is antisemitic, and more.

Sokatch is forthcoming in making his opinion known but he doesn't favor one "side" -- among many -- over another. Indeed, with a few exceptions, "blame" is not a concept that comes up. (He does write, for example, "Oslo didn't fail; it was never given a chance to fail. Instead, it was murdered. The assassination of Yitzhak Rabin may prove to be the rarest of moderm political murders: one that actually achieved its goal.") I would feel comfortable recommending the book to anyone, regardless of their position on Israel, who wants to know what's going on and how/why it got to where it is. I see that several GR readers have asked why the title doesn't mention Palestine or the Palestinians. Sokatch is profoundly aware of what they've had to endure and what they've done, and he covers a lot of it: Hamas, Fatah, Hezbollah, external influences, political conflict, and so on. But as he noted in an recent interview, he is Jewish and he's lived in Israel and worked on matters pertaining to Israel for a long time. He's not a Palestinian, though, and he feels it is not his place to speak for Palestinians.

I'll share two extended excerpts from the book, though I wish I could share more. I am oversimplifying things in saying so, but in a sense the excerpts capture where Sokatch is coming from.

The first: When we came to this part of the story—the part about the Zionists and the waves of Jewish immigration to Palestine—a kid named Brandon spoke up: “Okay, so, let me get this straight. It’s kind of like I’ve lived in my home, on my land, all my life. My parents and my grandparents and my great-grandparents and their great-grandparents have all lived here, and they all farmed the land, just like me. We always paid some guy rent, but we always lived here. One day, I go out to my fields, and when I come home that evening, this guy”—here, he pointed to the kid sitting next to him—“and his family are living in half my house. I say, ‘Hey, what are you doing in my house?’ And he says, ‘My family and I got driven out of our town far away from here. People came and killed our neighbors and burned down our house. Now we have nowhere else to go—nowhere else will take us in. And so we came here, to the place where our great-great-great-grandparents lived long ago.’ And so both guys are right, and neither one really has anywhere else to go. Is this kind of like what happened?” I told Brandon that he had just reduced what some people see as the world's most complicated and intractable problem down to its essence, and that he understood the heart of the conflict better than 90% of the adults I'd spoken to.

The second: What Ben-Gurion said then is still true today. After the Six-Day War, there were three main aspects to Israel's national identity, what I call “Ben-Gurion’s Triangle:” Israel was a majority-Jewish state; Israel was a democracy; Israel held all this new territory. Israelis could choose two of these points of identity, but not all three—and that choice would determine what kind of country Israel would be.

Sokatch has written an important and timely book. It will enlighten some readers, infuriate others (people, I fear, whose minds are firmly made up or believe they know all that is worth knowing about the situation), and stimulate energetic discussion. It deserves a very wide audience.

[Jordan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Extremely biased to the point that it is contemptuous to the reader. The author selects a vocabulary that amplifies certain incidents in a way that , at best, misleads the reader to a conclusion. Case in point, he compares the 2 intifadas with American campus protests.
I read the entire book so as to be judicious in my appraisal.

[اشواقــ · Rating 1 out of 5]

NO STARS
Its not a conflict its APARTHEID.
I suggest reading Angela Davis’s Freedom is a constant struggle for a more honest view on Palestinian solidarity.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review, which took me three hours to write, is too long for the Goodreads Space, although I am happy to send a copy to anyone who requests. Its a complicated issue. Here are a few paragraphs, which will likely be disjointed from my review.....

Definitely thought provoking. And I must admit it may be a guide for the curious, confused, and conflicted, but I am more confused than clear on this one.

