Israel Books

Those readers looking for both a thorough history of Jerusalem will also get an informative review of the political and religious aspects of the Near East. Many endnotes and a very useful bibliography.

My God indeed!
What a time line story!!! It is without equal, and tells us just where this present day middle east crises is going.
Pulling out the stops here, i want to say this book should be required reading for all people from all cultures.
I have just finished my third reading and keep it next to my reading chair like a Bible.
Only problem; none.

Eric Cline has written a vast range of books and articles for both specialized publications and general audiences. His latest book, "Jerusalem Besieged", is written in the same vein as his previous book "Battles of Armageddon" and yet in many ways this new book must have been difficult to write. While Megiddo is in ruins, Jerusalem is still the religious center of three major world faiths and is held sacred by hundreds of millions of people throughout the world. It is almost impossible to write a book on Jerusalem without offending someone, but Cline has managed to write one of the most tactful books possible. Nowhere does he slide into polemic, nor has he made any religious claims in lieu of evidence. He has tried his best to write an even-handed account of Jerusalem's military past. He has spent a great deal of time in that city and his love of the subject comes through loud and clear. He writes as an archaeologist not as a political commentator, and yet there is much journalistic material he has read and incorporated into the text. Cline writes in beautifully lucid prose. General readers will find the material accessible and yet Cline's research is available in the footnotes and the extensive bibliography. Readers are given a framework within which to think about the repercussions of several millenia of strife in Jerusalem. Cline documents 118 separate conflicts during which Jerusalem has been destroyed completely twice, besieged 23 times and attacked an additional 52 times. It has been captured and re-captured 44 times and this does not even include the 20 revolts and innumerable riots. Cline manages to cover them in less than 500 pages while covering each incident, and giving judicious opinions in places where controversy occurs. This is a must purchase for military historians and general readers alike.

This was a very informative book, well researched and most importantly it was easy to read without falling asleep. Highly recommended.

This is a book that really needed to be written.

When I lived briefly in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, I was told that in ancient times, Tabuk had been known as "the most evil place in the world." Frankly at the time, I doubted that any geographical locality could have a karma of its own. After reading Eric H. Cline's book, Jerusalem Besieged, I think I'm going to have to reconsider the issue.

What I found most intriguing about the author's discussion was his concept of the origin of the site's importance. Most archaeologists tend to point to the advantage of a location as the inspiration for settlement and development in the area. Often things like access to a sheltered harbor, a fishing resource, mineral wealth such as flint, obsidian, ceramic clay, iron, gold or silver, or water availability and so on are reasons that a city grows and flourishes through time. As one realtor has said, "there are three things to remember in selecting real estate: location, location, location."

Jerusalem however seems to defy that premise. According to the author, it is neither exceptional for its geologic nor for its geographic gifts. The agricultural value of the surrounding land is marginal, water supply is iffy, there are no large stands of timber to be harvested and few if any valuable mineral riches to be mined. Geographically it seems to have been an isolated site, in the back of beyond. It lies well inland of the coast and is not the hub of intersecting trade routes. In fact, although it is mentioned in the Egyptian Armarna texts, it seems to have held little political value until David took it forcibly from the Jebusites, its previous owners, and made it the center of his new monarchy. It would appear that even he chose the site primarily because it had not been a power base for any of his own people. Its foreign citizenry owed no one but him any loyalty, so it would not entangle him in the petty internal feuds that seemed to be the bane of the Israelite political world. Yet over the past 3000 years, more blood has been shed over the city of Jerusalem than practically any other site on earth.

So what makes this rock in the middle of nowhere such a magnet for passion and violence? Why does the City of Peace seem to drive sensible people crazy? According to Professor Cline it would appear to be the city's emotional wealth. So many have made Jerusalem the center of spiritual and emotional importance that the site is invested with staggering human significance. That investment in Jerusalem over the past 3000 years almost ensures continuous strife over its possession. No one seems immune to the insanity either. People from as distant as the Far East have taken a part in the madness. Everyone from the Romans to the British and the US have entered the melee. Embarrassingly-for a nominal Christian at least-the worst of the violence seems to have been perpetrated by the Crusaders.

Almost all of the illustrations of the city in the book are from its outside and from a fair distance. I think the artist had a good idea. Personally by the end of the book I felt that everyone should be forbidden to live on the site for their own good; it's far too dangerous. It should be walled off for the health of the world, and the faithful and the curious can look at it through the fence from a safe distance. Having read the author's book The Battles of Armageddon, I would have to say that if the end of days does occur, it won't be at Megiddo; it'll be at Jerusalem!

As I said above, this is a book that really needed to be written. It's not that there is anything particularly new in it; it's just that it's all particularly focused. I think that it should be required reading for all politicians, both regional and national, and certainly for any of those involved in attempts to bring about peace in the area. For the general reader it will make the issues in the Middle East far clearer and reveal why a lasting peace in the area is unlikely to occur any time soon. It will also make the Arab countries' horror over the US activities in the region more understandable. Certainly the author's final statement, quoting O'Neill, is vividly evocative of the entire message of the book, "For now, however, in Jerusalem, perhaps more than anywhere else in the world, `There is no present or future-only the past, happening over and over again...(p. 310).'"

excellent book! What Jan Peczkis goes to great detail to deny is really a sad joke because we have WITNESS TESTIMONIES from the pogrom. IN FACT, it was not confined to Kielce! Poles rioted all over Poland, including Lodz where they tried to murder my grandfather in the melee. This was sadly not the first instance if a blood libel that resulted in a pogrom. Jews lived in fear of their lives in Poland BEFORE WORLD WAR TWO. During the war, more Poles informed on Jews to the Germans and Polish police who turned them over to the Germans, than instances of the rightteous who indeed saved thousands of Jews...usually when it involvd converting an adorable Jewish baby to Christianity. I can talk to PECZKIS about it til he will be as red as borscht in the face. In fact, if you want a perfect example of Polish anti-Semitism, go and try to get back ANY PERSONAL POSSESSIONS that a person you know has that belong to your family in Poland. You have a greater chance of getting struck by lighting (literally) than getting it back for ANY PRICE! That IS anti-Semitism. Believe me, my life would be made a lot easier, if this was not the case. Sadly, it is. My hope is that more Poles will come forward to be kinder to Jews who want to reclaim their heritage.

