Israel Books

I ordered this book because it was recommended by the tour company that is arranging our trip to Israel. I was looking for something that would give me additional insight into the country and its people. This book does an excellent job of exposing me to the various ethnic and cultural groups in Israel. The author is very good about interviewing typical people within each ethnic group with examples of their feelings toward Israel and their way of life. Highly recommended.

This new 2008 edition is a wonderful gift for readers of different religions, political backgrounds and ages.

I was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq. As soon as I started reading The Israelis, I simply could not put it down. I learned about many varied faces of Israelis. The clear and easy prose and style of writing, the historical and political facts, the colorful anecdotes are enthralling and captivating. The book made me think and rethink about different issues that are an integral part of daily life in Israel -- and by extension throughout the Arab world.
It's packed full of information about different types of Arabic speaking Israelis -- Israeli Muslims, Christians and Druze. I learned a lot about their relationships within their communities and with other Israelis and Arabs outside Israel. Ms. Rosenthal does an excellent job elucidating issues that can change Arab thinking about Israel.
I highly recommend this 2008 edition of The Israelis for anyone interested in Israel, and also for anyone interested in grasping a better understanding of Arab society and its relationship to Israelis.

Layla Murad

Just finished the 2008 edition -- new and updated for Israel's 60th anniversary. Very stimulating. This famous book was recommended by Israeli friends -- and an Iraqi friend. It's filled with fascinating insights, you get nowhere else. Very balanced.
Fun to read, yet very deep. You really get an insider's look into the diverse lives of people whose a country is always in the headlines. You meet kids, techies, Russians, Ethiopians -- religious and not religious Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Students, soldiers, Google and Intel employees, Israeli Arabs -- they're all here and in their own words.

There is no other book on Israelis like this. It's very balanced, filled with fascinating insights into the lives of ordinary Israeli women, men and children from vastly different backgrounds. It's fun to read and reread. You'll smile, laugh and cry as you visit discos, battlefields and internet cafes, synagogues and mosques, learning about these hyper modern and very traditional Jewish, Muslim, Christians and Druze -- all Israelis.

This well researched masterpiece truly helps you understand what TV and newspaper reporters are not telling you. Every reporter based in the Middle East should read this book before letting the cameras roll. The Israelis is excellent for tourists, arm chair travelers, students, teachers, and diplomats.

You can't say you know much about Israel without reading this engaging, entertaining, original book. It's really fun to read, balanced and packed with fascinating information.

I hear about Israel on the news nearly everyday-- but until I read this absorbing book, I never knew much about regular Israeli people. The author lets all kinds of young Israelis speak. Female soldiers, Israeli Arabs and Israel Christians and religious and non religious Jews. My friend in Berlin told me about it -- she says The Israelis is selling like hotcakes in Germany.

After my gourmet food writer friend's recommendation, purchased this for a quality food fan husband as a gift. This book contains thorough recipes of Middle Eastern with history and original names. Some inserts of beautiful photos, as well (which is more restaurant ready than home ready). Can use out of this every day. Strongly recommended.

The book is fantastic. Have a very long introduction to give you a better understanding of the food as a part of middle east culture. Although have very little photos (I personally like photos on cooking books), this book is full of great ideas. I think I will buy soon CLaudia Roden's Jewish cookbook.

I was amazed when I received this book. I had been searching tirelessly for a cookbook which would fulfill a demanding goal: how to satisfy the picky palate of a Jewish man raised in Israel but born of Moroccan parents. I had tried a variety of regional cooking styles, but finally this cookbook was it. As I began reading the recipes out loud to my boyfriend, I swear I could see the saliva forming at the corners of his mouth. He all but ripped the cookbook from my hands! Thank you Claudia Roden for also including the historical background information as to how to prepare recipes the traditional way, in addition to the modern short-cuts. Both will come in handy as I, a traditional Southern cook from South Carolina, learn a whole new world of cuisine.

This is the all time best. I just bought this latest, updated edition because I've worn out the one I've had for over 25 years! This book is my go-to reference for Middle Eastern food and culinary traditions. You can't go wrong with this. The bonus is that Ms. Roden includes several variations of particular dishes, and explains procedures very lucidly. I learned how to make many dishes using this book. I also gave a copy to my culinarily-talented nephew, who needed a cookbook that would give him all the basics of Middle eastern cuisine--food he'd experienced and grown up with, but hadn't really seen made at home.

Very well researched. Wonderful tales and fables mixed in, adding context to the recipes -- and sometimes conversation for the dinner table!

I especially appreciated the "variations" that follow most recipes, which allow for one to adjust according to the family palate.

Beautiful photographs.

Thank you, Claudia Roden!

I purchased this book after seeing a recommendation on [...], and was quite pleased.

Klein presents his work in a witty, yet serious and incisive manner. It is a quick read, though at times I had a hard time following which terrorist was who and which group he was working for. However, I was captivated by the catchy titles ("Madonna, Britney Spears Stoned to Death? Life if the Terrorists Win" and "Terrorists go Ga-Ga over Hillary Clinton" were my personal favorites), and engaged by witticisms in the text.

Behind the acerbic wit and clever turns of phrase, Klein brings out an important point concerning the Arab-Western conflict: These are not militants, but terrorists, and if given the opportunity, they will gladly subjugate and/or destroy us. He presents his findings with a refreshing directness that disregards political correctness.

Schmoozing with Terrorists provides a much-needed report on the intentions and values of the Jihadists, who are more of a threat than the public at large give them credit for.

A conservative acquaintance of mine showed me this book as if it proved true all of the crazy things he says about Muslims and terrorism. When I pointed out to him that Klein is a conservative shill who uses a terrorist sample size of three (he speaks with only three people for his book--not a significant sample) who may very well be playing him for a fool, my acquaintance left somewhat disgruntled. I could just as easily choose the words of three American Christian whack jobs (Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and John Hagee)and get an equally frightening, distorted view of the world. If you are interested in propaganda or in how conservatives use the media to attempt to extinguish criticism of Israel, you may find this book interesting.

