Israel Book Summary - Israel Book explained in key points
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Israel summary

A Concise History of a Nation Reborn

3.6 (257 ratings)
30 mins

Brief summary

"Israel" by Daniel Gordis is a comprehensive look at the history, culture, and politics of Israel. It explores key events and challenges faced by the country and offers insights into its unique character and importance in the world today.

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    Israel
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    The Zionist movement began as a response to persistent anti-Semitism in Europe.

    By the end of the nineteenth century, Jewish people were deserting Eastern Europe in massive numbers. Between 1882 and the start of the First World War, 2.5 million Jews fled places like Poland, Romania, and Austria – even though they’d been living and building communities in these countries for centuries.

    Throughout Europe there were ever-present restrictions; laws dictated what Jewish people were and weren’t allowed to do. Then there were the pogroms – attacks against Jewish communities that, if not spurred on by the authorities, were ignored by them. Yet, even under these unfavorable conditions, a number of Jewish people were able to achieve esteemed positions in society. In places like Germany, however, this success only had the tendency to make the non-Jewish population more resentful – leading to more attacks and an increase in anti-Semitic propaganda. As a result, millions of Jews continued to wonder if there was something better somewhere else. 

    The key message here is: The Zionist movement began as a response to persistent anti-Semitism in Europe.

    The idea for a Jewish homeland in Palestine took hold in the nineteenth century. In the 1880s, the founder of Hungary’s National Anti-Semitic Party proposed the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine as a possible solution to the so-called “Jewish problem.” In fact, this proposal, made by an anti-Semite, may have inspired the founder of the Zionist movement – a man named Theodor Herzl.

    Herzl was born in Hungary in 1860. He cherished intellectual and artistic pursuits, especially writing and theater, and went on to study at the University of Vienna. There, he read a book by the respected intellectual Eugen Karl Dühring called The Jewish Problem as a Problem of Race, Morals and Culture. The book claimed that Jews had been harmful to European society and argued for a move back toward segregation. Herzl despaired over the fact that someone as intelligent as Dühring would take such a position.

    Indeed, during his studies and later as a writer in Paris, Herzl could not escape the anti-Semitic attitudes of his fellow Europeans. As a reporter, Herzl wrote about the Dreyfus affair – the case of a French military officer of Jewish descent who was falsely accused of treason and sentenced to life imprisonment. It was clear that even supposedly democratic institutions were not immune to anti-Semitism. All of this led to Herzl writing something that would kickstart the Zionist movement and change the course of history.

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    What is Israel about?

    Israel (2016) offers a big-picture historical overview of the small but mighty country. From its improbable beginnings to its controversial wars with neighboring Arab states, Israel’s evolution is a story of change, tragedy, and victory. 

    Israel Review

    Israel by Daniel Gordis (2016) is a captivating exploration of the complex and multifaceted history, culture, and identity of the Jewish state. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:

    • Insightful analysis allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges facing Israel today.
    • With nuanced storytelling, the author brings to life the experiences and perspectives of Israelis from various backgrounds, providing a comprehensive narrative.
    • Incorporating personal anecdotes and historical context, this book makes the topic of Israel's creation and its ongoing journey engaging, informative, and far from boring.

    Who should read Israel?

    • History buffs interested in Europe and the Middle East
    • News junkies eager to be more informed about a controversial subject
    • Anyone curious about the modern political landscape

    About the Author

    Daniel Gordis is Senior Vice President at Jerusalem's Shalem College, as well as a frequent contributor to Bloomberg View and the Jerusalem Post. His writing has also appeared in the New Republic, Foreign Affairs, and the New York Times. His many books on the politics and culture of Israel include We Stand Divided: The Rift Between American Jews and Israel.

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    Israel FAQs 

    What is the main message of Israel?

    The main message of Israel is the complex and multifaceted nature of the country, encompassing its history, challenges, and unique identity.

    How long does it take to read Israel?

    The reading time for Israel varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Israel a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Israel is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of the country. It provides valuable insights and a well-rounded perspective.

    Who is the author of Israel?

    The author of Israel is Daniel Gordis.

    What to read after Israel?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Israel, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi
    • Palestine by Nur Masalha
    • A Peace to End All Peace by David Fromkin
    • Jerusalem by Simon Sebag Montefiore
    • On Palestine by Noam Chomsky
    • The Seventh Million by Tom Segev
    • Failed States by Noam Chomsky
    • The Human Condition by Hannah Arendt
    • The Truth About Immigration by Zeke Hernandez
    • This Is Why You Dream by Rahul Jandial