This review updates an earlier one, and refers to the 1998 paperback edition. This latter edition contains several articles not found in the original hardback edition. The authors trace many mischaracterizations of Polish-Jewish history in the American press. The informed reader can appreciate how little has changed since then. For example, the recent publications of NEIGHBORS and FEAR by Jan T. Gross have resurrected many old Polonophobic canards that should have been, if nowhere else, laid to rest by this 1998 edition.

There is an extensive expose of the so-called Kielce Pogrom--A Soviet-staged event (pp. 403-422). The Soviets wanted to discredit a free Poland in the eyes of the west, and to terrorize the remaining Jews into fleeing to Palestine. Other anti-Jewish actions in Hungary and Czechoslovakia got little press in the west, probably because anti-Communism had been relatively weak in those countries.

In Kielce, the tale of the blood libel had been spread by agent provocateurs (p. 414). The Jews were shot by Communist police, and club-wielding fake "steel workers" also took their toll. Other Communist police involved in the so-called pogrom had been dressed as goons or priests. There is the fantastic myth of the 15,000 to 75,000 cheering Polish onlookers (p. 406), a myth recently repeated by Gross in his FEAR. The actual number of Polish onlookers, most of whom were probably motivated by curiosity, didn't ever exceed several hundred at its peak.

After the "pogrom", inconvenient eyewitnesses met their deaths. The Kielce files themselves were burned in November 1989, shortly before the Communists left power.

Pogonowski makes clear that the Communist anti-Jewish policies of 1968 were not Polish. They were plainly Soviet-dictated (pp. 30-31).

The atlas itself is chock-full of useful information. The reader soon learns that, despite the frictions and mutual prejudices which sometimes developed between Poles and Jews, Poland was historically one of the most tolerant nations in the world for Jews. If the fact that 80% of the world's Jews, at one time, made their home in Poland does not prove this fact, then what does? This book makes it clear that Poland had been centuries ahead of others in terms of human rights and religious tolerance.

Despite the frictions and mutual prejudices which sometimes developed between Poles and Jews, the fact remains that Poland was historically one of the most tolerant nations in the world for Jews. If the fact that 80% of the world's Jews, at one time, made their home in Poland does not prove this fact, then what does? This book makes it clear that Poland had been centuries ahead of others in terms of human rights and religious tolerance.

In recent years, there has been a great deal of emphasis on Polish anti-Semitism. This is despite the fact that anti-Semitism existed virtually everywhere, and in Poland never approached the level which Jews encounted in many other European nations. Moreover, the positive aspects of Polish-Jewish relationships have been virtually ignored. Pogonowski's excellent book does much to show, in fact, how Jewish communities flourished in Poland.

Iwo Pogonowski's book is a veritable mine of information about Polish-Jewish relations since the Middle Ages. This subject has been badly distorted in the English-language publications, mostly for reasons that have nothing to do either with history or honesty. "Jews in Poland" needs to be read slowly, in small doses, with frequent returns because sometimes a very important fact is hidden in a footnote or some such obscure place. This volume looks and reads like a scrapbook, and the impression is reinforced by its graphic aspect.

"Jews in Poland" is full of very instructional maps and diagrams, it also carries a good selection of illustrations (although their quality is rather so-so). All in all, a book that stands head and shoulders over any other treatment of Jewish-Polish history in the English language.

Review of: Joseph's Seed by Neil DeRosa

First-time author Neil DeRosa takes the reader on an adventurous tour in the Middle East. It is the familiar present-day Middle East, with its Arab-Israeli conflict and Palestinian problem. But it is also a fictionalized Middle East, as it might be in the future. The difference between the actual and the possible is in the hands of the main characters. It is mostly in the hands of the Arab Prince Mustapha, a pro-Western Moslem moderate who stands to reverse the tide of militant Islam. Against Mustapha stands the messianic King Bandar who is determined to bring about a new Islamist Empire. Neither Mustapha, nor the handful of Westerners who assist him, can reverse the course of history without the massive support of the Bedouins of Arabia. Underneath the layer of action-packed adventure novel, there is a genuine belief in the judiciousness of the Bedouins as freedom loving "noble nomads."

In his characterization, the author skillfully transcends the stereotype of Arabs as a homogenous collective of anti-Western fanatics. The reader is provided with individual Arab characters, each with his own motives and decisions. There is the unscrupulous businessman Hijazi Ashamary, who first sides with Bandar out of envy for the West, but changes his course when faced with the reality of Bandar's policies. There is the Israeli-Arab honor student who devotes his mind to concoct anti-Israeli theories. There is Shareef, the Egyptian nationalist who declares that Egyptians are not Arabs and never will be. The story focuses on the Arabs, but Israel's existence is a central moral issue, dividing the Arabs into those who oppose it in the name of Islam and those who support it as a potential Western ally. In a memorable scene, the villain is riding an Israeli bus, contemplating the destruction of the Jewish State, while the radio is playing the Israeli song "Et hamangina hazot ee-efshar lehafsik... " ("This melody cannot be stopped.")

