Israel cover art

Israel

A Concise History of a Nation Reborn

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Israel

By: Daniel Gordis
Narrated by: Fred Sanders
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About this listen

The first comprehensive yet accessible history of the state of Israel from its inception to present day, from Daniel Gordis, "one of the most respected Israel analysts" (The Forward) living and writing in Jerusalem.

Israel is a tiny state, and yet it has captured the world's attention, aroused its imagination, and lately, been the object of its opprobrium. Why does such a small country speak to so many global concerns? More pressingly: Why does Israel make the decisions it does? And what lies in its future?

We cannot answer these questions until we understand Israel's people and the questions and conflicts, the hopes and desires, that have animated their conversations and actions. Though Israel's history is rife with conflict, these conflicts do not fully communicate the spirit of Israel and its people: they give short shrift to the dream that gave birth to the state, and to the vision for the Jewish people that was at its core. Guiding us through the milestones of Israeli history, Gordis relays the drama of the Jewish people's story and the creation of the state. Clear-eyed and erudite, he illustrates how Israel became a cultural, economic and military powerhouse - but also explains where Israel made grave mistakes and traces the long history of Israel's deepening isolation.

With Israel, public intellectual Daniel Gordis offers us a brief but thorough account of the cultural, economic, and political history of this complex nation, from its beginnings to the present. Accessible, levelheaded, and rigorous, Israel sheds light on Israel's past so we can understand its future. The result is a vivid portrait of a people, and a nation, reborn.

©2016 Daniel Gordis (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers
20th Century Israel & Palestine Judaism Middle East Modern War Africa Holocaust Middle Ages Military Iran Refugee Imperialism

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Goes greatly with History of the Israel. I would recommend that readers firdst go with History of the Israel. It is much more historically written, while this books is much more story driven.


The only problem that I have with this book, is that last two chapters are written in very apologetic way.


Other than this, I recommende this book.

Great Book

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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.

Balansen and nuanced

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

Great book

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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.

Perfect narration and important content

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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.

Loved it!

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An interesting and thought provoking explanation and chronological journey explaining the creation and development of the modern Israel up to 2016. A lot has happened since but a great insight into the people leading and promoting the state through many violent times. Recommended.

Chronological explanation

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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.

Israel's History from their perspective

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The best, concise history of Zionism and Israel that I've read thus far. Hugely informative, balanced as well as gripping. A must-read/listen. Excellent, clear narration.

Must- read for anyone claiming an interest in Israel and the conflict in the Middle East.

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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...

Interesting and balanced

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A very critical and unbiased overview of the history of modern day Israel. I'd say half the stories are negative towards Israel which is way more than the average for any country history book I have read. But maybe 95% of the history books I read are just not critical enough. I'm sure you can find a more basic book that's less critical that may be more engaging.

I can't really judge it fully and fairly. I have read a few books pertaining to Israel but only certain parts of the history so this is my first overview. And it's good. But the author is a tad too critical which takes up more space than essential. I will read a few more books and see what stands out more positively. But as of now I didn't spot any errors, biases, bad writing, or lack of overview.

The reader is clear and calm.

Does what it says it will do

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