{"title":"Understanding Israeli Politics","description":"\u003cp\u003eLeaders, peacemakers and the debates that shape the country. Books for election week and the coalition talks that follow.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"teddy-kollek","title":"Teddy Kollek","description":"\u003cp\u003eTeddy Kollek, mayor of Jerusalem 1965–1993, symbolizes the history of the nation of Israel in the twentieth century, in which he played a central role. Teddy Kollek: The Man, His Life and His Jerusalem tells the story of this larger than life world-renowned figure, based primarily on personal interviews with the people who knew him, from their work in politics, literature, the arts, philosophy and music. Among the interviewed are George Schultz, Helmut Schmidt, Prof. Isaiah Berlin, Prof. Bernard Lewis, Isaac Stern, Leonard Bernstein, Shimon Peres and members of the Rothschild family. Supplemental research for the book was done in various archives around the world, including the Haganah archive and the Jerusalem archive. Teddy Kollek (1911–2007) participated in all the events critical to the Jewish people in the twentieth century: he was a pioneer at Kibbutz Ein Gev in British Mandatory Palestine, served as intelligence agent and an emissary of the Jewish Agency in Europe during WWII, coordinated military purchases in the us prior to the Israeli Warof Independence, and was director-general of the office of Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion during the first years of the State of Israel. In 1965 he was elected mayor of Jerusalem and after the Six-Day War, he transformed this provincial, introspective and divided city into a flourishing capital that worked at coexistence between Jews and Arabs. I am still optimistic about the future – one hundred years from now. Teddy Kollek Reviews: Teddy certainly put down a marker for what peaceful coexistence should be like. He was the right man at the right place but he was always ahead of his time. Henry Kissinger Teddy did for Jerusalem more than anyone else on earth, with the possible exception of King David and King Solomon…He represented the best example of a leader and governor since the Jews returned to their land. Leon Uris Teddy Kollek was the best-known Israeli in the world. If you asked someone who was mayor of Chicago, London or Paris at the time, they would not have known, but if you asked who was mayor of Jerusalem, theywould have known for sure. He managed to preserve a reasonable way of life in an unreasonable city. Professor Bernard Lewis\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ruth Bachi Kolodny","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54336218562870,"sku":"978-9652294173","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i19247.39079.jpg?v=1785304909"},{"product_id":"begin","title":"Begin","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhenever the name of Menachem Begin is mentioned, people of all ages and persuasions respond in the same way: “We need him now.” What is it that “we need”; what is missing? Perhaps Menachem Begin’s most important and unique contribution to the Jewish People was Supreme Patriotism. More and more frequently we hear and read accounts that show a loss of national will quite contrary to the spirit of Patriotism, which—in the words of Harav Kook, the Chief Rabbi of Eretz Israel in the 1920s, and of Menachem Begin throughout his political career—once reverberated throughout the land and the universe, “AHAVAT ISRAEL” and “AHAVAT ERETZ ISRAEL”: The love of the people of Israel and the Land of Israel. This type of Jewish leadership today is lacking, and it is here that “we need him now.” We miss his deep faith, his courage, and his Jewish pride. Yet, above all, Begin is missed because of his personal qualities of modesty, integrity, truthfulness, devotion, and adherence to principle, no matter how difficult or unpopular. For all these reasons—and more—we need him now.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Zvi Harry Hurwitz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54336245498166,"sku":"324-5","price":15.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i31213.83538.jpg?v=1791356012"},{"product_id":"jewish-schizophrenia-in-the-land-of-israel","title":"Jewish Schizophrenia in the Land of Israel","description":"\u003cp\u003eCarefully using the colloquial understanding of “schizophrenia”, this intriguing book examines the inconsistencies, paradoxes, and divisiveness that characterizes Israeli society. As a father, Israeli-Reform rabbi, IDF Deputy Commander, and human rights activist, Forman’s personal insights – combined with his sense of humor - offer much to think about.