The fast-paced plot and well-drown scenes have the immediacy of a movie. On the first page, you are in the Arabian Desert with American salesman Frank Costello, stranded with a broken-down car and no water. Later on, you witness Frank's wife Debbie, attacked by the Saudi modesty police and rescued by a mysterious American with a foreign name. Debbie is the only major female character in this all-male adventure novel. Her motivation is revenge, and her stunning beauty is her only weapon. As a defiant, modern woman, she wrecks havoc in the strictly Moslem land. In spite of the oppressive political and cultural atmosphere, the characters have sufficient freedom to make moral choices. Some of them do and redeem themselves. Others do not, and condemn themselves. Personal responsibility is the leitmotif of the novel. Frank Costello learns it the hard way, believing that business is business anywhere, regardless of the nature of the clients. He is the archetype of the naive pragmatist up for a rude awakening.

Joseph's Seed uses the style of a Western to tell a story with moral and philosophical implications. History has arrived at a crucial turning point. The fate of Western Civilization is at hand. At times, the style cannot handle the scope of the issues involved. Still, it is a good try.

A well-written, provacative novel realizing the dangers of ancient hatred in a global economy.

This is a very enjoyable and readable novel, in a straightforward, fast moving style, reminiscent of Sidney Sheldon. The reader is given much insight into the Arab world, and some of the underpinnings of the strife we see in the Middle East today. A few characters are real persons rather thinly disguised-surely all readers will recognize "Yassar Ararat" and the "Palestine Restoration Society", for instance. It starts out as a relatively localized story, whose central figure is an American agricultural equipment salesman named Frank Costello, working in Saudi Arabia. By the end it develops into an apocalyptic showdown between major nationalities. The author spared us what might have been fleshed out into a lengthy mini-series, possibly a drudge for all but a few to read, and instead opted for a very fast paced and lean story that covers a lot of ground in a short time (sometimes weeks pass between consecutive paragraphs), yet puts all the pertinent points together for a most enjoyable read. Even thus streamlined, the plot retains detail of setting, complexity, and mystery to keep the reader alert and guessing. If only some of the well-stated philosophical proposals could be implemented in real life, the world would be a much better place. Highly recommended.

The author de-mystifies the Middle East Conflict with an Adventure Story that combines elements of Nelson DeMille, Agatha Christie and Leon Uris. And as a bonus, the author offers a thinking man's solution to that same conflict, which has been going on for decades, if not centuries.

A pure page-turner. Starting from the opening chapter, where a New York Salesman is taking a short-cut across the Arabian Desert, as if he was looking for a Cattle Ranch in Western Missouri, with no more directions than to "go down to the old oak tree and turn east", the author had me hooked. And there was never a dull moment from that point on.

Not only a great story, but a great visual experience. The reader can immediately sense that the author has a deep understanding, appreciation and respect for the people of the land on all sides of the conflict, and of the land itself.

When I finished reading the book, and put it down, I had the overwhelming feeling that I had just seen a good movie.

A page-turner from beginning to end! Don't miss the chance to learn the eternal and internal struggles of the Old World. What a timely book! Outstanding! In the time we approach this new war in the Middle East, and delve into a new millennium in which these ancient worlds still collide, DeRosa brings to light a fascinating look at that part of the world. It is a struggle between love and hate when two worlds are brought together...who will prevail? A picturesque look at a rebellion from beginning to end. A war between right and wrong. Frank Costello is a deeply thought proven character. The supporting players are given a true spirit that make DeRosa's novel that much more enjoyable. Princes and warlords, Americans, Israelis and Filipinos, DeRosa's prose is unbeatable! His first book offers a defined history of the ancient worlds enveloped in fiction through a fluid intense writing style all his own.

Cpl. Gilhooly
Public Affairs Chief
Task Force Kabul
US Embassy/Kabul, Afghanistan

A masterpiece of scholarship with the most surprising revelations on some of the best known sections of the Bible. This book makes it clear that for every text that makes it into print there are hundreds that circulate in oral culture and are maintained from mouth to ear. The richness and variety of the texts presented is staggering

Translated from the original German by the founder of Hadassah, this work encompasses Jewish legends and traditions from a comprehensive array of Jewish and non-Jewish sources, weaving together into a story-form the various myths and legends; some espoused by mainstream and some by non-mainstream Jewry. Great bibliographical references for each citation utilizing both traditional and non-traditional sources.

For anyone out there interested about Ester and her role (Explained in greater detail) should get this book.

I would suggest this series to anybody interested in theology, hands down.

For any student of theology, this is a fascinating collection. Contains references to Lilith (Adam's first wife) and a plethora of angel names - over 200. I highly recommend this exceptional collection for all readers.

This book is absolutely fascinating in both scope, depth, and its incredible political insights. Every Jew should read this book.