Ever wonder how Islamic terrorists justify homicide bombings? Ever question where their belief in the 72 virgins comes from? Learn first hand how they rationalize their horrific actions in this chilling recounting of Mr. Klein's interviews with the terrorists themselves. Mr. Klein's bravery in the face of evil is stunning!

I felt that I was pretty well informed about the Islamic threat but what I wasn't prepared for was finding out how our own state department is complicit in sponsoring terrorism. This is a must read for anyone on either side of the political spectrum!

This extremely well written book provides the reader with perhaps unprecedented access, to the first hand religious and military goals/visions of what the book calls Arab/Islamic terrorists, as they openly declare their intent in relation to Israel and the west, during interviews with a Jewish journalist.

Be prepared for a "spin free" zone, as the picture revealed here is not what the international media or many political leaders, would have the reader believe.

The writer describes that just because the terrorists were prepared to talk to him, this did not mean that they liked Jews. To the contrary, the author eloquently portrays how he stared into the eyes of men who had carried out shooting and rocket attacks, and sent suicide bombers into civilian population centres, while going to some length to reveal his fear and the palpable hatred for him of those being interviewed. One terrorist even declaring that he wanted to kill the author, who expresses how on several occasions he did not think he would survive the interview. The interviews taking place in the strongholds of the terrorists themselves, with the latter all being well armed.

The book accuses so many journalists of having "no moral compass", and while conducting interviews of their own, expediently and deliberately avoid confronting the terrorist groups with their lies. The journalists simultaneously failing to supply any accurate context or objectivity and thus depriving the viewer/listener of the full story.

A procedure which arrives at an inaccurate appraisal with the terrorists appearing to have a "legitimate grievance" which inevitably equates any measures to eradicate terrorism to the attacks/response by the terrorists themselves.

Referring to the Palestinian Arab/Israeli conflict, the author draws attention to how whenever there is a suicide bombing in Israel, much of the international news media race to locate the bomber's family in order to produce "human interest" stories, subsequently painting the terrorist as a victim of Israeli "aggression" and "driven to revenge".

The media displaying a readiness to attach some perverse moral equivalence between the civilian victims of terrorism and those who are willing to carry them out. Examples provided being how terrorists willingly hide amongst women and children, using such as "human shields" to launch rockets against civilian targets. A process akin to attaching a moral equivalence between the "arsonist" and the "firefighter", but one which is sadly often swallowed whole by an undiscerning public.

The book pulls no punches as it cites how the religion behind these terrorist activities allegedly justifies any conduct, any excuse and any lie to further it's goals, wherein women, the elderly, children and even babies are justifiable military targets. Where simultaneously reality and history are completely discarded and turned upside as a means towards achieving their religious/military/geographic objectives.

Principles allegedly supported, directly or indirectly, by a media and political realm which is prepared to repeat such lies so often to a largely uninformed audience which more often and not regards such distortions as the truth.

With due reference the reader is reminded that handing over territory to terrorists bent upon your destruction, will be seen as a victory for their cause, and only encourages further terrorism and violence. Terrorist entities indeed then being prepared to use such territory as a platform from which to launch even further attacks upon you.

Examples cited are the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. Particular emphasis also being given to the possible future withdrawal of western forces from Iraq and the stance of present US Presidential hopefuls. The terrorists themselves openly admitting in the text that they hope for a Democrat victory in the coming elections, as they hope for a withdrawal from Iraq. The latter being seen as a victory for Islam, a defeat for the west, and justification for future violence in pursuit of their goals in relation to Israel/Palestinians etc.. These are the words/views of the terrorists themselves and not necessarily those of the writer.

The writer emphasises that, in the eyes of the terrorists, this is a "war to the finish", with the text elaborating that it is the western and Judeo-Christian existence which is seen as being the real problem, and not the pursuit of a "Palestinian" state or a withdrawal of western forces from the Middle East.

Reference after reference and quote after quote bringing to the attention of the reader that the terorist groups are seeking an "Islamic universe" or "caliphate", with Iraq and the Palestinian issues being just stepping stones towards this ultimate goal.

Named terrorists being quoted in the text as seeking the Islamic domination of Planet Earth and highlighting how they see Islam as being unable to tolerate any idea, principle or way of life that does not go with it's laws, visions and rules.

The sources seemingly being proud of how a foothold has already been gained in both the US and Europe. Early in Chapter One the reader is introduced to an event held during March 2003 in the US, where the writer managed to attend a venue in New York where a speaker is quoted as stating "Eventually there will be a Muslim in the White House dictating the laws of shariah.."

This gripping book is an absolute must read for everyone, both in the west, the Middle East and for those involved in the media and the political realm. I cannot emphasise this enough. Thank you for your time.

This is a bit of an odd book, but it has a good deal of value in being one of the few sources of direct insight into what terrorists are actually like, how they think, and what motivates them.

First off my most sincere thanks to Klein and admiration for his courage to actually go talk to Palestinian terror leaders face to face. This is something that the terrorists allow however because they are in the end media-savvy. All wars are battles of will between those who believe in opposing ideas (be they political, religious, or at the most intractable level based on blood or ethnicity) which are won when either through sheer force the enemy is eliminated or through the threat of the pain of continued violence the enemy submits to stop resisting the other side (which may, and usually does, mean their elimination anyway.) Lacking the requisite military power to achieve their goals on the battlefields the terrorists have become adept at using the media to play to Western doubts, insecurities and false hopes to wear down our will.

In this book Klein provides briefs of his myriad interviews with terrorists living in the Palestinian territories and neighboring Lebanon, organized thematically. We see a worldview that is twisted by a hatred for the un-Islamic. Tolerance and negotiation are not part of the terrorist agenda. Their grasp of history is not necessarily poor, but bent so far out of shape by bias that it no longer reflects reality. Likewise for their bizarre interpretation of the world around them, laden as it is with Zionist conspiracies that can best be described as beyond the pale. The terrorists also have an Orwellian command of language, able to use the connotations of words to change their meaning and obscure their true actions and goals to Westerners. Further, much like the 9/11 hijackers, they are not necessarily the poor and the desperate either. Many face the prospect of a materially adequate life, but perhaps not an ideologically satisfying one and thus are willing to blow themselves up to be a martyr for Allah. We are thus faced with a unique, and frankly disturbing, enemy in our history, one who will not be defeated easily.

