What do you think?
Rate this book
The 188th Crybaby Brigade: A Skinny Jewish Kid from Chicago Fights Hezbollah
Look at me. Do you see me? Do you see me in my olive-green uniform, beret, and shiny black boots? Do you see the assault rifle slung across my chest? Finally! I am the badass Israeli soldier at the side of the road, in sunglasses, forearms like bricks. And honestly - have you ever seen anything quite like me?
Joel Chasnoff is twenty-four years old, an American, and the graduate of an Ivy League university. But when his career as a stand-up comic fails to get off the ground, Chasnoff decides it's time for a serious change of pace. Leaving behind his amenity-laden Brooklyn apartment for a plane ticket to Israel, Joel trades in the comforts of being a stereotypical American Jewish male for an Uzi, dog tags (with his name misspelled), and serious mental and physical abuse at the hands of the Israeli Army.
The 188th Crybaby Brigade is a hilarious and poignant account of Chasnoff's year in the Israel Defense Forces - a year that he volunteered for, and that he'll never get back. As a member of the 188th Armored Brigade, a unit trained on the Merkava tanks that make up the backbone of Israeli ground forces, Chasnoff finds himself caught in a twilight zone-like world of mandatory snack breaks, battalion sing-alongs, and eighteen-year-old Israeli mama's boys who feign injuries to get out of guard duty and claim diarrhea to avoid kitchen work. More time is spent arguing over how to roll a sleeve cuff than studying the mechanics of the Merkava tanks. The platoon sergeants are barely older than the soldiers and are younger than Chasnoff himself. By the time he's sent to Lebanon for a tour of duty against Hezbollah, Chasnoff knows everything about why snot dries out in the desert, yet has never been trained in firing the MAG. And all this while his relationship with his tough-as-nails Israeli girlfriend (herself a former drill sergeant) crumbles before his very eyes.
The lone American in a platoon of eighteen-year-old Israelis, Chasnoff takes readers into the barracks; over, under, and through political fences; and face-to-face with the absurd reality of life in the Israeli Army. It is a brash and gritty depiction of combat, rife with ego clashes, breakdowns in morale, training mishaps that almost cost lives, and the barely containable sexual urges of a group of teenagers. What's more, it's an on-the-ground account of life in one of the most em-battled armies on earth - an occupying force in a hostile land, surrounded by enemy governments and terrorists, reviled by much of the world. With equal parts irreverence and vulnerability, irony and intimacy, Chasnoff narrates a new kind of coming-of-age story - one that teaches us, moves us, and makes us laugh.
Joel Chasnoff is twenty-four years old, an American, and the graduate of an Ivy League university. But when his career as a stand-up comic fails to get off the ground, Chasnoff decides it's time for a serious change of pace. Leaving behind his amenity-laden Brooklyn apartment for a plane ticket to Israel, Joel trades in the comforts of being a stereotypical American Jewish male for an Uzi, dog tags (with his name misspelled), and serious mental and physical abuse at the hands of the Israeli Army.
The 188th Crybaby Brigade is a hilarious and poignant account of Chasnoff's year in the Israel Defense Forces - a year that he volunteered for, and that he'll never get back. As a member of the 188th Armored Brigade, a unit trained on the Merkava tanks that make up the backbone of Israeli ground forces, Chasnoff finds himself caught in a twilight zone-like world of mandatory snack breaks, battalion sing-alongs, and eighteen-year-old Israeli mama's boys who feign injuries to get out of guard duty and claim diarrhea to avoid kitchen work. More time is spent arguing over how to roll a sleeve cuff than studying the mechanics of the Merkava tanks. The platoon sergeants are barely older than the soldiers and are younger than Chasnoff himself. By the time he's sent to Lebanon for a tour of duty against Hezbollah, Chasnoff knows everything about why snot dries out in the desert, yet has never been trained in firing the MAG. And all this while his relationship with his tough-as-nails Israeli girlfriend (herself a former drill sergeant) crumbles before his very eyes.