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"David J. Forman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54336511508790,"sku":"261-3","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i67457.32915.jpg?v=1791356001"},{"product_id":"peace-in-the-making","title":"Peace in the Making","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor the first time, is the complete correspondence between Israel’s Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egypt’s President Anwar el-Sadat as they wrestled with what would become their Nobel Peace Prize–winning accomplishment. The letters, together with transcripts of speeches, press conferences, interviews, rare photos and official documents, reveal the personal relationship the two leaders constructed, which was eventually reflected in the treaty they signed. The personalities, the principled issues, the maneuverings, the clashes, the compromises and agreements are all revealed in these letters. Covering the period from June 1977 until a day before Sadat’s assassination in October 1981, the Begin-Sadat correspondence affords a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the efforts, crises, and agonizing decisions these two leaders faced and overcame to achieve peace. Supplemented with photos and the full texts of the Camp David Accords and the Israel-Egypt peace treaty, this groundbreaking volume sheds new light on a peace process that succeeded. Reviews: “The letters…are instructive for the insights they reveal about the personalities and temperaments of the two men.… Verbal sparring…characterized the Begin-Sadat correspondence. Such caustic barrages, one would think, would have caused the two men to take umbrage and mount the barricades. But no. With the passage of time, they met ever more frequently, and in the process learned to respect and trust each other ever more, so that what had begun with written duels between belligerents ended in an embrace of personal friendship that ran deep.” Yehuda Avner Former Ambassador of Israel to Britain, Ireland, and Australia, author of The Prime Ministers: An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership “Much has been written about the Camp David Peace Accords, but to actually read the personal correspondence between these two leaders adds a completely new dimension to the history of that era. It is both enlightening and inspiring.” Dore Gold Former Ambassador of Israel to the United Nations President, Jerusalem Center of Public Affairs “It is crystal clear that peace could not have been achieved without the great leadership of Sadat and Begin.… This is a story about the character of the individuals. The road to peace is extremely difficult, with major risks to take and unexpected obstacles to overcome. For this, there is a need for leaders ready to set a goal and drive forcefully to achieve it, leaders who are ready to take together a major leap of faith.…” Sallai Meridor Former Ambassador of Israel to the United States “Menachem Begin was a complex personality. He was at once courteous and proud, flexible yet driven. These letters provide an insight into his relationship with Anwar Sadat and the Arab world. He could see flexibility within the Arabs who were part of real historic nations. He was very wise in grasping that other Arabs would not seize the moment.” Martin Peretz Editor in Chief, The New Republic\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Zvi Harry Hurwitz and Yisrael Medad","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54336548274486,"sku":"9789652294562","price":13.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i79361.6888.jpg?v=1785308628"},{"product_id":"a-lasting-reward","title":"A Lasting Reward","description":"\u003cp\u003eNo other type of book can compare to an Israeli autobiography for bearing witness to the events that have shaped the history of the Jewish people in the last century. Yissakhar Ben-Yaacov’s memoirs are an outstanding example. In A Lasting Reward, the author describes his life in detail, covering many exciting events - both well-known and not so well-known - events that span several decades and continents. A native of Germany, Ben-Yaacov served as a representative of Israel’s Foreign Ministry for almost forty years, where he fulfilled a wide range of positions. His insightful descriptions of the inner workings of the Foreign Ministry, the calling of an Israeli diplomat, and the interplay between his private life and public activities create an emotional reading experience that will move and inspire the reader. Reviews:\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yissakhar Ben Yaacov","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54336608239926,"sku":"539-2","price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i95057.83672.jpg?v=1791355992"},{"product_id":"struggling-over-israels-soul","title":"Struggling Over Israel's Soul","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is the English translation of the Hebrew title 'Masa Komta' In all the command positions that he held, General Elazar Stern knew that the role of the Israel Defense Forces was not limited solely to achieving victory on the battlefield. Many of the tasks that he undertook in over three decades of service to his country required moral courage – whether it was initiating conversion courses in the IDF, laying down a hard line against disobeying orders during the evacuation of Gush