Chaim Herzog, one of Israel's greatest statesmen, served as President of Israel from 1983 to 1993, after a distinguished career in both the British Army during World War II, the Israeli Army during the War of Independence, a key mastermind behind Israel's intelligence services and Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, between 1975 and 1978.
Chaim's father Rabbi Rabbi Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog, was Chief Rabbi of Ireland from 1919 to 1937 (and later, of Palestine and Israel).
When Chaim was three years old he witnessed a man on a horse and cart being shot dead outside his house during the Irish Civil War. During his studies for a legal degree at London University College in the 1930s Herzog describes the hostility faced by both the Communists with their irrational hostility to Zionists who they labelled "exploiters", "aggressors", "Fascists" and "colonialists", and the hostility by the Fascists who supported Hitler and Nazi Germany.
Herzog also describes the pro-Arab policies and attitudes of the British colonial administration of Palestine, who clinging to Lawrence of Arabia fantasies, sided with the Arabs and prevented Jews entering Palestine, even during the Holocaust.
Herzog writes of his experiences as a soldier in the British army fighting the Nazis during World War II.
participated in the liberation of several concentration camps as well as identifying a captured German soldier as Heinrich Himmler.
After the war Herzog joined the struggle for Jewish Statehood in the Land of Israel, against the Arabs and their British colonial allies.
Herzog recalls how the law forbade both Arabs and Jews from carrying arms, but the British regularly arrested Jews for carrying arms and seldom apprehended or disarmed armed Arabs.
It is ironic to read of the co-operative co-existance between Iran under the enlightened Shah Reza Pahlavi, when we see that today Israel's most implacable and genocidal enemy is the Iranian regime of Khamenei and Ahamdinejad.
He also deals with allegations of racism against Israel reflecting "It's rather sad that there is distrust between American Blacks and Jews today and that many prominent Blacks seem anti-Semitic. Israeli society is definitely not racist: We have a large black Ethiopian population, and there is much intermarriage".
Herzog explains the Soviet role of encouraging Arab aggression during the Six Day War, and a United Nations that did nothing to stop Arab plans to annihilate Israel and her people but stepped in to stop Israel from completing her victory over the Arab aggressors once Israel was clearly winning.
He also outlines the role of the Soviet Union in instigating and initiating Syrian and Egyptian aggression against Israel before the Six Day War.

He describes the religious respect that Israel showed towards Moslem and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, with Moshe Dayan even handing over control of the Al Aqsa Mosque built on the Temple Mount (Judaism's holiest site) to the Moslem religious authorities, the Waqf.
This in contrast to Arab desecration and destruction of Jewish holy sites after the Jordanians captured the old city of Jerusalem during the War of Independence.
But Herzog's finest hour was no doubt his heroic stand taken as Ambassador to the United Nations during the shameful proceedings the led to the totalitarian dominated United Nations equating Zionism with racism.
Herzog told truth to power and did Israel and the Jewish people proud when he told the UN when the committee met to vote on the evil resolution:
"We shall survive this shameful exhibition,...and I thank the delegates who have expressed themselves against this pernicious resolution. We shall not forget those who voted to attack our religion and our faith. We shall never forget."
If only Israel had such diplomatic representatives who could stand up for their nation today.
At the General Assembly Herzog pointed out that : "Zionism is the name of the national movement of the Jewish people and is the modern expression of ancient Jewish heritage...Zionism is to the Jewish people what the liberation movements of Africa and Asia have been to their own people. Zionism is one of the most dynamic and and vibrant national movements in human history. Historically it is based on a unique and unbroken connection, extending some four thousand years, between the People of the Book and the Land of the Bible...We put our trust in Providence, in our faith and beliefs, in our time hallowed tradition, in our striving for social advance and human values, and in our people wherever they may be. For us, the Jewish people, this resolution based on hatred, falsehood and arrogance is devoid of any moral or legal value".
He cover his role in preserving Israeli national unity and representing Israel to the world, as President of Israel from 1983 to 1993.

Sadly his optimism stated towards the end of the book about how the "peace process" with the PLO and Arafat would succeed because the Arabs know they are economically dependant onm Israel and that terrorist activity would militate against their political aspirations would prove to be wrong.
He did not reckon on the Amalek-like hatred that the Palestinian terrorist groups and their supporters have for Israel, a hatred that means they would rather destroy themselves and their own society than leave in peace.
It is tragic that Herzog did not live to see how wrong this false optimism was, he died in 1997, three years before Arafat launched the murderous intifada against the Israeli people, as a response to Barak's offers to accommodate their demands and aspirations.
The rise of Hamas and Islamic Jihad and their determination to murder Jews has again proved the futility of talking to terrorists or trying to accommodate those who want Israel destroyed.
I do however have hope that if Israel stands firm and demonstrates her will to survive and not be victimised, an accommodation can be reached with moderate Arab states like Egypt and Jordan, which will include the future and welfare of those Palestinian Arabs who do want peace and coexistence.

A wonderful autobiography of Israeli statesman, diplomat, spymaster and politician, Chaim Herzog. Chaim Herzog was among a very fascinating family that included the Chief Rabbi of Israel in the 40s. Chaim himself served in numerous posts, finally becoming President of Israel in the 80s. This narrative covers every aspect of Israeli history from its high points to its low ones. Chaim has been central to every major event in Israeli history, from the siege of Jerusalem in 1948 to the Ethiopian airlift. His smart, to the point, autobiography pulls no punches in its incisive critique of Israeli society today and the mirror of the past. For instance he takes to task such luminaries as Golda and Dayan, while criticizing the rise of `fundamentalism' in Israeli society, painting a not so pretty picture of today's Yeshiva attitude towards serving in the IDF. He explains how the Rabbinate was actually more liberal in the 1940s then it is today. This is a wonderful tour de force on Israeli history, from someone who was central to Israeli policy for year. Not an apologists account, Chaim equally praises Ariel Sharon for his Unit 101 strategies as well as Peres for his inventive ideas. Probably no one in modern Israeli society could be so unbiased as to see the vital gifts that both Sharon and Peres have given to Israel. A must read for anyone interested in Israel or the modern political situation in the middle east.

I met Chaim Herzog in 1996, after the publication of his book and just before his death. I knew that he was one of Israel's formost warriors/statesmen, but of his life in between, well, I realized that I knew nothing indeed about him until I began to read his memoir.

The title "Living History" is perfect in all its sense. It's a fascinating account of his and modern Israel's story.

Chaim Herzog will always be remembered in my heart as the man who defended Israel's rights on and against the world's stage; the United Nations. I would like to transcribe for you a direct quote from his speech on October 17, 1975, when the UN was about to formally vote on institutionalizing the notion of "Zionism is racism":

__________

"We have listened to the most unbelievable nonsense on the issue of Zionism and from whom? From countries who are the archetypes of racism.