The lone American in a platoon of eighteen-year-old Israelis, Chasnoff takes readers into the barracks; over, under, and through political fences; and face-to-face with the absurd reality of life in the Israeli Army. It is a brash and gritty depiction of combat, rife with ego clashes, breakdowns in morale, training mishaps that almost cost lives, and the barely containable sexual urges of a group of teenagers. What's more, it's an on-the-ground account of life in one of the most em-battled armies on earth - an occupying force in a hostile land, surrounded by enemy governments and terrorists, reviled by much of the world. With equal parts irreverence and vulnerability, irony and intimacy, Chasnoff narrates a new kind of coming-of-age story - one that teaches us, moves us, and makes us laugh.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 19, 2010
15 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 28, 2023
Today I rated this 4 Stars.
I'm not convinced this is the rating I want to give.
The premise for this book is heartfelt, as the author explains his purpose for joining the Israeli army, which he puts to print.
Based on the title, synopsis and the fact the author is a comedian, I thought I would be reading something similar to "Private Benjamin"-- as a much needed diversion.
As I write this review, I am prompted to remember many of the experiences Joel had during his training along with the many personalities of his commanders and other soldiers.
I have a great sense of humor and as entertaining as it was in many parts, I was distracted by
reacting to the topics this book addresses.
The glaring topic which stood out and still stands for me is the "Who is a Jew" issue- I didn't see that one coming . It doesn't show itself until 70 % through.
The topic alone would make for great discussions.
In finishing this review, I came to a conclusion which may change my rating.
Joel Chasnoff is a stand up comedian by trade.
But he lets us inside his head to see his fears as well as his moral character.
He shows us never to lose our sense of humor; but rather, use it as a support system during difficult times.
I'm not convinced this is the rating I want to give.
The premise for this book is heartfelt, as the author explains his purpose for joining the Israeli army, which he puts to print.
Based on the title, synopsis and the fact the author is a comedian, I thought I would be reading something similar to "Private Benjamin"-- as a much needed diversion.
As I write this review, I am prompted to remember many of the experiences Joel had during his training along with the many personalities of his commanders and other soldiers.
I have a great sense of humor and as entertaining as it was in many parts, I was distracted by
reacting to the topics this book addresses.
The glaring topic which stood out and still stands for me is the "Who is a Jew" issue- I didn't see that one coming . It doesn't show itself until 70 % through.
The topic alone would make for great discussions.
In finishing this review, I came to a conclusion which may change my rating.
Joel Chasnoff is a stand up comedian by trade.
But he lets us inside his head to see his fears as well as his moral character.
He shows us never to lose our sense of humor; but rather, use it as a support system during difficult times.
February 15, 2011
An uneven, but overall very well done autobiography of Joel Chasnoff's leaving a comfortable upper middle class American Jewish life for the arduous life of a lone soldier in the IDF/Israel Defense Forces. On the one hand Chasnoff pours on the schmaltz, knowingly or unknowingly repeating the same tired routine about Israeli Jewish life being the authentic Jewish ideal, with anything else (basically meaning America) a pale and weak imitation. This idea has too many uncomfortable parallels with AB Yehoshua's dunce headed views about blaming the diaspora for anything and everything wrong with Israel and unfortunately Chasnoff seems to subscribe to the (just in my opinion) disgustingly wrong idea of the holocaust being something now comprehensible and easily mocked because of Israel's existence, that basically Israel is the happy ending to the horrible story of the shoah...yah, no i didn't buy that shit when arutz sheva and theirs peddled it and Chasnoff doesn't fair any better here...but that's another discussion, and after reading this book I can tell Chasnoff is not only smarter than Yehoshua but has the potential to be a much better writer. Chasnoff has an at times played out and tired but at times cutting wit that has much to work with in the face of Israel's bureaucratic and theocratic nightmares while still beautifully illustrating the idiosyncratic but incredible strength of the israeli people, both in the face of their enemies and in the arms of one another. A fast but intriguing read for anyone interested in military, israel, identity politics and many many other topics touched on by this slim but gratifying book.
October 23, 2014
This was a good book. Nice view of Israel and their problems. I found amusing since I served in the army as well. Humor leans more to people of Jewish faith and veterans of armed service. Still a good book with a view that you dont see often in America.
February 26, 2013
Very useful for my novel. I'll just steal huge parts of it, I think.