First, Daniel Sokatch from California, Director of the New Israel Fund, he went to Brandeis, possibly when I was there, we do have the same aged kids. He went to Boston College Law School, where folks I know went. I felt an affinity. I didn’t know what the New Israel Fund was (now I do). But the first part of the book, maybe even the first half, felt fair and balanced to me. Actually, most of it did. I will describe later the part that gives me pause. The thing to notice about the first half of the book as the history is described, and is laid out, that this is the first time I really saw a book that took into account some of the social and emotional issues and put that at the forefront of the conversation, and I liked that. The whole first half (and still) had me thinking about how many displaced persons there were, and how unanswerable this question is? Who is “Right to Return” for? And whose country is it to run? And how should a Jewish Democratic Homeland integrate the Palestinians, the ones who want and wish to live peacefully together? This was a real portrait of an emotional issue that runs deep for everyone. And its not clear cut. Because the terror is real, and it has to be managed. But there is still so much unresolved.

So one thought I had, employing the Socratic method of asking questions and always being open to debate on what you think is real or that you believe, is this. Is the Israel that I remember, that I have always known, the same today? Has what I have been saying and believing, still true? Or does some of this clash against things I do believe to be true? I have always described Israel as and ethical and compassionate country, that has done its best. But there are clear moments, where while that may have been true, and may still be true, some of the time, it has not. I remember visiting communities where Israelis and Arab Israel’s live and work together peacefully and beautifully. But do those communities still exist? Are they rarer than I thought, or just few in example? I was struck by the ideological tensions not just between these two groups, but the populations coming from Africa, Russia, between the Orthodox and Reform, between Labor and Likud. Many people do not know this, but Israel’s government doesn’t look like ours. There are more than two parties, they have governing representatives from 9 to 15 of them. From labor to the more professional elite, to the varying Arab factions, as well as Muslim, and Christian, to the religious, etc. Jerusalem looks like this as well, with its four quarters of the Old City, Arab, Armenian, Jewish, and Muslim. In fact, the Dome of the Rock sits right atopthe ruins of the second, third holiest temple. When Ben-Gurion imagined this as the “ingathering of the exiles,” I believe he meant the original Palestinians too. For whom weren’t wanted in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, or Syria. They were just as excuse for war. Pawns in an area that didn’t want Jews, not to mention a Jewish Homeland. And yet this tiny country, embittered by internal and external tensions, ideological and otherwise, also has to consider world opinion as well. What a confounding thought – how are humanitarianism and ethics supposed to not only take all of that into account, while managing regular non-remitting terror? And still form a Jewish homeland, a Jewish democratic state, that also takes care of its strong and displaced Arab population. And another question I was asking myself, is what it looks like in the rest of Israel, versus the settlements and the complicated West Bank? I also thought about how African races of Jews, also Russians were considered lower class citizens, and the race issues Israel has had to face and contend with. Like our own melting pot, intermarriage has taken care of some of that, into what now Sokatch describes as an “uniquely Israeli” culture.

The author does a good job I thought, talking about the Palestinian plight, while at the same time, acknowledging that so many of our enemies never wanted an integrated existence. The Khartoum Resolution from the Arab League, also known as the Three No’s, has been active all these decades. No Peace with Israel, No Recognition with Israel, and No Negotiations with Israel. What were they supposed to do to defend and protect their right to exist? And in the face of terror, how do we make and maintain a Jewish Democratic State, and also be humanitarian to those who have been displaced. Nearly everyone, in one way or another. It’s the character of the Israel experience that nearly everyone is an immigrant who considers Israel their early ancestral home and center of religious experience. What a conundrum! Sokatch well describes many of the amazing humanitarian efforts from Israel’s inception on, including Operation Moses, airlifting all the Jews out of famine stricken Ethiopia. I am aware that they often beat the Red Cross to earthquakes and national disasters. They were first on the scene for both the Turkey Earthquake, and as well as the life saving efforts in Miami recently, although they never openly get the credit.

And when Peace would come, there would be assassinations, sometimes even from the Israel side to disrupt that peace, and tensions would begin again. There were moving parts of the book hearing about the efforts of Rabin, Pere, Ben Gurion, Moshe Dyan, Ehud Barak and others. There have been a lot of people working towards peace, and still. And yet violence gets in the way, as does politics. There has never been a clear map towards making and sustaining peace. And Sokatch brings up “mental maps,” there’s also the maps in our heads and hearts that don’t always match up. Jerusalem, being the prime example. Whose land this is is complicated. Archeology is a conflict, the language of street signs is complicated, so is food and appropriation. Whose is the origin of Hummus? There are conflicts. The Nation State Law, prioritizing Jews over Arabs for instance, does not promote peace and integration. And yet the Joint List, an Arab driven political party, is now the third largest political party in Israel. The Arab and peace representation is growing, and is not non-existent.

