Dr Tuvia Book's fascinating memoir, with its extraordinary accompanying photographs, pays tribute to the selfless men and women of his IDF PALMAR combat medical extraction unit. It highlights their unwavering dedication and courage in providing life-saving medical care to wounded soldiers on the battlefield in the Swords of Iron war in Gaza. The unit's emphasis on speed and efficiency has been pivotal in saving lives and ensuring swift evacuations in extremely challenging circumstances.
Tuvia Book has a doctorate in education and is the author and illustrator of the internationally acclaimed Israel education curriculum, “For the Sake of Zion: A Curriculum of Israel Studies” (Fifth edition, Koren); “Jewish Journeys, The Second Temple Period to the Bar Kokhba Revolt, 536 BCE-136 CE,” (Koren); “Moral Dilemmas of the Modern Israeli Soldier” (Rama); and “Jewish Journeys, The First Temple Period, 1000 -586 BCE” (Koren). Dr. Book was born in London and raised in both the United Kingdom and South Africa. After his aliyah (immigration) to Israel at the age of 17, he studied in yeshiva, and then volunteered in the IDF, where he served in an elite combat unit. Upon his discharge he completed his undergraduate degree in Jewish history and literature, as well as a certification in graphic design. He then served as the Information Officer and deputy head of security at the Israeli Consulate in Philadelphia, while earning a graduate degree in Jewish Studies. Upon his return to Israel, Dr. Book graduated from a course of study with the Israeli Ministry of Tourism to become a licensed tour guide. Tuvia has been working in the field of Jewish education, both formal and informal, for many years. He has guided and taught Jewish students and educators from around the English-speaking world for some of Israel’s premier educational institutions and programs. Tuvia has lectured throughout North America, Australia, Europe, and South Africa. In addition, his artwork has been commissioned on every continent Tuvia was a shaliach (emissary) for the Jewish Agency for Israel serving as the Director of Israel and Zionist Education at the Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York (Jewish Education Project). He was a lecturer/educational guide at the Alexander Muss Institute for Israel Education (AMIIE) in Israel. Tuvia has lectured at both Bar-Ilan University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is a Teaching Fellow at the Tikvah Fund. He is a research associate at the Hudson Institute. His latest book, “Jewish Journeys, The First Temple Period, From King David to King Zedekiah, 1000-586 BCE,” (Koren) is part of a series on Jewish history. In addition, Dr. Book served in the IDF reserves (miluim) as a combat medic in the “Swords of Iron” war since October 2023 in a medical combat search and rescue unit (PALMAR) and is the recipient of a prestigious IDF battalion award for his outstanding contribution to the unit. He has been featured on “Call Me Back” and the Times of Israel’s “What Matters Now” podcasts.
"Tuvia, to you and all the dear people [of the IDF rescue units] thanks to whom I can stand on this stage - we love you!"
Idan Amedi, IDF reservist, singer and actor
"… I have seen Tuvia in action myself. He is a true hero who personifies the courage and spirit of the PALMAR unit, the IDF and the State of Israel."
Colonel Richard Kemp CBE, former British Army commander
"A remarkable account of courage, intellect, and dedication. Dr. Tuvia Book's memoir shines a light on the people and principles that define Israel's Medical Corps at war — where education, service, and medicine meet on the front line."
Dr. Debra Gershov - West Director of the Emergency Department at Assuta Ashdod and Founder of Frontline Emergency Medicine
"Tuvias' book is a powerful source of inspiration."
Dr Michael Oren Major (res) IDF and former Israeli Ambassador to the USA
"Bravo! At a time when the battle between good and evil has never mattered more and lies have become the acceptable norm - some stand tall and fight back. Dr Tuvia is one of these people. Service has defined his life in many ways, and this book is an extension of that."
Erin Molan, Media Personality
"I just want to thank you for everything you've done and everything you continue to do."
Dan Senor Host of Call Me Back podcast and co-author, with Saul Singer, of Start Up Nation.