January 18, 2010
Comments based on prepublication reader’s copy. The book provides a cynical and compelling view of the Israeli military and Israeli society. The author provides an appropriately challenging view of the hypocrisy and dichotomy of both areas. The Israeli Army is stereotyped as one of the best in the world yet the author shows through actual examples that lower levels of officers are unsuitable, poor leaders, worse teachers, and unsuitable to lead in combat and their mission is ill defined. Regarding society the author points out how easy it is for many to avoid dangerous military service and classes of peoples that exploit exemptions. The crux of Israeli societal hypocrisy is depicted when the author is not allowed to be married, despite being born into a family and being raised a Jew. He is Jewish enough to be a citizen of Israel, fight in Lebanon, yet not Jewish enough to be married in Israel. In spite of the very personal nature of the content, the author’s narrative is surprisingly objective. I strongly recommend this book and the fictional Beaufort, By Ron Leshem as excellent characterizations of Israeli military and society.
July 4, 2011
A great fish-out-of-water coming of age memoir: the tale of a 24-year-old Jewish kid from Chicago who enlists in the Israeli Army and finds himself in a tank unit in Lebanon fighting a war where most of his "senior" officers are 20-year-olds who don't want to be in the Army. Laugh-out-loud funny at times, but actually a good perspective on what happens when a nation enforces universal military service. Chasnoff also finds himself confronting some hard questions about his Jewish identity -- something he has taken for granted growing up as a minority in the United States.
January 20, 2013
Book is summed up on page 120: "...if the skinny, lactose-intolerant Jew from the suburbs is the strongest soldier in your platoon, how safe can Israel be?"
May 1, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “FINALLY, I DON’T JUST HAVE TO WHISPER, “NEVER AGAIN”-I AM NEVER AGAIN!”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author Joel Chasnoff answers his own stated question of: “SO WHY WOULD A PEACE-LOVING, LEFT-LEANING, LACTOSE-INTOLERANT JEW(ish) (Reviewer’s note: for some reason some sites normally don’t post reviews if the “ish” isn’t at the end of Jewish, so even though the author doesn’t add the “ish”, from experience, I know if I don’t, they may not post my review.) FROM THE SUBURBS JOIN THE ISRAELI ARMY?” In Joel’s answer, which is of course this book… he accomplishes his task with a wide range of emotions. One minute he’s satirically mocking his romantic and awe inspiring childhood image of the vaunted Israeli Army… (Note: his experience is not in Special Forces nor the heroically portrayed Israeli Air Force.) and the next minute… as I am a proud Jewish Viet Nam era veteran… his writings put pride in my heart… and tears in my eyes… when he writes: “THE SOLDIERS WERE A WALKING MIRACLE: SIXTY YEARS AFTER OUR PEOPLE WERE SHOVED INTO OVENS, WE HAD AN ARMY OF OUR OWN.” “TODAY, I AM ONE OF THOSE WALKING MIRACLES. STANDING HERE IN YAD VASHEM IN MY OLIVE-GREEN UNIFORM, WITH MY GLILON ASSAULT RIFLE ACROSS MY BACK, I FEEL ABSOLVED OF THE HOLOCAUST GUILT I’VE BEEN CARRYING SINCE GRADE SCHOOL. FINALLY, I DON’T JUST HAVE TO WHISPER, “NEVER AGAIN”-I AM NEVER AGAIN!”
