Written in a lucid, detailed and often compelling style, this fascinating primer reviews a dozen decades or so of Israeli history. The author provides the background and context to some famous (Balfour Declaration, Six Day War), a few infamous (Hebron Riots, Gaza War), and many relatively unknown events (Peel Commission, Mufti of Jerusalem’s lobbying of Hitler).
This outstanding short history explicitly explores many difficult questions: Could Jewish and Arab national aspirations have supported each other after WW1? How did political fanatics use violence to silence moderates in Arab communities? How did the Mufti alliance with Nazis influence both events in WW2 and postwar Mideast politics? Why has the two-state solution remained elusive?
As a 21st century American, I was particularly surprised by the analysis of imperial and superpower policies in the Mideast. The struggle of Jews to live free of persecution- in Russia, in Europe, and the Mideast throws a harsh light on 20th century political priorities. It’s clear that violence has too often determined who lives, who dies, and who rules in our troubled world. The brutal and intolerant have often forced the humane and rational to become reluctant warriors to defend themselves.
While this vigorous defense of Zionism emphasizes Israel’s democratic values, it also highlights many efforts by moderate Arab leaders to build a more tolerant and healthier relationships over the decades. Unfortunately, political murders and violent threats have often silenced moderate voices in the Mideast. (Both Sadat and Rabin were killed by religious zealots.)
By placing Israel’s turbulent history within the broader context of 20th century world, this book provides a fresh perspective on the rebirth of Israel.