Much attention is paid in the book to American Israel relations and tensions, and organizations like the New Israel Fund, AIPAC, and so many others. Obama did not share the same feelings as Netanyahu about the settlements and that was the least aligned American president Israeli prime minister in history. But in terms of financial support, Obama made more money and aid and support available than any other presidential administration in US history to date. Trump and Netanyahu were greatly admiring of one another, but I don’t know if that helped either of them, and each faced battles within their own country, as their unpopularity and investigations within embattled them. The countries with their internal tensions, have never looked more alike. Meanwhile, one question I have often wondered about Israel’s relationship to the US is this. While that support is essential, does that grant the US the right to tell Israel what to do? To direct it? I thought that tension was very well illuminated on Season Six of the West Wing. Israel is not ours to direct, or even to fix. They have their own situations to manage, and now so do we.

Where the book made me uncomfortable is in the chapter about the BDS movement. Which apparently is in line with interests and values of the New Israel Fund. Now, I have always heard of the BDS and on College Campuses as a direct threat, and full organizations such as Stand With Us have emerged in response to it, to teach how to combat disinformation. Sokatch suggests these organizations comdemn violence, and I might believe his does. But I have never heard of organizations created to oppose the disinformation of the New Israel Fund. The problem of the BDS has been outcried everywhere of Jews of all denominations. So the treatment of that chapter confused me, as did the subsequent discussions of JStreet, and even the situation with the two senators, Ibhn Omar and the other. This part of the book either did not seem balanced or fair, or did not mesh with what I believe to be true. For one, I recall that these senators were invited to come to Israel and to take an Educational Tour, to learn information, to which they refused. That refusal is what had them barred from entry. And if these movements are supposed to denounce terror, why do they appear to be solely focused on what they perceive the Israeli’s to be doing to the Palestinians? The book was balanced, but the support of these organizations which do not appear to be balanced to me, felt all of a sudden off. And in this divided time, I have to ask myself. Is it because of something I don’t understand? Or is it that I possess a portion of the truth? I intuitively do not believe that the BDS is supporting a balanced view of Israel, and I have supported Stand With Us’s desire to educated teens and highschoolers to educate others, and to stand up for Israel and non-violent communication and leaders of peace. And then when J-Street and apartheid questions come in, more questions for me. I did not feel clearer after reading these sections.

Back to whether the US has the right to dictate Israel policy and action in the first place, then enters the Red Cows. So if we in an undisclosed US location birth a red heifer, why does it belong to the Christian right or the Orthodox Jews for sacrifice at the mount? Whose cow is it, is no different to me, to whose land, whose holy mecca, whose right to return?

In any case, the book ends with a case for hope, introducing is to an Israel, Palestinian, and Muslim activist, each who are making inroads for peace. Good. I believe there are many in Israel who are doing so. I have never lost hope. Nor faith in Israel as a spiritual center for Jews and all three religions. A center of spiritual life. But I don’t think our infighting or the BDS or our American opinions help. And now that I think about it, I don’t know that the book helped either. But it raised the questions, which I think is where we still sit. And the sentiments around what still needs to happen. So I think it is a helpful guide to talking about Israel. As long as there is room for all the varying points of view. Which I think is the point to begin with. So I do have hope. And faith. And tenacity. And the confidence to let Israel fulfill its destiny with ethics, compassion, and humanitarianism, and democracy.

[Will Ansbacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew (I thought) a fair bit about Israel and have been increasingly concerned about its recent history, but hadn’t really connected the dots the way Daniel Sokatch does. So this is an important and painful book to read - though not at all difficult, with its graphics suggesting it should be very accessible at the high school level.