On the lighter side of getting ready for war… the five-foot-eight-one-hundred-thirty-pound Joel shares his fear of being able to match up with… or simply being able to “hang-on” with the level of world renowned warriors he expected to be in Israeli basic training. The author narrates and pulls no punches as he describes the less than inspiring members of his basic training group. The fact that all Israeli’s… male or female are drafted at eighteen… and Joel is twenty-four… adds to the learning curve of fitting in… as he is one of the only Americans. Throughout his adventures from Israel to Lebanon, his main attempt at creating a communicative bond is his declaration that he’s from Chicago and has seen Michael Jordan’s house. (These attempts also bring him shame… when he realizes that despite his growing up in the hometown of Jordan’s championship Bulls… he never even took the opportunity to go see Jordan play!) After basic training Joel is ordered into the Armored Brigade and trained for tank warfare. Joel is surprised at the lack of intense training and is leery of entering the Lebanon war zone due to the lack of any confidence building training. Through it all the author attempts to carry on romantically with his Israeli girl friend… and the reader gets to know the mostly defective members of his brigade. Interwoven with his scathing *DON-RICKLES-LIKE-ASSESSMENTS” of the people all around him… he also juggles the possible mortality and morality that is war… and realizes that Israel never has… and never will… be able to live without this daily burden. In addition to fighting a war… maintaining a romance… trying to adapt physically… and culturally… the author gets another shocking surprise… that he has to relearn and investigate his families Jewish heritage.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author Joel Chasnoff answers his own stated question of: “SO WHY WOULD A PEACE-LOVING, LEFT-LEANING, LACTOSE-INTOLERANT JEW(ish) (Reviewer’s note: for some reason some sites normally don’t post reviews if the “ish” isn’t at the end of Jewish, so even though the author doesn’t add the “ish”, from experience, I know if I don’t, they may not post my review.) FROM THE SUBURBS JOIN THE ISRAELI ARMY?” In Joel’s answer, which is of course this book… he accomplishes his task with a wide range of emotions. One minute he’s satirically mocking his romantic and awe inspiring childhood image of the vaunted Israeli Army… (Note: his experience is not in Special Forces nor the heroically portrayed Israeli Air Force.) and the next minute… as I am a proud Jewish Viet Nam era veteran… his writings put pride in my heart… and tears in my eyes… when he writes: “THE SOLDIERS WERE A WALKING MIRACLE: SIXTY YEARS AFTER OUR PEOPLE WERE SHOVED INTO OVENS, WE HAD AN ARMY OF OUR OWN.” “TODAY, I AM ONE OF THOSE WALKING MIRACLES. STANDING HERE IN YAD VASHEM IN MY OLIVE-GREEN UNIFORM, WITH MY GLILON ASSAULT RIFLE ACROSS MY BACK, I FEEL ABSOLVED OF THE HOLOCAUST GUILT I’VE BEEN CARRYING SINCE GRADE SCHOOL. FINALLY, I DON’T JUST HAVE TO WHISPER, “NEVER AGAIN”-I AM NEVER AGAIN!”
On the lighter side of getting ready for war… the five-foot-eight-one-hundred-thirty-pound Joel shares his fear of being able to match up with… or simply being able to “hang-on” with the level of world renowned warriors he expected to be in Israeli basic training. The author narrates and pulls no punches as he describes the less than inspiring members of his basic training group. The fact that all Israeli’s… male or female are drafted at eighteen… and Joel is twenty-four… adds to the learning curve of fitting in… as he is one of the only Americans. Throughout his adventures from Israel to Lebanon, his main attempt at creating a communicative bond is his declaration that he’s from Chicago and has seen Michael Jordan’s house. (These attempts also bring him shame… when he realizes that despite his growing up in the hometown of Jordan’s championship Bulls… he never even took the opportunity to go see Jordan play!) After basic training Joel is ordered into the Armored Brigade and trained for tank warfare. Joel is surprised at the lack of intense training and is leery of entering the Lebanon war zone due to the lack of any confidence building training. Through it all the author attempts to carry on romantically with his Israeli girl friend… and the reader gets to know the mostly defective members of his brigade. Interwoven with his scathing *DON-RICKLES-LIKE-ASSESSMENTS” of the people all around him… he also juggles the possible mortality and morality that is war… and realizes that Israel never has… and never will… be able to live without this daily burden. In addition to fighting a war… maintaining a romance… trying to adapt physically… and culturally… the author gets another shocking surprise… that he has to relearn and investigate his families Jewish heritage.
October 22, 2024
When I saw this book at the Thrift Store (Charity Shop), I thought it would help me understand the present Lebanon situation (this review is written in October '24 with an Israeli incursion happening there now) and improve my understanding of the Israeli Army. It is a memoir of a young American Jew who wants to do his bit to help the homeland, going over at the advanced age of 24 to join the IDF. Joel Chasnoff , a writer and comedian takes us through his experiences from induction through basic, to assignment to an armoured regiment, to service in Lebanon watching Hezbollah in the early 2000s. I learned a lot about IDF basic and intermediate training, but the authors focus is on irony and comedy, so whilst I really enjoyed the book, I did not find any political, military or social solutions to the problems of the middle east in its pages.