Klein shows persuasively that attempts to negotiate, make peace and/or accommodate the terrorists are indeed equivalent to Chamberlain-esque appeasement of Hitler or "peace in our time," mere opportunity for the terrorists to further their religiously fueled (and thus usually non-negotiable) ends. These ends are at least the restoration of the Caliphate and the expulsion or subjugation of all non-Muslims from traditional Islamic lands, but more likely the continued Islamic expansion by any means workable. This leaves open the door for both militant expansion, and inside out transformation of societies from open democracies to sharia ruled waqfs. What life would be like in these places is exhibited for all to see in the parts of Israel handed over to the Palestinian Authority. Strengthening one terrorist group against another, as seems to be the State Department preference, only sows the seeds of the next problem group and delays the inevitable confrontation with the West minimally if at all, while unsurprisingly making the future enemy stronger. Leftist actors and singers denouncing our government and our nation and sympathizing with the terrorists encourages and reinforces them. The Democratic fervor to get out of Iraq also emboldens them. This is a book whose themes and message people should familiarize themselves with. Peaceful civilizational co-existence between Islam and the rest of the world is the most pressing and difficult challenge of our times.

Several things do deny a fifth star though. First the editing is horrible, with glaring typos everywhere, giving the book a rushed feel. Second, there are many times where the book doesn't help itself. When the author starts using a string of negative words after a terrorist proclamation, despite the fact I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment, there isn't much actually added and this commentary can (I hate to say it because of the importance of the subject matter and triviality of this critique) sound whiny. If you want to learn even more about the terrorists mind and goals the "Al-Qaeda Reader" by Raymond Ibrahim is a more scholarly work. This book will likely have more popular appeal however, although being proudly aligned with conservative talk radio will probably put off a lot of "open-minded" people from reading it.

Recommended. An important message, but in an idiosyncratic wrapping.

It is excellently written. A true story. You do not want to let go.

I met Howard Blum at a book signing at the JCC in West Bloomfield, Michigan. He was there for his book "The Eve of Destruction". He is an amazing story teller and has a powerful story to tell. This story is told thru the eye's of three men and a woman, Israel Carmi, Johanan Peltz, and Arie Pinchuk, Leah Pinchuk. The British in almost a regretfully way allow a Jewish Brigade to be raised from voluteer's from Palestine. A brigade of 5000 troops who fought the Nazi's in the Italian campaign. These brave men then take on another mission. Their most important mission in their lifes, rescueing Jewish orphan children. These troops stationed in Europe after the conflict were privately hunting down war crinimal's when almost by accident they rescued a ophan Jewish girl. Darkness had almost consumed these men in the never ending spiral of death when God stepped in and handed them the orphan girl.
"The more he killed in cold blood, the more he ensured that the horror the Nazis had let loose would continue to triumph. His only hope was to make a movement away from this ruinous faith. And now he knew what he had to do. For the first time he started to envision the beginnings of a plan, an active strategy, that brought with it the possibility of a world beyond all the evil."
Now you would think this would not be such a difficult problem, however the British were determined not to allow any more Jewish refugee's into Palestine!
A thrilling true story that will keep you in suspense till then end! This was a little known unit that contributed so much to humanity.

How this book went under the radar is beyond me! Steven Spielberg should make a movie out of this, and it could be better than "Saving Private Ryan"! This is a true story, of the first official Jewish military fighting unit. It was formed, when the British government, agreed to send 5,000 Jewish volunteers to fight in Europe, during World War II. Let your heart, mind and soul, be put in the place of a Jewish soldier: Millions of Jews being exterminated in the concentration camps, and you aren't allowed to fight back, as a recognized official unit or brigade. Now your chance comes! This book, first delves into the different types of men in this group. The feeling of helplessness, even after being approved and organized, because they're kept away from the main fighting. I was deeply impacted, as I was told, that no on, had ever worn the Star Of David, on a military uniform before. What a wonderful contrast, to the Star Of David being put on all the Holocaust victims sleeves, as a means of humiliation. When the war ends, this Jewish Brigade, decides not to stop! They continue to go after Nazi officers in hiding, and people who stole Jewish citizen's artwork and valuables. Two individual scenes, brought pride to my chest, and tears to my eyes. One was when, two of the Brigade, finally tracked down one of the Germans, who had performed various atrocities against the Jews, and one member of the Brigade, said to the war criminal: "In the name of the Jewish people, I sentence you to death!" The other scene, was when members of the Brigade, came to the gates of a concentration camp, and the skeletal survivor's in pajamas, stood looking at them, and did not speak. One soldier said, "Don't be afraid" in Yiddish. "The survivors still did not speak" "The soldier felt guilty-of his health, his strength, his good fortune, to have been spared." "He tried again, "We're Jews," he said. "Confused, a man pointed to the Star Of David on the soldier's sleeve, and asked hesitantly, "You're Jewish angels?" I could not put this book down, and have tried to think of a million different reasons, why no one has made this into a movie. I bought the book for my son, who, with starting a new family, and a new job, doesn't have time to read. But after starting this book, he read it every morning before work, and at lunch, and finished it in a week. I bought a copy and sent it to my brother, who is the busiest guy I know. He never has time to read. He read it in a week, and then passed it on to an older gentleman where he works. I sent a copy to one of my best friends; he finished it in a week. We all still discuss, and quote this book today, and I read it over three years ago!

Howard Blum has written a compelling true narrative of a small group of Jewish soldiers who fought the Nazis along side the British Army in WWII. This little known slice of history is conveyed persuasively in The Brigade.

Blum discovered this small piece of history by accident when visiting the US Holocaust Museum. After he pulled together scores of interviews, he chose to tell the story through the eyes of three soldiers and one survivor, the sister of one of the soldiers. This telling is what gives this book its potency.

