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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Like Dreamers summary
Yossi Klein Halevi
Brief summary
Like Dreamers by Yossi Klein Halevi is a gripping account of seven paratroopers who helped reunite Jerusalem in the Six-Day War. It offers a nuanced exploration of Israel's complex history and the divergent paths its people have taken.
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Like Dreamers
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Lives of Paratroopers
In Like Dreamers by Yossi Klein Halevi, we are introduced to a group of Israeli paratroopers who played a significant role in the country's history. Halevi focuses on the 55th Paratroopers Brigade, who were responsible for capturing the Western Wall during the Six-Day War in 1967. This event had a profound impact on the soldiers, shaping their lives and the future of Israel.
We learn about the lives of these paratroopers, their diverse backgrounds, and their differing ideologies. The author provides a detailed account of the war's aftermath, exploring how the captured territories, including the Old City of Jerusalem, were integrated into Israel. This integration sets the stage for the diverging paths of the paratroopers, each influenced by their own interpretation of Zionism and the Israeli state.
Divergent Paths and Ideologies
As the narrative progresses, Like Dreamers delves into the lives of these paratroopers and their roles in shaping Israel's future. Yitzhak Rabin, the future Prime Minister, becomes a leading figure in Israeli politics. Arik Achmon, a capitalist, is instrumental in shaping Israel's economic policy. Udi Adiv, a socialist, becomes a radical activist, and many others take their own distinct paths.
The book presents the different ideologies that emerged within Israeli society following the war, including religious Zionism, secularism, socialism, and capitalism. These ideologies, shaped by the experiences of the paratroopers during the Six-Day War, continue to influence Israeli politics and society to this day.
Settlement Movement and Peace Activism
One of the most compelling aspects of Like Dreamers is the exploration of the settlement movement in the West Bank. The paratroopers, who had fought to capture these territories, find themselves on opposite sides of the debate. Some support the establishment of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, while others advocate for a two-state solution.
Yossi Klein Halevi also covers the peace process, focusing on the efforts of Rabin and his attempts to negotiate with the Palestinians. The book provides a comprehensive account of the complexities and challenges involved in achieving peace in the region, highlighting the deep divisions within Israeli society.
Personal Struggles and National Identity
Throughout Like Dreamers, we gain insight into the personal struggles of the paratroopers as they navigate their roles in shaping the destiny of Israel. The book offers a human perspective on the broader historical events, revealing the emotional and psychological impact of war and its aftermath.
In conclusion, Like Dreamers is a thought-provoking exploration of Israeli society and national identity. By following the divergent paths of the 55th Paratroopers Brigade, Yossi Klein Halevi provides a nuanced understanding of the complex forces that have shaped Israel since the Six-Day War, offering valuable insights into the country's past, present, and future.
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What is Like Dreamers about?
Like Dreamers by Yossi Klein Halevi is a gripping account of the lives of seven paratroopers who helped reunite Jerusalem in the Six-Day War. Through their personal stories, the book offers a unique perspective on the complexities and divisions within Israeli society, as well as the ongoing challenges and hopes for peace in the region.
Like Dreamers Review
Like Dreamers offers a deep dive into the lives of Israeli soldiers who fought in the Six-Day War and the long-lasting impact of their experiences. Here's why you should pick up this book:
- Explores the complexity of Israeli society through the diverse perspectives of the soldiers, shedding light on the country's multifaceted identity.
- Effectively portrays the emotional turmoil and moral dilemmas faced by the soldiers, providing a nuanced view of war's aftermath.
- By intertwining historical events with personal narratives, the book captures the human side of war, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Who should read Like Dreamers?
Readers interested in Israeli history and society
Individuals curious about the experiences and perspectives of Israeli soldiers
Those looking to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and divisions within Israeli society
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Like Dreamers FAQs
What is the main message of Like Dreamers?
The main message of Like Dreamers explores the intertwined lives of Israeli soldiers after the Six-Day War.
How long does it take to read Like Dreamers?
Reading Like Dreamers takes time, but the Blinkist summary can be read in a fraction of that.
Is Like Dreamers a good book? Is it worth reading?
Like Dreamers is a compelling book worth reading for its deep dive into Israeli history and personal narratives.
Who is the author of Like Dreamers?
The author of Like Dreamers is Yossi Klein Halevi.
What to read after Like Dreamers?
If you're wondering what to read next after Like Dreamers, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
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- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz