Essential Israel Essays for the 21st Century [Paperback]

Most Americans are ill-prepared to engage thoughtfully in the increasingly serious debate about Israel, its place in the Middle East, and its relations with the United States.Essential Israelexamines a wide variety of complex issues and current concerns in historical and contemporary contexts to provide readers with an intimate sense of the dynamic society and culture that is Israel today. The expert contributors to this volume address the Arab-Israeli conflict, the state of diplomatic efforts to bring about peace, Zionism and the impact of the Holocaust, the status of the Jewish state and Israeli democracy, foreign relations, immigration and Israeli identity, as well as literature, film, and the other arts. This unique and innovative volume provides solid grounding to understandings of Israel's history, politics, culture, and possibilities for the future.

Contemporary Israel commands considerable public attention, yet literacy about Israel is surprisingly limited. This collection of original essays probes Israel literacy without polemics or advocacy.? It raises public understanding by pressing key questions about Israel, its politics, demography, international relations, and culture. Short of travel to and study in Israel itself, this is the next best thing. An indispensable addition to make to your book shelf.This invaluable collection of essays explores a number of Israels compelling challenges, including religion and state, national identity and minority rights, immigrant absorption, and the quest for peace.Essential Israelought be required reading for everyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Israeli society in the 21st century.

Rachel Fish is Associate Director of the Schusterman Center.

S. Ilan Troen is the Karl, Harry, and Helen Stoll Chair in Israel Studies and founding Director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University. He is founding editor of Israel Studies. His publications include ImalC#