...How dare you talk of racism to us, we who suffered more than any other nation in the world from racist theories and practices, a nation which has suffered the most terrifying holocaust in the history of mankind.

...This is a sad day for the United Nations. The Jewish people will not forget this scene nor this vote.

We are a small people with a proud history. We have lived through much in our history.

We shall survive this shameful exhibition, . . . and I thank the delegations who have expressed themselves against this pernicious resolution. We shall not forget those who voted to attack our religion and our faith. We shall never forget."

__________

Of course, his entire memoir is not written out as angry as he was when his role was as Israel's ambassador to the UN, but his writings are just as passionate.

For anyone interested in the history of the modern state of Israel, this is a must read. He was there at just about every important turn and twist; (British intelligence officer in) World War II, Israel's War of Independence, at David Ben-Gurion's side, the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War, the "Zionism is Racism" debate, and as the president of Israel for ten years -- through a national unity government and the Intifada.

Simply an amazing life.

Grobman's 'Nations United' is concise and to the point, laying out the case against the U.N. logically, persuasively in a short book that's well researched and well documented. Whether or not you support the U.N., it's an engrossing book that's well worth the read.

We all know that there is an organization called the United Nations. But many of us are a little suspicious about it. Is it effective? Is it counterproductive? In this book, Alex Grobman shows how the UN has dealt with a member nation, Israel. And what he shows is scary. I think it demonstrates that there is something intrinsically wrong with the entire concept of the UN.

The point is not that the UN is bad for Israel (although that is manifestly true). The point is that the UN is simply bad for human civilization. In an attempt to build a foundation for a global human society, I think we've created a cornerstone for a wacky global tyranny that threatens scholarship, justice, and prosperity.

This book does a good job of exposing the UN's libels and demonization of Israel. There is a focus on the infamous "Zionism equals racism" resolution of 1975 (which was repealed in 1991). And there is an analysis of how much damage that resolution caused.

Should the UN be reformed? Some people say it ought to be. As the author relates, others are not so sure. And I think that the UN ought to be outlawed. But no matter what your opinion may be, this is an interesting book.

Some people say that the UN is useful just because it brings people together to talk. But I think when it merely gets used to applaud lies, it is being astoundingly destructive. I feel that it is bad that the UN has sided with aggressors so often. But I think this book shows that perhaps the worst problem with the UN is that it acts as a huge megaphone for lies.

The book begins with a short introduction to Zionism and anti-Zionism, showing the international scope and political nature of anti-Zionism. Following that is a discussion of Soviet bloc policies towards Israel. After that is a chapter analyzing the Zionism = Racism resolution. Next we see more on the history UN's attitude towards (and present obsession with) Israel, including that of the non-governmental organizations.

The book then shows some of the rather long-standing antisemitic propaganda (including blood libels) that led to the Zionism = Racism resolution. And there's a discussion of Arab and Jewish responses to that infamous resolution. Following this, there's a chapter on the uses and consequences of holocaust denial.

The final chapter tells us about some recent UN behavior, including the 2001 Durban conference, the UN investigation of the battle at Jenin, and the UN ruling on Israel's security fence.

Perhaps best of all is an excellent bibliography. While the entire book is under 200 pages, over 20 of those pages are used for a bibliography of books and more than 10 additional pages contain a bibliography of articles.

I recommend this book.

As far as I am concerned, any book that exposes the United Nations as an apostate organization bent on the erosion and even destruction of Israel and its western allies is well worth reading. That puts Alex Grobman's book, NATIONS UNITED: HOW THE UNITED NATIONS UNDERMINE ISRAEL AND THE WEST, on my short list of `must reads'. Grobman glaringly illustrates how the U.N. consistently betrays its own charter by failing to support the Jewish state; a nation created in part, by the United Nations.

Dr. Grobman begins his work at the conclusion of WWII, giving a precise analysis of the groundwork surrounding the establishment of Israel. He then takes the reader through the progression of events that have caused support of Israel, by the U.N., to deteriorate to the point of implacable antagonism and opposition. Such events are detailed as the former Soviet Union's disdain for Israel and the mounting dissent of the increasingly more powerful Middle Eastern Muslim countries, whose U.N. membership currently outnumbers Jewish membership by 23 to 1.

You will also glean valuable insight as to how the finances of the U.N. (which comes largely from the west) are being used to promote an anti-Semitic and anti-Western worldwide agenda; how the U.N uses primarily anti-Israel and secondarily anti-Western propaganda to mask the truth of oppression and fanatical leadership of many of the Muslim member states.

Dr. Grobman goes on to illustrate the plethora of ways in which the U.N has aided and abetted atrocious behavior and mishandling of funds by the Palestinians. The reader's attention is also directed to the June, 2006 U.N. Human Rights Council meeting where the primary focus was human rights violations against occupied Arab peoples (Palestinians), but human rights violations in places such as Darfur, Uzbekistan, Mexico and Sri Lanka went completely ignored.

The summary conclusion of Dr. Grobman's brilliant and critical work here is that the United Nations is like a cancer to world society whose time for dissolution is long overdue. The corruption (Oil for Food) and consistent pressing of political agendas has gone on for far too long and it is critical to the future of western civilization that this spurious organization designed to protect human rights be brought to justice for its corruption and terminated from existence for its failure to hold itself to its own charter laws.

This is a must read for anyone who has as much as a minor concern for the future of our world.