The strength of The Brigade is that it reads as a novel, and the reader cannot turn the pages fast enough to find out what happens next. Blum's accurate portrayal and attention to details is what keeps us focused on the reality of this amazing story of courage and perserverance. He reminds us through his excellent storytelling that this did happen.

The book is not another war novel that expounds on the accounts of military victories. It shows the sacrifices and the souls of these men who risked their lives to save their people. It reveals their struggles and their doubts as well as their triumphant spirits.

The Brigade is a must read. It is uplifting and demonstrates the human spirit at its best.

This a compelling true story in which anyone who reads it will be swept up.
It is about three men , Israel Carmi , Jochanan Pelz and Arie Pinchuk, who form the Jewish Brigade , a division of Jewish soldiers from Israel, in the British army-"the first official Jewish fighting force since the fall of the Judea to the Roman legions". At the time when Jews are being victimized and lead like sheep to the slaughter , the Jewish Brigade , with a yellow Star of David emblazoned to their uniform , fighting for the Jewish people , and their homeland of Israel, shows the world that Jews can fight back and win.
It also tells the remarkable story of Arie Pichuk's sister Leah , and her escape from the Nazis , surviving as a fugitive in the Ukraine , before joining the anti-Nazi Partisans.
After the war , the men witness first hand what the Nazis have done to their people, and set off on a course of identifying , finding and killing Nazi officers who have participated in the holocaust.
Their hatred and ferocity threatens to overwhelm them , until a chance encounter with an orphaned Jewish girl sets them on a more constructive course-smuggling Jewish boys and girls into Israel, despite the British blockade which tires to prevent Jews from entering the ancient homelnd from which they where forced out by the Romans two thousand years before.
It is therefore a true narrative about the re-establishment of the State of Israel , where Jewish children can grow up insafety and live as free men and women , in a free homeland of their own.
That is Zionism , which has been so maligned by evil forces , who want the Jews to fall pray to genocide again.
Every descent person , Jew or Gentile , needs to dedicate themselves to ensuring that Israel survives as a Jewish State in which Jews can live freely and safely.
Anything else will guarantee another holocaust.
Israel and the Jewish people are faced with the same genocidal hate today , that the Jews where faced with during World War II
Our heroes play a role in defending Israel after the fledgling state is attacked by five Arab armies , hellbent on genocide.
Am Israel Chai.
The People of Israel live!

This is undeniably the most important book on what really happened on September 11th 2001. LJK and Quinn objectively look at who benefited the most from these events and using publicly available research, piece together the most likely turn of events on that day. It was the day that changed the world in which we live. Since 9/11 there has been an accelerating clampdown on the human rights, freedom of speech and privacy of every individual on this planet.

That the current US administration had forewarning of this event is without doubt to anyone who isn't spell-bound by the main-stream-co-opted press. What is rarely discussed, is the involvement of Israeli intelligence services, how Israel is benefiting from the war in Iraq, Afghanistan and future proposed Middle East invasions. LJK and Quinn present compelling arguments, with a unique historical investigation into the formation of the state of Israel and its Zionist ambitions. This is combined with research on the psychopathic individuals and groups that would be capable of committing such horrific crimes. Together the smoke clears and true perpetrators of this outrageous attack are clear for all to see.

This is an excellent book about 9-11. At least I haven't seen anything like that around, and it's actually two books into one, and so more food for thought here than one could ever have expected.

There's a priceless time-line analysis full of details, and one in particular that you can't miss, 'the saga of babs and ted'. Then it goes from technicalities to the core of the event itself, by passing through the labyrinth of history, and the question about how and why all this could have happened. The second part of the book starts with a quote from Allan Bloom's, 'The Closing of the American Mind', that tells us a lot about the kind of freaks hiding behind the current War on Terror, against all of us:

"The most successful tyranny is not the one that uses force to assure uniformity but the one hat removes the awareness of other possibilities, that makes it seem inconceivable that other ways are visible, that removes the sense that there is an outside."

Laura Knight-Jadczyk and Joe Quinn have written what is easily the most comprehensive book on 9/11 to date. There are plenty of books and websites that challenge the official version of events of 9/11, but Ultimate Truth delivers not only an examination of 9/11, complete with unexpected twists and turns, but places it in a political and historical context incorporating the latest research on psychopathy to reveal exactly where it's all leading us and why.

It's a unique, thoroughly researched and important work on the subject of 9/11 and recommended reading for anyone who wants to understand the truth behind the defining event of this century.

With strong efforts in conducting a detailed research on the events of 9/11 and the motivations behind the attacks, Laura Knight-Jadczyk and Joe Quinn wrote the most ground-breaking work entitled "9/11: The Ultimate Truth," which was published in 2006. This 430-page book drives the reader to experience the shocking truth about what happened on September 11, 2001 and to understand the virulent motivations behind the "terrorist" attacks. To understand in depth on why the horrific events of 9/11 happened, the answer lies in "9/11: The Ultimate Truth."

There are two parts in this book. Part One focused primary on the 9/11 events by analyzing the great deal of evidences surrounding the three events: Flight 93, the Pentagon, and the World Trade Centers. And, how the Israel became involved and the role of the United States government on that day is evident. It also laid out the evidence-based scenario of how the events been played out. It is important to point out that in first part of this book addressed a new look at the situation of Ted and Barbara Olson and how they are connected to the 9/11 events.

The second part of "9/11: The Ultimate Truth" focused on the history of Zionism, genetics, the hidden motivations behind the attacks, and the nature of psychopaths. With an understanding of how and why Israel was involved and their on-going insidious actions, one will begin to comprehend why 9/11 was so important and how it led the United States of America to become a Fascist State. This part of the book also included some sections from Political Ponerology (A Science on the Nature of Evil Adjusted for Political Purposes) by Andrew Lobaczewski who had done a paramount work on psychopathy and the nature of evil within the governments.