Katif, or taking a stand against draft dodgers – and Stern was well aware that public courage has its price. In Struggling Over Israel's Soul, General Stern tells the story of his personal battles – the battles for the character and future of the IDF as the army of the people and for the character and future of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. He candidly describes the challenges and difficulties of a being a religious soldier in a unit of non-religious soldiers, yet he openly opposes the continued service of religious soldiers in separate units. He explains why he was required to rewrite the IDF’s ethical code and reveals his revolutionary plan to solve the problem of ultra-Orthodox army exemptions. This honest and frank insider's look at the Israel Defense Forces will inspire you and show you a glimpse of the true face of Israel and why Israel is worth fighting for. Reviews: General Elazar Stern is a soldier and an intellectual. As a soldier he never stopped thinking, and as an intellectual he never stopped preparing. So his memoir is not a story of the past but a lesson for the future: how to win wars, how to lead soldiers, and how to remain a true believer in the Ten Commandments, which serve as the foundation of the Jewish heritage and history. Shimon Peres , President of Israel To regard Elazar Stern's remarkable and moving memoir is to plunge into Israel’s problems of loyalty and faith, individual morality and political considerations, religious education and the changing strategic necessities: he evokes them with sensitivity and gravity. I warmly recommend this volume to anyone interested in the dramatic and psychological dilemmas Israel is facing on many levels, to this day. Elie Wiesel author, Nobel Laureate\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elazar Stern","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54336623968566,"sku":"576-7 \/g576","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i98233.00364.jpg?v=1791355989"},{"product_id":"the-elected-and-the-chosen","title":"The Elected and the Chosen","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Elected and the Chosen, by Denis Brian, reveals how and why, almost without exception, American presidents sought to protect Jews at home and abroad from their often deadly enemies. It explains why American presidents have admired and befriended Jews, appointed them to powerful positions, and eventually helped them achieve their greatest dream: a return to the country of their forebears and the establishment of a Jewish state in which they were masters of their destiny. Based on once-secret documents and little-known diaries, The Elected and the Chosen discloses, for the first time, the close ties that have bound American presidents and the Jews from the dawn of American history. In a remarkable and provocative preface for this book, Alan M. Dershowitz, Harvard law professor and acclaimed author of several books on Israel and the Jewish people, writes: I think of myself as quite knowledgeable with regard to Israel and Jewish people, having read quite widely in both fields. I was shocked when I read this book to find out how much I didn’t know.… It is a must-read for all who care about maintaining a crucial alliance so important to both the United States and Israel.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Denis Brian","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54336636748086,"sku":"598-9 \/ g598","price":17.47,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i101991.6867.jpg?v=1791355986"},{"product_id":"sights","title":"(In)Sights","description":"\u003cp\u003eGidi Grinstein was the youngest delegate at the Camp David summit in July 2000 with the participation of President Clinton, Prime Minister Barak, and Chairman Arafat. Serving as secretary of the Israeli delegation and assistant chief negotiator, Gidi wore many hats for the Israeli team, including note taker, writer of policy papers, co-drafter of agreements, junior negotiator, and sometimes just a “fly on the wall.” He was a witness – in person or through the reports of his bosses and colleagues – to almost every development during that historic period. While many of the stories in this book are personal and took place in 1995-2001 – primarily during the tenures of Barak and Clinton – they also illuminate systemic issues and highlight topics that recurred under prime ministers Ariel Sharon, Ehud Olmert and Binyamin Netanyahu, and US presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump. “expands our understanding of the Two-State Solution … highlights its critical importance for the Jewish People.” Ronald S. Lauder, President of World Jewish Congress “…a must-read for understanding Israeli-Palestinian Permanent Status…” Ehud Barak, Prime Minister of Israel, 1999-2001 “Any future Israeli leader will have to read this book.” Ehud Olmert, Prime Minister of Israel, 2006-2009 “… single best book on understanding the issues … illuminating new dimensions … essential for future US peace intervention.” Amb. Dennis