Monty Rainey
Junto Society

Written by Jewish historian Alex Grobman, Nations United: How the United Nations Undermines Israel and the West is a stinging indictment of anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism, and anti-Israel speech and action, especially as seen in the United Nations in modern history and the present day. Chapters briefly summarize the origins of Zionism, decry the UN's 1975 Z=R resolution that declared Zionism to be "a form of racism and racial discrimination" (this resolution was repealed in 1991, yet Grobman maintains that repercussions remain), discuss the reprehensible usage of Holocaust denial as a weapon and its consequences, describe modern anti-Semitism in the context of Z=R, and much more. The final passage, "Is the UN Worth It?" crystalizes Grobman's doubts about the failings of this international institution. Part history, part ardent defense of Israel and its practices, part political manifesto, and entirely critical of the UN, Nations United is heavily researched with an extensive list of articles and an index, and worth reading for its insights into the conservative Zionist perspective regardless of whether one agrees entirely with its claims.

This well-researched work chronicles the founding of the United Nations, its role in the recognition of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent history of relations between the two. Unfortunately the world body's attitude towards Israel started to deteriorate soon afterward as Grobman's analysis reveals. This change was brought about by the USSR in alliance with Arab states, later joined by the so-called Non-Aligned block of nations. The book explores the origins and development of the transformation in detail.

The UN became a hotbed of Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism; this strategy culminated in the disgusting 1975 resolution equating Zionism with racism. Although the US finally managed to have it revoked in 1991, the sinister forces behind it were not stopped by the end of the Cold War. The hostility towards Israel and the West did not cease and these agendas are more active than ever, with a majority of member states issuing an unending stream of condemnations against Israel while ignoring the murderous acts of terrorist groups and criminal states.

One of its more loathsome "achievements" was the World Conference Against Racism, the unrestrained Anti-Israel hate-fest which took place in Durban in 2001. The author shows that the organization thrives on Antisemitism while remaining willfully blind to atrocities in places like Rwanda, Chechnya and Darfur. It is obsessed with the deligitimization of the Jewish State and continues to disseminate anti-US and anti-Israel propaganda through its plethora of agencies and associated non-governmental organizations.

The book provides answers on why the UN has failed so miserably with almost every single crisis that it was intended to solve or ameliorate. One of the main reasons is projection: the hatred of successful societies deflects attention from the abject failure of the accusers' own miserable countries. Another is that the privileged UN bureaucrats are in it for themselves, forming part of the set of parasites called "transnational progressives." These fat cats pursue their self-serving agendas by using the money of Western taxpayers.

Another illuminating book covering some of the same ground is Tower of Babble by Dore Gold, whilst Global Deception by Joseph Klein and The Beast on the East River by Nathan Tabor show how the UN has become a threat to the security and sovereignty of the USA. Dominated by power-hungry bureaucrats, shady billionaires and special interest groups, Turtle Bay is nothing else but a pestilential swamp of corruption, nepotism and even drug dealing, as revealed in The UN Gang: A Memoir of Incompetence, Corruption, Espionage, Anti-Semitism and Islamic Extremism at the UN Secretariat by Pedro Sanjuan. Finally, the collusion of the mass media and the details of the Oil-for-Food scandal are brilliantly covered in Eric Shawn's The U.N. Exposed.

Nations United provides detailed information on the history of the Middle East conflict and on the nature of the UN. Copious notes at the end of every chapter plus an extensive bibliography provide an impressive collection of sources for further investigation. The book makes a valuable contribution to the literature on this corrupt and criminal organization.

United Abominations

Many presentations of Jesus describe him as a wandering sage, dispensing wisdom (such as egalitarianism) congenial to the contemporary ear. Other presentations focus on Jesus' teaching within the Judaism of his day, but see it as so uneventful that it wouldn't have provoked the Jewish leadership of his time. Scot McKnight argues that any credible picture of Jesus must: (1) explain Jesus in his Jewish context; and (2) explain why Jesus' teaching aroused such opposition that he was crucified.

McKnight discusses Jesus' view of God, the present kingdom, the future kingdom and Jesus' ethics. Some of this material is familiar (such as the review of the present/future kingdom in terms of Schweitzer, Dodd, Manson and the like) but even here the discussion is informative.

McKnight's position is that Jesus was an eschatological prophet of Israel's renewal. Jesus was unhappy about the direction of Israel and he offered national renewal based on table fellowship, forgiveness of sins and a more intimate relationship with the father in which those who followed God would form a reconstituted Israel. His appointing the Twelve to lead a renewed Israel and his occupation of the Temple were obvious claim of authority that challenged the Jewish leadership.

The most interesting portion of the book is McKnight's discussion of the future kingdom. The future kingdom, which was imminent, involved the overthrow of the Romans, the restoration of the twelve tribes, and the coming of God in full glory. Jesus didn't know exactly when this would occur, but he knew that it would occur within a generation. McKnight argues that Jesus "did not see past 70 A.D." and that his predictions were fulfilled in 70 A.D., when the Romans sacked Jerusalem. This view is often called "preterism" and McKnight's presentation of it in this book is the first presentation by a mainstream publisher of which I'm aware.

This position has certain things to commend to it; in particular it resolves claims that Jesus was mistaken about an imminent end of the world by recasting such prophecies as a judgment on Israel. Yet it leads to a few problems:

1. There are certain passages in Jesus' teaching that lead most of McKnight's fellow evangelicals to conclude that some of Jesus' predictions refer to the end of the world. Many verses susceptible to this interpretation are glossed over. For example, Jesus taught that there would be judgment of the nations. McKnight argues that because the Roman Empire constituted most of the known world, Rome's sack of Israel constituted a judgment on the world. Huh? And, if Jesus believed that the kingdom involved the overthrow of the Romans, then it's clear that he was mistaken.