Since Knight-Jadczyk and Quinn focused on the current phenomenon of psychopaths, the Zionist control, and the history in the second part of this book, it is strongly recommended for the readers to obtain and study other works that discussed with certain aspects of this phenomenon, including Political Ponerology (A Science on the Nature of Evil Adjusted for Political Purposes) (by Andrew Lobaczewski), Controversy of Zion (by Douglas Reed), The New Pearl Harbor: Disturbing Questions About the Bush Administration and 9/11 (by David Ray Griffin), The Mask of Sanity: An Attempt to Clarify Some Issues About the So Called Psychopathic Personality (by Hervey Checkley), Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us (by Robert Hare), The Sociopath Next Door (by Martha Stout), and Predators: Pedophiles, Rapists, and Other Sex Offenders: Who They Are, How They Operate, and How We Can Protect Ourselves and Our Children (by Anna Salter). With these works, one will have a better understanding of how psychopath's mind works and an alarming and dangerous agenda of the Zionists.

In Knight-Jadczyk and Quinn's "9/11: The Ultimate Truth," one can apprehend the nature of evil within the United States government and their motivations in bring about the terrorist attacks on the American people by looking at the real evidences in each events of 9/11, the Israel involvement, the political ponerology, the issue of psychopathy, and the history of Zionist control. Instead of being greatly confused about what happened on the day of 9/11, the authors bring the reader to this understanding of 'why' the horrific day has occurred. This book is easy to read with a historical perspective and it contains a powerful understanding of the nature of the pathocratic rule in United States. The back of the book where it is stated: "This book will shatter your world view," it is no joke.

It is a strong opinion that this book is to be highly recommended, and a must read for those who seek the truth about the attacks on September 11, 2001.

This book is just amazing. By combining history with the theory of psychopathy and Political Ponerology with what may have happened on 911, the authors make you think page after page. Is this world such a big lie and manipulation? If the answer is yes, then it is urgently necessary that people start waking up to what may be the truth. This book gave me clues and a big thirst to keep learning. Highly recommended.

Efron does a good job in showing the back and forth. The book is slightly repetitious -- but it is going back and forth on the sides, so it is to be expected. He takes a tough topic and shows the reader how to gain some perspective on the issues. It is very helpful for American Jews who don't (cannot) fully understand the realities of a society they don't live in.

In some ways this book is about how minority and majority cultures will clash -- especially when they view themselves as distinct, empowered, and exclusive.

In the classic Jewish style of the story -- there are no real heroes, no real villains, and everyone suffers. It is sad but provocative. And since it is a glimpse of reality, it is therefore an important read.

Efron offers what we cannot get in newspapers, tv or other media. Not in Israel and not abroad.
Efron brings to the forefront what might be Israel's biggest problem. But he does it with a tremendous sense of responsibility.
Although the Haredi society has few voices interested in presenting their side, Efron does more than being a speaker for them. He presents Haredi and secular sides with thorough research. He doesn't let himself be dragged into the vortex of hatred that blinds people on both sides.
This book helped me better understand Israeli society, the origins of the problems and the possible consequences.
About the only thing we don't see in this book is the light at the end of the tunnel, nor any suggestions on how to resolve it, but I guess that would probably: a) prevent him from being unbiased and b) Would require another book.

I was initially put off by the fact that Efron has some link to the disreputable Michael Lerner. However, as I read the book today, non-stop, Noah Efron emerges as quite an honest man and he gives a fair accounting of the relevant issues that separate Jews in Israel.

I happily recommend this book to all Jews, especially those on the Left with such a relexive and emotional distate for our Haredi brethren. If the secular extremists could only calm down, the rifts in our community could be healed. After all, peace among the Jews is a pre-requisite for peace between the Jews and the Arabs and peace among the Jews needs to be on terms with great relevance concerning Judaism.

I hasten to add one additional thought. Efron does not confront the issue of Jewish self-hatred head on. After all the examples of irrational hatred against the Haredi population by leftist Jews, self-hatred emerges as a clear phenomenon. It is a shortcoming of the book that Efron does not isolate this issue and it is clear that the kind of Jew who takes great merit in prayer and Torah/Talmud study cannot find it in himself to throw ugly bromides at Heredi Jews. It is only the kind of Jew who finds himself estranged from Judaism that can express such hostility. What could be worse for a Jew who has abandoned Judaism than some guy in a black hat emploring him to put on tefilin? Anger is therefore a revealing emotion and I have no doubt the nightmare for Heredi Jew is when no one cares any more.

I will continue to send money to the Haredi community of Israel and I am thankful for Mr. Efron in writing a basically fair-minded account. Without his family in B'nei B'rak, it is likely Efron would be just another leftist Jew. God willing, we should all search for our frum relatives and see ourselves through their gentle eyes.

An excellent introduction to the many disputes between hareidi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews and Israel's more secular Jews. He explains the major concerns secularists have about hareidi behavior, and the pro-haredi responses to those critiques. The major areas of contention are:

1. Work and military service. Haredim are allowed to avoid military service, and often stay out of the workforce for most of their lives thanks to government support and foreign charity. But haredim point out that the Israeli military has no great need for unskilled manpower, and that haredim are less burdensome to the state treasury in many ways: they don't commit as many crimes (thus reducing the need for police and prisons) and they do not use a variety of government services oriented towards secular Jews (e.g. modern art, television and radio, all of which haredim tend to avoid). In addition, haredim bring money into the economy by attracting foreign charity, and consume and waste less than the general population.

2. "Infiltration" of secular neighborhoods. Haredim evangelize other Israelis, and secular Jews fear that once their neighborhoods are "taken over" by haredim, they will be pressured to conform to haredi rules in public. For example, secular Jews fear that roads will be closed off on Shabbat, and that women will be pressured to dress conservatively. But Efron points out that secular Jews often wish to prevent Haredim from building their institutions in secular neighborhoods, and that the haredi population is now simply too large to be limited to existing haredi enclaves.