Chasnoff is a good writer with a nice touch around the many ironies and inconsistencies of Israeli military and civilian cultures. He's also adept at explaining how Hebrew as a command language is used both formally and informally. It's more about trying to survive training- and then deployment - and get home to his tough Israeli girlfriend Dorit. His relationship is a constant backbeat to story, providing more than a few emotional swings to the narrative. I think general audience readers will find this one of my reads they enjoy the most, as it is more about humanity than militarism.
There are a lot of adult themes, and some graphic injury passages , so this book is for the Junior Reader over 13/14 years. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast, this is not really that useful. The Gamer, may find their way all through to deployment, only to find the descriptions of the ambush groups sent out each night into Lebanon insufficient for gaming needs. The modeler will get a lot of diorama ideas- but not guidance from photos or any colour help. The Military enthusiast is probably the winner here, as this might pass for the Israeli "Good Soldier Svejk", but there is almost no tactical or strategic information, it's more about culture and the man versus the organisation theme. A good read - but more comedy and nonfiction than military history.
Chasnoff is a good writer with a nice touch around the many ironies and inconsistencies of Israeli military and civilian cultures. He's also adept at explaining how Hebrew as a command language is used both formally and informally. It's more about trying to survive training- and then deployment - and get home to his tough Israeli girlfriend Dorit. His relationship is a constant backbeat to story, providing more than a few emotional swings to the narrative. I think general audience readers will find this one of my reads they enjoy the most, as it is more about humanity than militarism.
There are a lot of adult themes, and some graphic injury passages , so this book is for the Junior Reader over 13/14 years. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast, this is not really that useful. The Gamer, may find their way all through to deployment, only to find the descriptions of the ambush groups sent out each night into Lebanon insufficient for gaming needs. The modeler will get a lot of diorama ideas- but not guidance from photos or any colour help. The Military enthusiast is probably the winner here, as this might pass for the Israeli "Good Soldier Svejk", but there is almost no tactical or strategic information, it's more about culture and the man versus the organisation theme. A good read - but more comedy and nonfiction than military history.
Read
November 5, 2025This was a book club book; It was funny, but as a group we were unable to tell How much was actually true and how much was exaggeration to add to the humor. It's a Chicago Jewish boy Who joins the Israeli army to prove and define his Jewishness to himself. All Israelis I drafted into the army when they turn eighteen, but he is 24 and is really working with kids. It's all kind of fun and games until he actually is fighting, and then he realizes that all of the training has not trained for war.
It is sort of an eye opening look at the fact that in general, we (most countries) have children fighting adult wars! I think that the only reason that it got as good a rating as it did By both me and our book club, was the fact that it was amusing. Unfortunately, it also causes Great discomfort about war, Fighting, and what's some of the problems are In terms of military plans and planning.
It is sort of an eye opening look at the fact that in general, we (most countries) have children fighting adult wars! I think that the only reason that it got as good a rating as it did By both me and our book club, was the fact that it was amusing. Unfortunately, it also causes Great discomfort about war, Fighting, and what's some of the problems are In terms of military plans and planning.
February 23, 2018
This is pretty hilarious story about a young Jewish college graduate from Chicago who decides to make aliyah and join the IDF. He soon learns that he is considered Jewish for immigration purposes but not for religious purposes because he is not Orthodox. He wants to have a Jewish wedding in Israel, but he has to go to a mikveh first. He also learns that the IDF basic training is full of scared young boys (hence the title), some of them from poor circumstances. The main character has an anxiety attack when he realizes they are actually going into a war zone in Lebanon. The theme of the book is not what he expected, but maybe he grew up some anyway and realized he will never be accepted as an Israeli.
May 1, 2018
Joel Chasnoff offers a deeply honest, interesting and relatable first-hand account of his experience in the Israeli military. His memoir was easy-to-read and thought-provoking. My husband and I both enjoyed this book, and he recommended it to his friend, who is already fascinated by it. Will definitely recommend this memoir to friends.
November 29, 2024
I have to keep reminding myself that this came out in 2010 and describes events in. What I assume is 95 or 96. Since my knowledge of Israeli history is scant, i jeep having to reread to see what is going on.