2. The role of the church and the gentiles also becomes problematic. If Jesus' message was directed exclusively towards Israel, then what of the situation that eventually developed: a church, consisting of predominantly of gentiles? McKnight discusses the church and the gentiles on a few occasions (none of which is mentioned in the book's crummy index) but how this fits into Jesus' teaching isn't made clear. McKnight seems to believe that perhaps the most famous statement in the gospels -"you are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church" - a creation of the church.

This is one of the more interesting books on Jesus that I've read in a while, and it can be read with profit even by those who don't agree with McKnight's A.D. 70 theory.

Not since J. Stuart Russell's too too often ignored book (at least, in the halls of hallowed "academia") The Parousia, has a scholarly work come along that seeks to make a Biblical and historical case for the first-century fulfillment of Jesus' prophetic claims.

Quoting a vast amount of scholarly resources,(I cannot emphasize that enough, as "preterist" books are frequently authored by laymen or self taught Bible students with little, or no, formal training in ancient languages and Biblical studies) McKnight argues that for Jesus the great event (apart from His resurrection) that must be reckoned with as a turning point in the history of the world was the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

With so much confusion about "what is the church?", Scot McKnight writes about a more important prior question: "Who is Jesus?" McKnight's section on Jesus' table fellowship was one of the best I've read. McKnight anchors Jesus in the dusty roads of Galilee and Jerusalem as a man and prophet of 2nd Temple Judaism. I found the book both immensely helpful as historical scholarship and readily practical as a pastoral resource. Centuries of theological discussions and debates about Jesus have led us away from the rugged and bold historical figure that Jesus was. I highly recommend this book.

Through this book, Scot McKnight visually details the development of Jesus in a historical context with emphasis on the teachings of God, the kingdom, and ethics of Jesus. An excellent resource for studying who Jesus really was.

McKnight has given us a profound work on Jesus Christ, and his teachings in their historical context, namely first century Judaism. His insights follow closely in the train of Tom Wright and G.B Caird. McKnight's treatment of the Kingdom of God is excellent. His study of Jesus' so-called Olivet discourse is sober and penetrating. Yet few I think would follow McKnight to the conclusion he draws about Jesus' exposition.

This work should be seriously consulted by the student and/or disciple of Christ.

Rick E Aguirre Reader in Biblical Studies Southern California <><

Why Hartov's name isn't right up there in popularity and acclaim with Daniel Silva and other better-known authors of spy thrillers is beyond me. In this fine novel, as in The Heat of Ramadan, his characters are complex and wonderfully drawn and developed - he has a knack for realizing secondary and 'throwaway' characters that is just amazing. Hartov's plotting is smooth, tricky, tight, and plausible. There is both technical expertise and a subtle, pleasurable literary touch to his writing (my half-star off on NHoG would be that the military/paratroop technicalese got just a smidge too thick for me at times). His books sizzle along - that's my one criticism (tongue firmly in cheek): I finish his books too fast because I don't put them down - and then what?! Wait another 4 or 5 years? Tell the man to get back to work.

i don't understand why this author isn't being published more. he's a talented writer, with an obvious first hand knowledge of what he writes about. i think he's a potential clancy,ludlum or forsyth.

While being an insider isn't a prerequisite for being a great writer of intriuge, it doesn't hurt Hartov's novel any. Thankfully he has the skills to flesh out three-dimensional characters. Benni Baum's attempts to reconcile with his daughter, Martina Klump's obsessions and Ruth's feelings for her father and for a NYPD dectective are positive additions to the conflict.

There is just one word which can describe The Nylon Hand of God - excellent. Steven Hartov writes with the expertise of an insider. The language itself is rich, as well as beautifully descriptive. This book is a definite must for anybody who is interrested in good fiction.

As usual with one of Hartov's books this book is action packed
and exciting.The book begins with a suicide bombing at the Israeli embassy in New York. Benni Baum is sent to investigate the bombing. While there he attempts to reconcile with his daughter.After looking at the bombing he and his partner believe
that the situation is being manipulated by Iranian agents.They
also discover that one of Baum's arch enemies Maria Klump from East Germany may also be involved in this plot.There are gun battles all over the place and intense action.This book gives you the feeling of having a front row seat.I wish that we could get more books out of Hartov because he has proven himself to be
an excellent author.

I am a big fan of Israel Regardie and have most of his books. I feel this one is a good addition to the others, in particular, The Middle Pillar, but on it's own would be a little confusing. There is alot of assumed knowledge but I would definitely recommend it along with other writings of his.

I have a few hesitations abt this book: I think some of th relaxation and body awareness exercises can mess you up, all the while that they make you feel good for a time. Exercises where you try to sense all the minute sensations in your body, can be destructive. The body needs to be aware of itself to some extent, yet awakening too much awareness sensitises nerves which in the long run, are best left not too overly sensitised. Messing with the unconscious in this fashion, isnt the safest thing to do. Yet this is till a useful book.

Also, the exercise where one viualises the body, in a relaxed state, as ' full of holes' may, in the long run, create some real physical problems, as far as I can see. Far better to heed Crowley's advice, and regard or visulaize the body as primarily functioning silently with 'perfect frictionless ease,' each indidividual organ doing its respective task in unison with all the others.

Heed the works of Emma Curtis Hopkins, if you would to learn more on this. Dont be put off by her pollyannish style: the proper spiritualising of the body can do wonders for some people.

In a nutshell: the simple breathing and relaxation exercises set forth in this book are wprth the price of the book alone. and are as good as many such exercises you may find elsewhere.

This little volume is, quite simply, one of the best brief health books one could possibly own.