3. Misuse of political power. Haredim occasionally engage in corrupt behavior, generally distrust Israel's courts, and occasionally engage in thuggish behavior. As a result, secular Jews worry about haredim are not committed to the rule of law or to Israeli democracy. Efron points out that political corruption in Israel is hardly limited to haredim; in fact, during the 1990s "almost a dozen secular politicians were indicted for corruption and betrayal of public trust, but almost none was convicted" - a fact that suggests that haredi politicians are victimized by a double standard. And (despite their often-intemperate language) haredim do obey the orders of Israeli courts.

4. Fear of a haredi "takeover" of the political system. Haredi parties typically hold the balance of power in Israel's parliament, and limit divorces and conversions through their power over rabbinic courts (which, under Israel law, govern life-cycle events for Jews). Efron points out that haredim don't always get what they want; according to him, "There is more commerce on Saturdays and holidays, unkosher food is everywhere . . . and so on." In other words, haredi political power is directed towards preserving the status quo rather than limiting the freedom of secular Jews.


In addition, Efron describes the history of the haredi/secular relationship. In the early 20th century, haredim were quite hostile to (mostly secular) Zionists. But even before the creation of the State of Israel, haredim began to warm up to Zionists, for a variety of reasons. First, in 1936, religious Zionists persuaded the Jewish Agency (a body assisting British colonial overlords with Jewish affairs) to establish religious councils to administer Jewish law; thus, haredi rabbis were eventually on the Zionist payroll. Second, during World War II, haredim needed Zionist assistance to help bring relatives to Israel. And after the state of Israel was established, haredim needed Zionist support more than ever. But the haredi/secular Zionist relationship began to deteriorate after Menachem Begin made a deal with haredi political parties in the 1970s: to gain their support, he removed the limit on the number of military exemptions available to haredi youth, thus contributing to some of the problems discussed above.

This book explores the divide between the Ultra-Orthodox religious Israelis and their secular counterparts in the young nation. The author leaves no stone unturned in the delivery and the average reader is given enough detail to feel like an expert on the subject by the end of the book.

I recommend this book especially to anyone with a monolithic impression of Israel, as most Westerners with an opinion seem to have. Israeli society is far more complex than most of the world realizes and there is a lot of (some might say self-induced) tension beneath the surface.

Israel occupies a prominent place in world opinion. It is largely hated by Europeans and other Western sophisticates, despite having a very liberal society. Conversely it is loved by many American Evangelicals and others, who believe that it to be a religious (Biblical) state, despite the open hatred and fear in Israel of its most religious members.

This book explains why that fear exists and why, for example, the ultra-religious do not serve in the army. The author take pains to remain neutral in the debate, while at the same time plunging directly into the fray and asking tough question of both sides.

This is a must for all ethnic groups to read.

One problem with writing intelligent books on religion is that religion demands the author experience it. Halevi takes this difficult challenge and seeks common ground with Christians and Muslims. To find this common ground he is willing to push his boundaries, go beyond his fears to find a common ground.

In his efforts he encounters a Catholic order of religious that seeks to return to the Jewish roots of Jesus as a common ground for Jewish-Christian relations; a Catholic monk of the Melkite rite (Jerusalem rite) seeing Arab-Jewish understanding through the Arab Christian; a common ground of genocide with Armenian Christians; a common ground of love with Sufi sheiks ...

Throughout his search runs a thread of the common monotheistic underpinnings of the three major religions of Israel. A second thread is a more universal acceptance that includes the great Eastern traditions - Buddhism and Hinduism. The third thread is the history of the Jewish people and the reality of strife in Israel. Through these threads, Halevi challenges the reader to confront his or her prejudices in the political and religious arenas.

The net result is not a great book, but one I highly recommend because of the issues raised and the author's personal willingness to share his experience in addressing the issues.

The title is exact. Halevi is an extraordinary person: a mystic deeply rooted in his Jewish faith but who can share a common search for peace and religious experience with Christians, the historic persecutors of Jews, and with Muslims, who have now become the "enemy." I know three of the communities of Christians he shared with and the descriptions are accurate so I can assume the Muslim sections are just as fair. Anyone searching for religious and mystic truth that is non-violent but serious about faith and God will love this book.

Yossi Halevy thinks he is only writing about interfaith connections in the holy land, but in fact the most inspiring aspect of the book is the delicate portrait of his own faith in God, where this deep faith takes him, and the grace of goodwill and wisdom that it creates inside his soul.

I just love this guy. Starting with a simple urge to connect with his neighbors, Yossi Halevi embarks on an awkward, fascinating, dangerous journey through Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. He discovers a series of surprising characters who dream, not just of peace between Jews, Muslims and Christians, but of spiritual friendship. And the story of these fragile, budding friendships becomes an adventure of almost overwhelming power.

I want to quote from one episode, where Halevi and a madcap Jew called Eliyahu Charanamrit McLean attend a mosque in Karawa village on the West Bank:

"This mosque was a family project: Everyone here belonged to the Abu-Laben clan. They were working class people; the shaykh himself was a car mechanic.

"What do the other Muslims think of you?" Eliyahu asked.

"That we're crazy," replied Saud's father. "They think we chant the name of 'Abdallah' instead of 'Allah"". Laughter.

I asked Saud what he experienced during the zakir [or dance of remembering God]. "That our hearts kept getting closer and closer to God," he said, with the Sufi vagueness I'd so often encountered from Ibrahim. ...

Ibrahim, not to be poetically outdone, added "Our souls went up to heaven like clouds".

"When you pray together," said the shaykh's father, "you form one heart".

I felt sad for this forlorn Sufi Shteibl. Here was an Islam with which we could make peace, yet it was almost absurdly perepheral. Still, maybe the fact that a handful of Muslims and Jews had danced together was enough for God to work with; perhaps He would magnify our prayers, widen the circle of ecstasy." (p. 104-105)

Halevi is realist enough to claim no easy victories. As the level of sectarian violence rises again, his network of friends retains little but hope and prayer. It's a marvelous book.

