My Promised Land: The Triumph And Tragedy Of Israel (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
This past August, a book talk by Mr. Abunimah generated great controversy at our library. Abunimah is an ardent defender of Palestinian rights: one of his central views (expressed in both of his books) is that the modern Israel was established wrongly on Palestinian territory and has no right to exist as a Jewish state. Some would say this reflects blatant anti-semitism. He rejects the charge, drawing a distinction between anti-Jewishness (which he decries) and two core anti-Zionist beliefs: that Judaism can't serve as a basis for nationhood, and that Jewish nationalism can't trump Palestinian rights. In Abunimah's view, Israel-Palestine must become a bi-national state, or else the majority of Palestinians will continue to suffer indefensible oppression in the Gaza Strip, the occupied territories, and in Israel itself.The problem, of course, is that a majority of Jews in Israel and elsewhere -- along with many non-Jews -- believe strongly in Israel's necessity and legitimacy as a Jewish state. Defenders of the modern Israel argue that Jews have constituted a "people" for millennia and have powerful historical ties to the disputed land. Some defenders, Ari Shavit among them, argue further that nations are always born bloodily and tragically, and that Israel couldn't have been born any other way--and needed to be born. In the same way that Abunimah rejects the charge of anti-semitism, Shavit would reject any anti-Palestinian charge, drawing a distinction between such bias and two of his own core beliefs: that what looks to some like cruelty is actually the ugly reality of nation-building throughout history, and that Jews and the world are better off with Israel than without it. In Shavit's view, Israel must not become a bi-national state because such a state (given the region's demographics) would no longer be a Jewish homeland, or even safe for a Jewish minority.Before picking up either Abunimah or Shavit, consider Jack Ross's biography of Elmer Berger. Berger (1908-1996), a Reform rabbi, was the longtime de facto spokesperson for liberal Jewish anti-Zionists. From 1942 to 1968 he led the anti-Zionist American Council for Judaism, then, for nearly thirty years, American Jewish Alternatives to Zionism. Ross's book is less readable than Abunimah's or Shavit's, and factually inaccurate in places, but it effectively details the dogged efforts of Berger and others to counter the push for Israeli statehood. Ross is as much a disciple as a biographer, supplementing Berger's arguments with his own.The Israel-Palestine controversy won't be resolved anytime soon, and these authors probably won't sway anyone with a strong opinion on the matter. But collectively they are worthy guides for the perplexed. (Jeff B., Reader's Services) it was a wonderful journey to share with Ari Shavit- both personal and historical given his journalistic position and his deeply rooted family true in the history of modern Israel. I'm so glad that my Israeli partner pushed me to pick it up. I push you to pick it and share this in-depth experience no matter how much or little you know about Israel. Shavit will enrich your understanding of a complicated and unique place.Bravo!!!!!
What do You think about My Promised Land: The Triumph And Tragedy Of Israel (2013)?
Not a fun read, but important for understanding the current situation in the Middle East.
—Sarah
Brilliant. Heartbreaking. It took me a long time to read but I'm so glad I did.
—akelner
I will let you know when I return from Israel in a few weeks.
—miley
Book recalled before had a chance to finish.
—beth