Embraced within Regardie's intelligent perspective, are a few chapters on breathing, relaxation, and body 'awareness'(you'll have to read the book to find out how useful this is, and how its done,) that are the best little, astute guides to health practices outside of diet, exercise, and advice from a regular, reputable physician.

The care and precision with which Regardie pursues his ideas, contribute to the overall personal sense of intelligent caution that readers should have towards their own health matters in general. Regardie conveys this necessary attitude admirably to the reader.

To top it all off, Regardie includes an excellent, concise version and guide to the basic meditation he utilizes in his highly useful book, "The Art of True Healing," currently available in an inexpensive edition, but little modified from its original form, by Marc Allen. I won't even bother to go into how supremely useful this little essay is: just go read the Amazon.com reviews yourself, and you'll see.

Anyone looking to do well with Regardie's "Art of True Healing" would be wise also, to procure his "One-Year Manual." The tips in it on breathing, relaxation, etc., should greatly augment and enhance the "True Healing" meditation technique for many.

Add Ramacharaka's "Science of Breath," and Rama Prasads' " Nature's Finer Forces," and you will be adding even more of Regardie's fave resources to gain perspective from.

(New Falcon Press also markets useful recordings - of Regardie himself ! - that assist in the performance of the breathing, 'middle pillar,' body awareness, and relaxation exercises that he pursues in "The One Year Manual."

Regardie was a chiropractic by profession, and no doubt utilized many of the simple techniques ofered up in the "The One Year Manual" with his clients. He also gave lectures and such on relaxation.

The title is really a reference to the fact, that any unified technique or set of techniques designed to improve health and life, generally take about a year to fully master.

The only area this volume falls short, perhaps, is in the value of psychotherapy for both physical, as well as mental health. Regardie elswewhere is a great believer in such, for the beginning occultist, facing the stress of 'alternative' practices.

(I would go further, and add that anyone serious about their physical health, would do well to invest time and resources in some suitable counseling/therapy, as well as pursue physical practices, nutrition, exercise, and meditation.)

I won't even go into how excellently Regardie's methods have come to make me feel, or how they have improved my entire life. I will leave it to you to imagine ...

Regardie's intelligent perspective? Yes - twenty-plus years experience with Regardie's techniques, have shown me that Regardie was even smarter than I thought he was.

There are other Regardie books ("Lazy Mans Guide to Relaxation," "(Healing) Energy Prayer and Relaxation," ) by Aquarian Press and New Falcon, that are also useful for health/meditation purposes. However, they are currently out of print. No doubt they will be re-released soon.

Even the Golden Dawn large volume, by Llewellyn or Falcon Press, has some breathing/relaxation exercises that those in good health, and cautious, could use to some advantage.

It is my understanding that Weiser/Red Wheel will be re-releasing the "One-Year Manual" for its current catalog.

I have only read the first two chapters of this book, but I wanted to put some feedback where there is none. The book is written for you to read one chapter with its specific exercize per month. Isreal Regardie is usually very WORDY as was typical for the time period and being a serious occult writer, BUT this book is not wordy at all. This book is a small quick and from what I can tell excellent place to start actually practicing the occult. For instance the first chapter and exercise is to just sit/lay and work on being sensitive with what your feeling. The second exercize is on breathing. The rest of the book seems to be very practical and from what I can tell I would recommend to any student on spiritual practices. This book is written not to exclude anyone with any particular religious belief but only to start a practical approach to spiritual practice.

...but it's important enough to me to reiterate a point, that I'm willing to repeat words previously stated. If you are a "student" of magic/k, the occult, esoterica, the Western Mystery Tradition or whatever other term you may care to you, and you would like to make the transition into be a PRACTITIONER of the arts, this is the book for you! This book is exactly what the title claims it to be: a manual. Devoid of a lot of theoretical considerations, it moves directly into what to DO over the course of a year to get a firm footing into higher practices. Regardie's "The One Year Manual" was recommended to me by my guide, and I feel just as comfortable making this commendation.

a nifty and powerful little work that will assist you in increasing your powers of imagination and visualization. Great to load up in the backpack for a hike.

Whether you are a Bible scholar, a history buff, or just curious about the world around you and where you fit in; this book will open your eyes to truth that has been hidden for millenniums. It shows where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. It shows what is about to happen to our nation and to the world. Most important of all, it shows what YOU can do to avoid the calamity that is about to fall upon the world. Next to the Bible, this is the most important book you can possibly read. Don't let this opportunity pass you by.

The contents of this amazing book are much more expansive than the title gives it credit. It gives a concise re-telling of so many miraculous Old Testament stories, such that you can follow the descendants of Abraham through ancient history. It also discusses the much disputed subject of Jesus' life between the age of 12 and 30, and does so with abundant, practically indisputable evidence/support. It traces the beginnings of the now modern nations of Spain, Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, England, America, and more. It connects the world of the Bible to the world of today with tangible proof such as the Pillar of David (from resting under David's head to resting under Queen Elizabeth's seat). It even manages to delve into Biblical prophecy concerning the future of our country and of the world that, although so relevant and exciting, is almost unheard of by the vast majority of people that it concerns. This book answers more questions than I have thought to ask, and leaves you both with a new found feeling of importance and connection to the Bible (your "lost national identity"), as well as the desire to take a long look at yourself to see if you believe you are doing all that you should with that knowledge of the past, your part in the present, and to prepare for the future that is coming. If you haven't yet - start reading!

A very interesting & researched book. I never knew who was here in america before the indians untill reading this book.Although the last chapters paint a very bleak picture for the united states it shows our futures are very, very bright.

Book shows the history of our nation and the direction we are going (per the Old and New Testaments). Reequired reading for those who believe and also for those who are skeptical--

This is by far the best book besides the Bible I've ever read. If You want to know some real truth. Then this is seriously where to find it.