I have always been very skeptical of "biblical fiction" because creative license can border on heresy if the writer is not careful, so I reluctantly purchased Gods & Kings the first book in Lynn Austin's Chronicles of the Kings series. Wow, was I pleasantly surprised! Ms. Austin has taken a few meaningful lines of old testament Scripture and brought them to life with believeable dialogue and suspenseful plots that although speculative, do not contradict biblical truths and bring honor and glory to our GOD. The way she describes how the Israelites under the rule of King Ahaz slowly and steadily turned from the one and true GOD and allowed idol worship to appease other nations, it is very easy to see parallels with our society today and it is very sobering! However, instead of leaving us with a feeling of doom and despare, Lynn gives us hope through the young Prince Hezekiah and a handful of faithful prophets of GOD -- it is not too late to wake up America!

I look forward to reading all the books in the Chronicals of the Kings series, and hope she continues to write stories about the old and new testament.

What an awesome storyteller. If you have ever had the pleasure of reading a Francine Rivers novel, you will enjoy Lynn Austin as well. While I meditated on Rivers novels for days and even weeks, I found Austin's stories a bit faster paced and entertaining yet at the same time thought provoking and nourishment to the soul. I greatly enjoyed the first three books and highly recommend them. I am waiting for the fourth and fifth!

You will not put this down, takes you directly to the time and setting of our history! You will LOVE this...all the Kings books are a MUST!!!

I purchased this book as an Amazon recommended read. I was completely SHOCKED how much I loved this book! I picked it up and read it in a day.
It is an inspiring read. I love the dynamic love relationship that develops with Hezakiah and his grandfather, as well as the relationship with his mother. This story will inspired in me a renewed faith!

Sometimes as a Christian you can read bible stories and you gain the historical significance, but this book allows you to relize the personal significance and dedication to God. It was wonderful!

The Chronicles of the Kings series are THE BEST Biblical novels I have ever read. Lynn Austin's writing is so captivating, you won't be able to put the book down! While reading this series, I actually had to make myself not even touch the book before I went to work - because several times I did just that, lost all track of time and wound up arriving late to work!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. It really fleshes out certain Biblical characters and events, enabling you to really feel involved with the Biblical accounts. They become more than just words on a page in a history book - they become living, breathing people that really walked this earth. I was pleased that the author stayed very true to the Bible. I have read novels in this genre before that took great liberties with the facts as presented in the Bible. I did not feel that this was one of those. In fact, the author uses direct quotes from the Bible at all times when the prophets delivered their prophecies! At the front of the book, the author lists the scriptures used to write the story and encourages you to study it more deeply.

This is a well-written, page-turning, true-to-the-Word book that will keep you reading for hours and deepen your appreciation for God's love and grace. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

How fortunate we are to have someone who is actually ABLE to go to the Middle Eastern countries and initiate candid dialogue with normal (under the circumstances) every day people. Reading this book with an open mind and heart can accomplish nothing but - GOOD - in a country so evidently full of evil, ignorance, chicanery, and greed. Would that this were required reading in every American school. Then perhaps those so blinded or tricked by corporate-based propaganda would open their eyes and see what is right in front of them. If the poor grammar, MISspelling, and illiteracy evidenced in the gutless, negative reviews herein are examples of the typical American - the world is in worse shape than I thought. Be VERY afraid. But at least our illustrious author - is NOT

Having worked with Arab and Arab Americans it seems that Samar through her interviews has portrayed the most realistic representation of Arab opinions I have seen from an American author. The diveristy of Arab perspectives, and the commonalities of American and Arab feelings have been very well covered. The idea of dialogue for understanding is so simple yet we still rely on our public leaders to do the learning for us. This book is a great first step for any American to begin understanding who this culture is, that we often times choose to call the enemy.

this book is insightful to all americans who wish to know how arabs view the american world and culture .this will make clear all the mis-judgements americans make of the arab world.its also important for arabs to read this book because it will help them know what questions americans have about the arab people,culture,politics and religion.

This author has been wrongfully slandred and acussed of many things that were all untrue. All pods have been attacked by one individual. If we do nothing our figures will continue to plummet. We must unite, with a retalitory strike, or we will never sell anothr copy. His MO is to write reviws using the authors name and make it look like someone else. The number one POD had to be removed because of this and any one of us could be next. His slandrs have gone from prank to criminl as he thretned
n authr with racsts remaks. I have written in code because Amazn blocks certain words from being reviwed. My name will reval the culprit, my quots will be my emal, please repli. He must be stpped or our boks will suffr.

A must-read. This book is very important for every American to read. I truly wish there was a follow-up book written since the last elections. This is a thoughtful and enlightening book.

In the late 1980s a group calling themselves the
'new historians', including Avi Shlaim, Ilan Pappe
and Benny Morris burst onto the scene, claiming to
have written the 'real' history of the beginning of
the state of Israel, a history that had ostensibly
been covered up and which they wished to expose.

According to the 'new history', Israel was guilty of
a multitude of sins, from direct or indirect
responsibility for the creation of the Palestinian refugee
problem (Morris) and colluding with Jordanian monarch Abdullah
I to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state by
secretly agreeing to divide the country between them (Shlaim
and Pappe). Morris also insisted that the idea of
'trasferring' the Arabs out of the Jewish state had been a
central tenet of the Zionist movement, at least from 1937.

They attracted criticism quickly, and for years the argument
over what exactly happened in the Israeli War of Independence
was THE hot topic, resulting in many
journalistic and scholarly articles and mutual accusations.

By far the most straight-forward, no-holds-barred attack on
the collective theses of the 'New Historians' is this book.
Karsh, professor of King's College, faces the 'new historians'
on their home turf-namely their claim that their research is
based on newly uncovered archival material, a claim that is
only partly true.

After first demonstrating that their 'ideas' are not new -
indeed, many of them have been staples of Arab propaganda for
years - Karsh takes a look at the evidence the 'new
historians' bring to support their ideas.

Repeatedly, whether it is the claim that the Zionist movement was obsessed with 'transfer' or that Britain under Atlee and Bevin, long thought to be anti-Zionist, was in fact a friend of Zionism,Karsh demonstrates that these historians ignored evidence that contradicted their thesis, blew the (slim and selective) evidence they had out of proportion, and at times even misread what the document actually said, such as the case where Morris claimed that a meeting discussing the future of the Negev actually discussed transfer. Worse, they completely failed to consider the historical context of various documents, thus jumping to conclusions not allowed when examining the whole picture.