It’s in two parts – the first a well-balanced history, from the earliest times predating all the conflicting post-WW1 promises that led to Jewish settlement in Palestine, through the multiple Arab-Israeli wars, occupation and Palestinian intifadas, to the way Israeli politics have hardened on the right coinciding with Netanyahu’s election and finally to his ousting earlier this year. Though Israel’s successes in turning the most powerful forces once dedicated to annihilating it – Egypt, Jordan, the PLO – into, if not allies, then at least accepting of its existence; those aren’t forgotten either.

But to read a catalogue laid out like this - of each event and the deathly near-inevitability of each reaction - was excruciating. It was also humbling to my idealized teenage view of Israel as the plucky little democracy surrounded by hostile autocracies, compared to what Sokatch shows is its present danger of becoming yet another example of one.

The second part is an examination of all the issues facing the country today. Foremost is the problem of the settlements in the occupied West Bank territories. In its starkest terms, Sokatch essentially says (and echoing several Israeli premiers), Israel wants to be a state that is Jewish, democratic and secure within its expanded borders. Pick any two.

I knew Israelis were divided the over this, but hadn’t realized the settler movement was so strongly associated with the ultra-orthodox sects, nor the level of extremism and violence with which they defend the settlements.
As to Israel’s increasing militancy in dealing with the Palestinians, I also hadn’t connected how Russian and East European immigration (following the collapse of the USSR) is fuelling that gradual shift to right-wing, nationalistic and oppressive policies.
The two-state model – basically unworkable as long as there are settlements in the occupied territories – is becoming so far from achievable he says, that there is a growing Palestinian (and Israeli) demand for true equality – one person, one vote – in a single state.

But the most surprising issue for me, was how Israel’s traditional ties to and support from Jewish American liberals (and to whom, I think, this book is really addressed) are being supplanted by its association with the fundamentalist Christian right in the US.
Again, I had known about this but had not realized just how powerful – and toxic – this connection had become. Their obsession with Israel and the Jews (“kindling for the Apocalypse” as Sokatch puts it) as a precursor for Armageddon may be loony but it is no longer irrelevant (once again, highlighting religion being at the root of most intractable problems.)

He also covers the BDS (boycott, divest and sanction) movement and how Israel itself has made the problem worse by equating any criticism of, for example, West Bank occupation with being anti-Israel and worse, antisemitic. For the record, Sokatch doesn’t see BDS as being particularly helpful.
And he addresses the accusation squarely of whether Israel is an apartheid state? Again, “no” as applied to Israel proper – within the Green Line - but “yes” as applied to the occupied territories.

So much to digest, and unfortunately, not a lot of hope. But Sokatch is absolutely not anti-Israel. He and his organization, the New Israel Fund, are searching desperately for a way forward, and he does end with some - three! - positive examples of Israelis, both Jewish and Palestinian, working for change.

[Yeliz YILDIRIM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Хотіла більше зрозуміти, але ще більше заплуталась 🤯

[Anastasiia Nekrasova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Максимально розжовує історію та суть конфлікту між Палестиною і Ізраїлем. Як вікіпедія, тільки ще зрозуміліше:) Історична частина взагалі місцями читалась як детектив.
Дуже сподобалось, що багато уваги приділено тому, які назви використовують Палестина і Ізраїль на позначення одних і тих самих історичних подій, а також тому як по-різному називають одні і ті самі територій. Напр. використання Ізраїлем біблійних назв Юдея та Самарія на позначення окупованих ним територій Західного Берегу легітимізує претензії Ізраїлю на палестинські землі.

[Nadiika Pototska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Книжку читала два тижні замість звичних 5 днів. Адже кожен новий розділ потребував прочитання додаткових книг чи матеріалів під нього. Я два тижні розбиралась у фактах та процесах Близького Сходу.