P 114-120 The mist depressing chapter in which the author discusses the Israel Palistinian conflict and the difference in various approaches to
p.186 To me there’s nothing funny about Captain Pinny and the head hitting story. The laughs are garnered through pain.
compare with the things they carried? other war stories, some that ussed humor.
P 114-120 The mist depressing chapter in which the author discusses the Israel Palistinian conflict and the difference in various approaches to
p.186 To me there’s nothing funny about Captain Pinny and the head hitting story. The laughs are garnered through pain.
compare with the things they carried? other war stories, some that ussed humor.
September 17, 2017
A wonderfully funny look at the complex relationship between American and Israeli Jewry.
If you want to read a funny and myth busting account of a diaspora Jew encountering the mess that is Israel, look no further.
If you want to read a funny and myth busting account of a diaspora Jew encountering the mess that is Israel, look no further.
February 24, 2018
This was absolutely hilarious. I burst into fits of uncontrollable laughter continuously throughout the book. After I finished, I turned back to the beginning and started reading parts again because it was that funny. Highly recommend.
May 9, 2018
I heard Chasnoff speak in 2014, I remember he made me laugh a lot. I thought this book would be a propaganda piece for the Israeli army, used to lure young jews to do birthright. I found Chasnoff made some interesting insights into the nature of war and all male spaces.
January 31, 2025
A very interesting account of an American Jew who joins the IDF for a year of service. While the experience would be different today, it is excellent reading for any other young people thinking about doing their military service in the IDF.
May 9, 2019
A beautiful book. I was worried at first it'd be a bunch of easy jokes about masculinity but it really brought itself together. Pages 240-245 make it all worth it. Very human.
September 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this book.. I love reading about Israel.. it was lighthearted but contained some truths about the IDF that are worrisome.
Read
December 30, 2019Funny and heartfelt while sharing an honest perspective on Israeli culture
January 9, 2020
Funny and brutally-honest tale of an American who chose to serve in the Israeli army.
September 17, 2022
Pretty much sums up life in the IDF and Israel
November 18, 2023
A first hand account of a Jewish American's experience in the Israeli Defense Forces. Interesting insight into that military, Orthodox Jewish law, Israeli Jews, etc.
May 27, 2025
If I could give this book 100 stars I would. It is perfect - funny, touching, well written and about fabulous Israel - a fascinating subject to read about. ❤️
January 4, 2016
Very enjoyable and surprisingly insightful. There's plenty of comedy and schmaltz, as expected from this genre. However, Chasnoff provides a real education on contemporary Israel, one you don't get in Hebrew school or shul. Per Chasnoff's story, Israel is decidedly dysfunctional and ridiculous, and he explodes many myths that American Jews hold of Israel, especially about the competency and mission of the IDF and of Israel being a place for all Jews. At this point, after all I've learned about Israel (from Chasnoff and elsewhere), I can honestly say that I couldn't care less about it. I have no loyalty or affection for a country, culture, and society that has no real connection to me or my ancestors, and would even reject me and my children as Jews because, for political expediency, they allow ultra-Orthodox buttholes to have an out-sized influence on policy and direction. Why do other Jews give these medieval fanatics credence? I am very disappointed that Chasnoff caves in to the black-hats at the end and allows them to dictate how he views himself (though I'll acknowledge that, at the time, Chasnoff was young and did not have the maturity and fortitude to stand up to them). As far as I'm concerned, fuck 'em. Why should I love and respect them if they don't love and respect me?
October 25, 2010
I read this for a book club meeting, and had the fortune of Joel Chasnoff at the meeting. The book is highly readable and entertaining - but ultimately does have a serious core. As one person pointed out, the key phrase in the book is (paraphrasing) that Chasnoff knows what his identity is, but Israel does not, and needs to find it.
On one level this is an entertaining story about being in the military and going through basic and advanced training, with surprises about how remarkably unorganized a lot of it is, which one would not expect from the Israelis. On another level it is about being part of an army that is supporting political positions that may not be tenable, or at least warrant discussion. While the author clearly throughout perceives himself as Jewish, both ethnically and religiously, a small minority that controls a lot of power in Israel does not see things that way. Yes, Israel needs to decide what it is and is not.
