Loved it!

Really enjoyed listening to this as I fell in love with Israel in 1984 and have always thought very highly of the Israeli people. The country and its people are wonderful.....
Only gripe that I have is the pronunciation of some of the words. The American accent grated on me after a while.

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2 people found this helpful

Balansen and nuanced

Impressive book on the matter of zionism, aliyah, Israels foundation and the arab-israeli conflict. Given the current political trends, I would recommend this to everyone, political views nonwithstanding.

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Great book

An absolute must read (and yet not sufficient) for anyone, who is willing to express an opinion on Israel and its politics.

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Perfect narration and important content

The book is instructive and inspiring. it's also heart breaking at times. The amount of antisemitism manifested in people's complete double standards regarding Israel's actions versus other countries' actions is disheartening. And yet, Israel persists, at least for now. Let's hope that the Muslim world doesn't achieve the goal of many of its leaders of destroying the most progressive country in the region.

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Israel's History from their perspective

It does what it's supposed to, tell you the history of Israel and the Jewish people , their thoughts and ideas while working to make a Jewish state.
I noticed that some reviews are rating it low not because of it's content but because of the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, people shouldn't do that, this isn't supposed to be an apology letter or confession or anything like that, it's just history.

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2 people found this helpful

Interesting and balanced

With all that's happening in the Middle East at the moment (2023), I wanted to read up on some Israeli history. As a Christian, I know the ancient history of the people and their rights to the land. But I didn't have any knowledge of their modern history. This book is a very interesting and balanced view of why things are as they are today - Gordis shows warts and all of the State of Israel, but also factually shows the argument for their right to the land. I'd recommend it to you.
I imagine it will need updating every 10yrs or so...

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Must be heard by all friends of Israel

A fascinating overview of Israeli history, politics, culture and economic life. The book explains the dreams and fears that led to the establishment of the State of Israel and its subsequent difficult birth. Furthermore we learn about the Jewish mindset as the country's leaders built a military and economic colossus. We learn about the political and religious differences between Jews and their perspectives. We also learn about the duplicity of the Palestinian political leaders who refuse to recognise Israel's right to exist and live in peace and the frustration of politicians trying to find solutions. Excellently narrated I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have a deeper respect for the Jewish people and the buccaneering, brave nation they have created.

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No doubt Biased …..

…. but nonetheless an informative glimpse into the complex history of the Middle East, leading me to seek more and more views on the solutions to the world’s woes!!!!!!

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1 person found this helpful

Well. That was a bloody good listen.

Speaking as a born again atheist - ex C of E, What ever your prior prejudices, and allowing for some inevitable bias coming from a jewish source - although he does not refrain from criticism of jewish behaviour - at least after listening to this, you'll know why the apocalypse happened, if it does in your life time.
I was taught Jewish history via the Old Testament in Grammar school for two years from 1967 to 1968. The stories were great. I attended church for many years and learned about JC. I wondered then why the King James Bible called them the chosen people. As I grew up I realised they were smarter than almost every other group, so in my naivety I figured that's why they were chosen. Then I wondered why everybody seemed to hate them. Again as a result of slow maturity I put it down to envy and resentment, something which some of us, however poor, never suffer from, and find it puzzling in others.
In the shadow of the current troubles, this narrative explains their history just enough to show the sources of that envy and resentment, and puts everything you hear about them just now - lies and all - into context.
But such is the human condition, that even if this were fed to everybody in the world, it wouldn't alter the status quo.
BUT READ IT ANYWAY; IT"S A GREAT STORY. And who knows, it might just make you wiser. Mick the Hick

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Covered a broad sweep but let down by one sidedness

It was a interesting read and quite engaging but the one sidedness of its view point undermined its credibility

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3 people found this helpful