Книга допомогла розібратись із історією Ізраїлю.
Вона суттєво змінила мою думку про країну, враження про яку черпала зі «Нації стартапів» та «Дрібних мрій мрій не буває». Зараз бачу глибше і маю ще більше питань. Але разом з ними, є власна позиція. І розумію, чому світ такий заплутаний у розмовах про Ізраїль і Палестину. Там є чого. І точно не чорно-біла історія.

[Mendy Moscowitz · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a horrible despicable one sided view of Israel written by a liberal American Jew who seems to be trying too hard to prove how open minded he is. Also in terms of the history there is literally nothing new here. Read Martin Gilbert’s “Israel”. He is a giant compared to this author.
Also what is the craziness of constantly criticizing Netanyahu but never saying anything negative about any other prime minister!? Is this a history book??

[Graeme Newell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was honestly a breath of fresh air. You ever pick up a book and think, “Am I actually gonna get through this without a severe headache?” Well, this book was the opposite of that - it was a cool drink of water on a hot day. I learned so much! I never suspected that a book about such a contentious topic could be so genuinely informative and entertaining.

Navigating the vast seas of information, or more often, misinformation, about Israel and the surrounding debates has always been a daunting task for me. I've delved into a few other reads before, but this time, I finally feel as though I have an understanding of what’s actually going on with this debate. Imagine that - an informed perspective that’s based on actual research and not just Twitter spats.

Now, I won’t kid you by saying the book is flawless. Every piece of literature has its moments. There were sections where I felt Sokatch could've dived a little deeper or offered a tad more explanation. But then again, the subject matter is massive, so maybe I'm asking for too much in one book.

What I genuinely appreciate about Sokatch’s take is that it's a very evenhanded book that really explained all sides of the debate. It's not every day you come across a writer who can capture the nuances and subtleties of such a contentious topic while also making it interesting. I mean, the author was so skilled that he made a historically heated topic something I would call... fascinatingly interesting. Who would've thought, right? Sokatch's approach is casual and inviting. Plain-speaking but not patronizing. For a topic that can be as intricate as this one, his ability to lay out information in an easily digestible manner is commendable.

There’s so much noise when it comes to discussing Israel. I can’t tell you how many times I've witnessed or been part of discussions that spiral into emotional theatrics. But this book? It's the embodiment of reason. It stays miles away from the usual histrionics that typically engulf this topic. That's not to say it's emotionless - quite the opposite. But it's the kind of emotion that comes from understanding, from empathy for all sides, and not from a place of prejudice.

It's easy to fall into the trap of generalizing or oversimplifying, especially with a topic as multifaceted as this one. But Sokatch masterfully presents both the overt and the subtle tactics that all sides use to influence the debate. It’s not just about what’s being said loudly, but also what’s whispered in the corridors of power and public opinion.

In conclusion, if you're looking to understand the Israel debate without feeling overwhelmed or, worse, misguided, then “Can We Talk About Israel?” might be the compass you've been searching for. After reading it, I feel as though I finally get what’s going on.

[Rabia Mirza · Rating 1 out of 5]

How can a book about both sides be titled with only "Israel?" Where is the other name and identity of millions of people and thousands of acres of land: PALESTINE/PALESTINIANS.

[Laura L · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so disappointed with this book. It’s well written and very accessible for the lay person who doesn’t know much about Israel or the history of the Israel Palestinian conflict. The first half of the book goes through the history of the land, and the founding of the state, taking the reader through thousands of years of history cohesively and even handedly., setting the stage for what I’d hoped would be a compassionate and balanced look at the current status quo.
Unfortunately this even handedness doesn’t extend to the next half of the book. The author is the head of the New Israel Fund, and he admirably states his own biases. Unfortunately he underestimates the depth of trauma on both sides of this conflict, leading to facile conclusions.
This book attempts to bring clarity to the deep misunderstandings and suspicions that have marred the relationship of American Jews and their Israeli counterparts, but I suspect readers will only dig into their respective corners after reading this book. That’s a real shame.

[Collette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so thankful to receive an advanced copy of this book! My young adult kids have been following the news and asked my husband, who received quite a bit of historical training on this topic, what was the issue with Israel? I read this book on our family road trip and frequently stopped to share information and what I learned with them. The author did a fabulous job breaking down the political, religious, and human rights issues using analogies, examples, and simple easy to understand language. This book should be required reading for all to understand better that there are no easy solutions. While I can see this book easily being a best seller, I can also see that it will be controversial for some. But history is history, whether it be good, bad, or ugly. Thank you for taking my blinders off so that I could form a more intelligent evidenced based opinion regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the spirit of the emotional murkiness of this topic, I’m giving this book four stars rather than five. It’s all just too much, perhaps. I don’t want to give it a cozy top rating that would signify this is one of my favorite reads of the year.

But it’s up there, so far! :P I think Sokatch’s implicit goal was to teach how a Diaspora Jew who is pro-Israel, someone with emotional and/or personal ties to the land and the people, can criticize the place, or at least factually take it to account for not living up to its ideals. Sokatch’s bias is that he’s the head of the New Israel Fund, and therefore wants to advocate for a progressive Israel, with regards to life both in and outside the Green Line. I’ve skimmed through negative commentary on GoodReads (there’s not much), and most of it seems to come from a place of Sokatch not representing a different opinion of the conflict. But in terms of him doing him, I think he did a decent job.

Then again, the positive commentary likely comes from the fact that most readers, like myself, are in Sokatch’s camp. This is another book that attempts to offer an open, welcoming perspective into the conflict, but the conflict is too intractable. Maybe I’m wrong. I do think that outsiders, people who are coming to the conflict now without all of the baggage, would find Sokatch’s voice to be more nuanced than, say, Noa Tishby’s of ISRAEL: A SIMPLE GUIDE TO THE MOST MISUNDERSTOOD COUNTRY ON EARTH.

Sokatch’s angle is very Israel-centric. He predominately focuses on the Jewish historical connection to the land, though he doesn’t deny the Palestinian Arab (and Druze) connection, either. On the opposite end of the spectrum, he pays more attention to Israeli martial policy that, since 1967, has included the occupation over the West Bank (and until 2006, Gaza.) He also pays more attention to Israeli civil society than the civil society, as overseen by Fatah and Hamas, most recently, in Palestinian territories. This fits into his aim to focus on Israel, the imperfect democracy.

Yes, every democracy is imperfect, but this book is about Israel, so. See what I’m doing there with getting defensive about language, because of course that’s a huge aspect of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Both sides (arguably rightly) feel misunderstood, silenced, gaslit in today’s terminology. Sokatch tries to make room for all the big terms from each side. Being concerned, as he is, with democracy, he has a bone to pick with censorship. That, I think, mostly covers his chapter on BDS, and how it’s often used as a cudgel in Israel (and the US) to stifle free speech. But, like everything else, this issue is complicated by a founding organization with opaque goals that *could* lead to antisemitism. (Honestly, I think his BDS chapter is a little unwieldy, and I prefer my own blog post from a couple years ago: https://chavalah.wordpress.com/2019/0... But maybe something I missed, that Sokatch would urge me to take more into account, is the idea of individual people and corporations supporting economic boycotts due to Israeli policy in the territories.)

I don’t think I disagree with Sokatch on much, but the big one is a niggle about antisemitism. He questioned the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance saying it is de facto antisemitism to apply double standards to Israel to adhere to behaviors not expected of other democracies. Sokatch says “it depends,” but I’m not convinced that a spade isn’t a spade here. (On the other side of the coin, I’m a fan of Israel—and other democracies, such as my own country of citizenship—putting a moratorium on comparing themselves to Iran or North Korea to say “I’m more democratic than that place!” Yeah, and I’m sure I speak better English than a person halfway across the world who doesn’t know a word of it. :P)


Another niggle might be that although this book is more approachable than most nonfiction, it’s still a heavy dose of facts and figures, with lots of footnotes that can break one’s concentration further. I’m happy to be reading more and more nonfiction each year, but I guess I’m still Team Fiction. :P

In essence, this is a depressing book about, how, as Sokatch puts it, we live in an era of “a lack of political will” towards the two-state solution and peace for Israel and Palestine. So of course, as the CEO of NIF, he has to end things with profiling three activists on the ground—an Israeli, a Palestinian, and a refugee from Africa. This also fits into my mindset that the most hope for the region comes from grassroots organizations bringing people together.

