I found this book to be full of heart, information, and facts. It dispels many myths about Israel and it does so unapologetically. There's plenty of examination of Israel's flaws, but unlike many of the books out there, those flaws are put into context. It seems so much of what is written on Israel is hyper-critical--by that I mean picking apart every flaw, including many that exist in all societies, without talking about how things came to be. This book, on the other hand, is written from the standpoint that the Israeli argument is also valid, and it's good (for once) to see *both* sides presented. This gives a balanced factual representation of the history of the state, warts and all. The only thing it does unflinchingly that some might consider unbalanced, is it assumes Israel has a right to be where it is. I know people for whom that would be evidence of Israeli bias. But really, believing that a country has the right not to be destroyed is a basic assumption that is made for every country on earth except for Israel. The author does not take the cowardly path of some texts and allow this to be a debating point. It should not be a debating point in real life, and it is not in this book. But beyond that, the book is full of self-deprecation, history, and yes, also a tiny bit of the Israeli point of view. I found it very refreshing.
Also, I see some of the expected reviews by the reflexive Israel-deniers, who use the tired trope "Hasbara talking points" to refer to this book (just to be clear, the whole thing is extremely well-cited). One of the statements there is that Noa Tishby lies when she says that Palestinians left on their own instead of being pushed out. One little problem: she never said that. I'm not surprised the reflexive types didn't actually read this book before reviewing. Here's what she actually said: "Historians still debate exactly how many Arabs fled on their own and how many were pushed out by the Israeli army. And yes, let's be clear: In that war, there were indeed Arabs who got pushed out." She then goes on to cite Benny Morris, who has documented all of this, and she mentions Deir Yassin massacre. But unlike the universal anti-Israel screeds you'll read, she also applies *context* to those events. This was a war of annihilation by the Arabs, one in which, had they won, would have seen all the Jews pushed into the sea (by the words of the Arab leaders of the day). The "ethnic cleansing" occurred on a war the Arabs started, and the intent of the Arabs toward the Jews was far worse than expulsion. Had the Arabs accepted the partition, there would today be no refugees and no conflict. This, also, is fact.
What I very much like about Noa Tishby's book is that she does provide all the facts, but she ALSO provides context so you can evaluate the whole thing together. That is very rare for any book on this conflict.
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Reviews with images
Am Yisrael Chai
There is a LOT of information squeezed into this one book. If you already follow Noa on social, then you know that she tells it like it is. Straight to the point. No BS. And this book is certainly no exception.Israel is, indeed, a very misunderstood tiny sliver of land tucked snugly in the Middle East. As an American, I feel that we’re made to assume it’s not a “safe” place to visit. I bought this book to read in preparation for a trip to Israel that I just got back from. I can say with 200% certainty that I felt safe 100% of the time. But sadly that’s only one, of the many, misunderstandings about this beautiful state.It has a rich history in Jerusalem, a thriving city life in Tel Aviv, and so much innovation across the Negev, it’s not even comprehensible.Noa explains about her personal family history and it’s ties to Israel. She also opens up about the evolution of her singing/acting/producing turned political activist career.Whether you’re Jewish or not, a fan of Israel or not, this book is a MUST REED! Her passion for Israel’s past, present and future shines bright.
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Top reviews from other countries
Denise A
Great discussion on Israel's hopes, dreams and viability
Reviewed in Canada on May 14, 2024
Teddy L.
Historically accurate, a must read!
Reviewed in France on January 31, 2024