Israel is a tiny state and yet since its creation it has captured the world's attention
earned its admiration and often been the object of its opprobrium. Why is so much of the
international community focused on a small country like Israel? Why are Israelis so deeply
divided on so many key issues? Why does Israel make the decisions it does? And what lies in its
future? Weaving together historical documents letters and interviews with his own intimate
knowledge of the country Daniel Gordis tells the story of Israel: when the idea of a Jewish
state originated how the dream was transformed into reality and how Israel's history has
unfolded and why. Israel probes the soul of both a people and a country that have long
triumphed over adversity but which still face grave?some say insurmountable?challenges. Gordis
guides us through the milestones of Israeli history and introduces the passionate and
formidable personalities who pioneered the country and shaped its pivotal moments. He
illustrates how Israel became a cultural economic and military powerhouse?but he also
explains its grave mistakes and traces its long history of international isolation. Clear-eyed
and authoritative Gordis shows that above all else Israel's prime purpose?and its major
accomplishment?has been the modern rebirth of the Jewish people. With Israel Gordis offers us
a brief but thorough history of this complex nation from its beginnings to the present.
Accessible level-headed and rigorous Israel sheds light on Israel's past so we can
understand its present and future. The result is a vivid portrait of a people and a nation
reborn.