We’re all somewhat a product of where we live, and I read this book as part of my Washington, DC-based synagogue’s Israel book club. Sokatch signed onto our Zoom call at the very end to answer questions, in an even more rambly and complicated way than the book did. :P Most members, methinks, were progressive and enjoyed the book—one member was a board member of NIF (again, a product of my place in the DC area!) Definitely some people were more right wing, even Trump supporters, and got defensive over some of Sokatch’s word choices or arguments (all of which, I think, convey a progressively-minded pro-Israel stance.) I also know my own “triggers” well enough that I found it easier to discuss Sokatch’s book with a bunch of Jews vs a bunch of gentiles. So again, despite his worthy attempt to add something good to the conversation, this topic is very fraught.

[Євгенія Яцюк · Rating 4 out of 5]

Цікаво, але написано як підручний з історії, через це запамʼятовувалось і розумілось доволі складно.

Думала, що повністю зрозумію суть конфлікту після цього, але книжка мене ще більше заплутала.

Сподобалось, що автор, хоч і єврей, але в розповіді не стояв ні на чій стороні, однаково критикуючі/захищаючі і Ізраїль, і Палестину.

[themariestmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Класна книжка, яка підіймає набагато більше питань, окрім Ізраїлю.
Основні інсайти для мене:
- немає «правих» у цьому конфлікті. Є агресор та жертва, котрі міняються місцями один з одним час від часу з моменту «дарування» землі євреям.
- в нас немає чесної, незаангажованої, швидко реагуючої інституції міжнародного права. Ніхто не опікується мирними цивільними та дітьми у країнах з воєнними конфліктами. Ти ніхто, піщинка у пустелі.
- треті країни Заходу (або інші сторони, залучені у конфлікт) мотивовані тільки своїми інтересами і впливом. Демократія, рівність, справедливість існують на туалетних папірцях і на вустах популістів.

[Olenka Pankevych · Rating 5 out of 5]

Мені дуже сподобалась ця книга! Вперше за довгий час нон-фікшн захопив мою увагу незгірш найзаплутанішого детектива. Як на мене, автор справді подає усі "болючі" питання стосовно Ізраїлю (в основному ізраїльсько-палестинського конфлікту) з різних боків, неупереджено та критично. Навіть доволі великий розділ (чи то пак частина) про історію Ізраїлю вийшов достатньо зрозумілим "новачку" у цій темі.

Врешті, я вважаю, що це хороший старт на шляху до розуміння, що ж коїться у сучасному Ізраїлі, та дуже ціннісне нагадування про те, чому конструктивний діалог важливий, та як його практикувати навіть у відповідь на емоційні висловлювання людей, які впевнені у своїй правоті, які не бажають постпуатись своїми "за" чи "проти".

P.S.: фінальний розділ з історіями активістів Ізраїлю надто явно намагався поставити усміхнений смайлик у кінці книги про важку тему, але він ні не зіпсував враження про книгу, ні не перекрив усі важливі інсайти.

[kadym · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is unacceptable to mention russia's war in Ukraine as a "conflict in Ukraine" it eliminates any possible authority of the author, who must know correct political terminology when he use it in the book

[Erika Dreifus]

A well-meaning but decidedly imperfect book. I almost couldn't believe it when a spotlighted section on the Goldstone Report (pp. 202-204) failed to even *mention* Goldstone's own ultimate disavowal of a key element of that report (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinio...). A similar lack of comprehensiveness occurs in the author's multiple allusions to the Iran nuclear deal (which, contrary to the indication in the book's index, is *not* explicated on pp. 147-48).