Though Karsh may overreach at times with his rhetoric, it
is impossible to ignore his claims. Karsh's rebuttal is
not just important in the limited context of correcting a
distorted picture of the Arab-Israeli conflict, but is an
important warning against the dangers of forcing the facts
to fit the theory, rather than the other way around.
Historians the world over should take note.

This book is a must-read on the still controversial subject
of the fateful period of 1947-1949, whatever side of the
conflict you may be on.

This book is an important exposure of academic mendacity and intellectual dishonesty. Karsh carefully reads the ' so- called revisionist historians' and shows how they have deliberately falsified records, used skimpy facts, made massive generalizations from a single instance, omitted and slanted evidence that contradicts their own claims.
Unfortunately this work will not undo the damage these ' historians' have done .They have succeeded in creating 'myths' about the conflict which are part of the commonplace perception of it today. These myths fit in well with the Arab propaganda effort to deligitimize Israel.
One would wish that this present volume would be much more widely disseminated than it has been. I would suggest that in this regard the first audience should be the journalists who cover the Middle East, who often carry with them some of the ' intellectual distortions' promoted by the revisionist historians. The second place should be the Middle East Studies Departments of all Western universities.

Rely on primary sources.
Be intellectually honest.
Let evidence form the conclusions.

Any first-year history major should have that drilled into their heads. It's also a basic set of tenets for journalists, academics, and anyone else seeking truth among facts and fiction.

What I gain from Karsh's book is an objective perspective of the origin of the modern conflict in Israel. I am treated to primary sources, secondary accounts, and conclusions drawn directly from the evidence, and not wild imagination or heresay. The way it hangs together, and the way it is written, almost compels you to consider going through the bibliography to learn more. Presented in the context of an academic response to sloppy historiography, it is a scathing rebuttal that cannot be ignored.

Presented as an introduction to the conflict, it doesn't stand alone. More than basic familiarity with the facts of Israel's modern (re)birth as a nation is needed to understand a majority of the references. However, once a basic understanding is in place, this book should serve as the standard by which other accounts or works are judged.

Fred

This is a classic book. I read it when it first came out. It had a big effect on me. It may have changed me as a person more than any other book I have ever read.

When I read it, I was a little surprised by the fact that Benny Morris had made an error that wound up with him saying that in 1938, David Ben-Gurion had said "We must expel Arabs and take their places." In fact, as Karsh pointed out, using the actual source would have confirmed a typo here: Ben-Gurion actually wrote, "We do not wish and do not need to expel Arabs and take their places."

Yes, that was a big mistake on Morris' part, not checking the original source. And it was a big mistake to get something like this wrong. But I still pondered about how Morris could write something so unusual without checking it. After all, wasn't he aware of Ben-Gurion's other statements in the previous and following years? Wasn't he aware of how far this would have been from the statements of most of Ben-Gurion's political allies and supporters? Wasn't Morris aware of how insane it would have seemed to most Jews to prescribe a policy of war towards the much more numerous Arabs?

What Karsh appeared to be telling me was that some extremely unlikely speculations had been presented as history. It would be as if some historian quoted John Kennedy as President claiming that the Earth was flat in an important speech, after proposing that we send a person to the Moon.

Karsh did a careful job of coming up with the actual history here. And he then demolished Avi Shlaim's claim of "collusion across the Jordan." Here again, Karsh showed a situation in which a supposedly serious historian made a highly dubious claim and supported it with a single piece of highly disputable evidence. And the story continues in the next chapter when we see Shlaim and Ilan Pappe's claims about Britain going along with this non-existent collusion, and saying that Bevin warned the Jordanians not to invade territory belonging to the Jews. Here was another surprise: I had read Glubb's original claim that Bevin had said not to invade those areas. Glubb said that Bevin said it twice! And it seemed possible to me that Bevin could have said such a thing. But was Glubb telling the truth? Karsh, after carefully examining several records of what happened at that meeting, shows that Glubb was basically not telling the truth here.

Another good job of investigation!

But the biggest shock was saved for last. I had not realized that Shlaim had said "Far from being 'the great ogre who unleashed Arab armies to strangle the Jewish state at birth,' Bevin 'emerges from the documents as the guardian angel of the infant state.'"

I had read quite a bit about Bevin, and I immediately recognized Shlaim's claim as completely and transparently false. It was like saying that the United States had fought in World War 2, but not telling the truth about which side we fought on: Germany's or the Soviet Union's.

Had Shlaim really said something this bizarre? He had. And that was a huge revelation for me. That we were not talking about a few mistakes by some "new historians." Nor even some very biased reading of a few documents to support some dubious ideas.

As Karsh had said in his title, this was indeed "fabricating Israeli history." We were discussing outright violations of acceptable academic behavior.

This book made me realize just how much some academics have opposed (not just abandoned) truth. And I think this issue is far bigger than just the Arab-Israeli conflict. At some point, for human society to function, there must be some respect for truth by our educational institutions. In my opinion, that is what this book is all about.

After reading this book, I no longer assumed that academic people would necessarily strive for truth. And recently, I have read and reviewed quite a few books about the Arab-Israeli conflict. I have given positive reviews to most of those which made serious attempts to tell the truth. And I've given negative ones to books which simply attempted to mislead their readers. I hope that in so doing, I am contributing, in my own small way, to improving human society.

If the above excellent reviews leave you less than entirely convinced of the worthlessness of Morris' thesis [how could they?], the final cap may be the lame reply Morris gave in the Middle East Quarterly.

[...]

Morris says that Karsh's earlier [prior to the current book] work "is a mélange of distortions, half-truths, and plain lies...." Morris fails to give a single example to support his accusation, but simply says, "It does not deserve serious attention or reply."

If all Morris can muster in his defense is an ad hominem attack on Karsh, reasonable persons can safely conclude that Morris is engaging in psychological projection.