Ross, former Special Middle East Coordinator “…crucial in comprehending the complexities of a Two-State Solution. Gidi is one of the most esteemed thinkers in our field…” Noa Tishby, Former Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism “…audacious claim that the Oslo Process may bear the seeds of peace.” Daniel Gordis, Author of “Impossible Takes Longer” “…surprised to learn the extent to which our analysis and policies converged on multiple topics...” The Honorable Jason D. Greenblatt, former White House Envoy to the Middle East “…a fair representation of the Palestinian perspective … essential read for anyone interested in advancing peace…” Ghaith Al-Omari, Advisor to the Palestinian Delegation (1999-2005) “…a fair and lively piece of history. Eloquent and thoughtful.” Prof. Shlomo Ben-Ami, Israel Minister of Foreign Affairs (2000-2001)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gidi Grinstein","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54337321042230,"sku":"7801-48","price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i336733.20153.jpg?v=1791269736"},{"product_id":"excuse-me-is-this-yours","title":"Excuse Me, Is This Yours?","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn Excuse Me, Is This Yours?, Tuvia Tenenbom returns with his trademark blend of biting humor, blatant irreverence, and piercing curiosity in a bold work of literary journalism. What begins as a simple invitation to share a pizza with a charming Jerusalem journalist turns into a wild, unforgettable odyssey through the hills and wadis of Biblical Israel, a land known by many names: the West Bank, Judea and Samaria, the Occupied Territories, or simply, “that place.” As in his previous works, Tenenbom delights in being the outsider-insider: a proud Jew roaming the world in search of friend and foe alike, armed with a suitcase full of questions and, of course, contraband Indonesian cigarettes. The book’s tone is raw, hilarious, and deeply moving. Tenenbom’s affection for his subjects is real. So is his heartbreak over what has become of reasoned discourse, both in the Holy Land and beyond. Some readers may bristle at the book’s political incorrectness and its refusal to offer tidy conclusions. But that is precisely its strength. Excuse Me, Is This Yours? rejects intellectual laziness. It is a book that dares to offend because it dares to care. At a time when public discourse is increasingly polarized and predictable, this book stands apart. Urgent, fearless, and sharply observed, it confirms Tuvia Tenenbom as one of the most distinctive and daring voices in contemporary nonfiction. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tuvia Tenenbom","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54337355514166,"sku":"2297-27","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i354539.86337.jpg?v=1791356261"},{"product_id":"holy-moly-land","title":"Holy Moly Land","description":"\u003cp\u003eYou’re Right, It Didn’t Start on October 7. The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is currently one of the most debated and emotional topics on social media. But beyond the headlines, protests, and political slogans lies a far more complex story — one rooted in history, identity, religion, displacement, trauma, nationalism, and competing narratives that stretch back generations. In Holy Moly Land, Ashley Waxman Bakshi takes readers on a deeply researched and highly accessible journey through the origins and evolution of the conflict, examining the events, ideologies, and historical turning points that continue to shape the Middle East today. From ancient connections to the land and the rise of Zionism and Palestinian nationalism, to wars, terrorism, peace negotiations, media narratives, and the global polarization surrounding Israel and Palestine, the book untangles difficult topics in a way that is clear, engaging, and easy to follow. Blending history with personal experience, Ashley explores how identity, culture, and political narratives influence the way people understand the conflict — and why so many conversations around it become emotionally charged and deeply divisive. Rather than offering simplistic answers, Holy Moly Land invites readers to think critically, question assumptions, and better understand the human realities behind one of the world’s most enduring conflicts. Whether you are approaching this subject for the first time or have followed it for years, this book offers an informative, thought-provoking, and deeply personal perspective on a conflict that continues to shape global politics and public discourse\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashley Waxman Bakshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54337358201142,"sku":"7864-31","price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/holy_moly_new.jpg?v=1789030592"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.gefenpublishing.com\/collections\/understanding-israeli-politics.oembed","provider":"Gefen Publishing House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}