I did enjoy the book and enjoyed the discussion with the author, and will look for more things that he will write.
On one level this is an entertaining story about being in the military and going through basic and advanced training, with surprises about how remarkably unorganized a lot of it is, which one would not expect from the Israelis. On another level it is about being part of an army that is supporting political positions that may not be tenable, or at least warrant discussion. While the author clearly throughout perceives himself as Jewish, both ethnically and religiously, a small minority that controls a lot of power in Israel does not see things that way. Yes, Israel needs to decide what it is and is not.
I did enjoy the book and enjoyed the discussion with the author, and will look for more things that he will write.
May 21, 2013
If you enjoy a good laugh when reading a book "The 188th Crybaby Brigade" by, Joel Chasnoff,and also like reading autobiographies then this is the book for you. Originally,I had received this book in the mail from my grandmother and I just looked at the cover and thought I am not going to read this book, but now after reading I knew it was the right decision to read it. For one, I enjoyed reading it because it gave me a good laugh throughout the book. The book was about how the author Joel Chasnoff, an American-Jewish comedian who got himself enlisted in the Israeli army. As well as his time in the Israeli army. As I read I saw a connection between Joel and myself, one we are both Jewish and two, that we have a love for the country of Israel. Although I am not a converted Jew like Joel. In his book "The 188th crybaby brigade," he shows many different situations that he encountered on his tour in Lebanon while in the Israel Defense Forces, and I had a great reading that because it seemed to be able to answer a few questions that I had about the "IDF" (Israel Defense Forces).
November 22, 2011
What's a nice Jewish boy from Chicago doing in the Israel Defence Forces? Read the book and find out. Through the author's eyes, we experience basic training and then armnor training in a Merkava tank. It's hilarious in many ways, but chilling as well. The author served in Lebanon.
According to the author, there are four social classes in modern [Chasnoff served in the late 1990s] Israel: from richest to poorest, they are Ashkenazi (descendants of Jews from Europe) from wealthy neighborhoods, Ashkenazi from not such wealthy neighborhoods, Sephardim (from the Middle East and North Africa), and finally Russians. Here's the bad part: there are 4 men in a Merkava crew. The tank commanders are all Ashkenazim from wealthy backgrounds; the gunners, including the author, are all Ashkenazim from modest circumstances; the loaders are all Sephardim; and finally the drivers who are all Russians.
It's a quick and entertaining read.
According to the author, there are four social classes in modern [Chasnoff served in the late 1990s] Israel: from richest to poorest, they are Ashkenazi (descendants of Jews from Europe) from wealthy neighborhoods, Ashkenazi from not such wealthy neighborhoods, Sephardim (from the Middle East and North Africa), and finally Russians. Here's the bad part: there are 4 men in a Merkava crew. The tank commanders are all Ashkenazim from wealthy backgrounds; the gunners, including the author, are all Ashkenazim from modest circumstances; the loaders are all Sephardim; and finally the drivers who are all Russians.
It's a quick and entertaining read.
September 20, 2011
What does a 24-year-old American Jew from Chicago DO to show his love of Judaism and of Israel? Why, join the Israeli army, of course. I found Joel Chasnoff's story of his basic training and time served in Lebanon chasing Hezbollah both highly entertaining and poignant as all of his preconceptions about the Israeli army came crashing to earth during his time served. As Joel's eyes are opened to new truths about Israel and it's defenders, his honesty is refreshing and I could feel his shock and dismay myself. I skipped over the crude sexual references that cropped up now and then because I felt this book was insightful and worth finishing.
November 26, 2016
The 188th Crybaby Brigade is a fabulous read. I would have never found this book except my parents had the pleasure of meeting Joel Chasnoff and were impressed by his words. I loved the first 60% of the book, each page made me happier and happier. Then I got to Tank School and the gravity of Joel's situation set in. While I still found the book to be a page turner, I was sobered by Joel's cynical and compelling view of the challenges facing Israel today. I highly recommend this book and if my recommendation isn't enough, please note that Mr. Chasnoff donates a portion of the proceeds from both his stand-up comedy shows and this book to Project Elijah which supports humanitarian causes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews