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For Beginners
Arabs and Israel for Beginners
Arabs & Israel For Beginners covers the Middle East from ancient times to the present, tells the truth in plain English, and is one of the few non-scholarly books that is relentlessly fair to both Jews and Arabs. If you want to continue to believe fairy tales about Arabs in Israel, don't touch this book - it will surely be hazardous to your closed mind. If you want the truth about 12,000 years of Middle Eastern History, then Arabs & Israel For Beginners is the perfect place to start.
224 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1993
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178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 26, 2023
Arabs and Israel for Beginners
Very readable account. Zionists are the bad guys. The state of Israel has no right to exist. Every bit of land was taken by murder and theft from the Palestinians who had been there for thousands of years. U.S. foreign policy has been captured by AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. The New York Times, CBS, all the major media, are controlled by Zionists, present a false, one-sided story.
Zionist Jews in the United States during WWII persuaded the U.S. government to refuse to accept refugees of the holocaust! They wanted to force Jews to move to Palestine, and force Palestine to accept them.
The book recounts from ancient history up to 1993. It was published in 2001, but presents the 1993 peace treaty as if there was a possibility that the Israelis intended to honor their part of it. (They have continued the ethnic cleansing, appropriation of land, subjugation of the indigenous population that they've done since WWII.)
The author appears to know only what he's read in popular accounts. He gets many names wrong, gratuitously states that "normal" people think Iran is an Arab country, and misidentifies Croesus as Athenian (he was Lydian, from western Turkey). He also writes as if he thinks "Abraham's journey from Ur" really happened. The author admits that until a few years before he wrote the book, he was so gullible he swallowed all the lies the Israelis and their stooges told. Yet for all its marks of amateurishness, this book stands as an important account on a critical subject.
For insight on the composition and internal behavior of Jewish communities within Israel, see the chapter on Israeli Jews in the Oxford Handbook of Global Religions, ISBN 9780195137989, Mark Juergensmeyer, ed..
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It will open your eyes. Religious Israeli Jews behave as competing crime families: laundering money, evading taxes, shirking responsibilities of citizenship, denying the legitimacy of the secular state that supports, protects, and benefits them. The Zionists that persuaded the international community to create Israel in 1947 were not religious at all, but secular: they saw their Jewishness as tribal membership. The Ashkenazi East Europeans look down on and marginalize the many Jews from the Arab world who were forced out of their home countries after Israel was created.
For current, informed analysis, here's Noam Chomsky:
https://znetwork.org/znetarticle/qa-n...
Very readable account. Zionists are the bad guys. The state of Israel has no right to exist. Every bit of land was taken by murder and theft from the Palestinians who had been there for thousands of years. U.S. foreign policy has been captured by AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. The New York Times, CBS, all the major media, are controlled by Zionists, present a false, one-sided story.
Zionist Jews in the United States during WWII persuaded the U.S. government to refuse to accept refugees of the holocaust! They wanted to force Jews to move to Palestine, and force Palestine to accept them.
The book recounts from ancient history up to 1993. It was published in 2001, but presents the 1993 peace treaty as if there was a possibility that the Israelis intended to honor their part of it. (They have continued the ethnic cleansing, appropriation of land, subjugation of the indigenous population that they've done since WWII.)
The author appears to know only what he's read in popular accounts. He gets many names wrong, gratuitously states that "normal" people think Iran is an Arab country, and misidentifies Croesus as Athenian (he was Lydian, from western Turkey). He also writes as if he thinks "Abraham's journey from Ur" really happened. The author admits that until a few years before he wrote the book, he was so gullible he swallowed all the lies the Israelis and their stooges told. Yet for all its marks of amateurishness, this book stands as an important account on a critical subject.
For insight on the composition and internal behavior of Jewish communities within Israel, see the chapter on Israeli Jews in the Oxford Handbook of Global Religions, ISBN 9780195137989, Mark Juergensmeyer, ed..
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It will open your eyes. Religious Israeli Jews behave as competing crime families: laundering money, evading taxes, shirking responsibilities of citizenship, denying the legitimacy of the secular state that supports, protects, and benefits them. The Zionists that persuaded the international community to create Israel in 1947 were not religious at all, but secular: they saw their Jewishness as tribal membership. The Ashkenazi East Europeans look down on and marginalize the many Jews from the Arab world who were forced out of their home countries after Israel was created.
For current, informed analysis, here's Noam Chomsky:
https://znetwork.org/znetarticle/qa-n...
November 2, 2023
There are many things to say about this books, and I will try to sum them up in a few short paragraphs.
First off, this book is extremely satirical, and like most satires, poses an array of opinions. This may seem like an immediate turn away, but the presentation of the events and facts was mostly nonpartisan. As stated in the beginning of the book, the author's purpose was to present to you the facts of the crisis in Palestine due to the crimes of Israel. He did this by shedding light on not only the obvious victims in Palestine, but every group of peoples affected by this far-reaching conflict. The book made a direct case of presenting every detail of the Arab-Israel conflict.
I would NOT recommend this book for 'beginners' to the Arab-Israel issue. It's outdated (published in December 1993). And if you don't already know some basic facts about the conflict, you're not going to understand everything and won't be able to distinguish the facts from opinions in the book.
This book isn't a professional academic research book. It's loaded with biased opinions, though the opinions are distinguishable from the facts, which overall achieves the objective of the book. The author is not the most knowledgeable on the subject. Usually, it's better to read the accounts of actual Palestinians or Israelis, because what better way to know a situation, than to ask the people in it, victims and perpetrators alike. (Edit on Nov. 2, 2023: Two resources I recommed: @eye.on.palestine is a leading resource for on-the-ground footage by Palestinians. and Breaking the Silence is an organization that provides testimonials of ex-Israeli soldiers, mostly based in the U.S.)
One part of the book that I enjoyed reading was the summary of the history of the region. However, some events, such as the story of Abraham (Ibrahim) and his sons Ishmail (Ismail) and Isaac (Ishaq) was told form a biblical veiwpoint, rather than a historically accurate stand. He also misnames many historical figures and mixed up a few more.
After reading this book, I am compelled to read further into the history of the region and more importantly, into the issues and conflict surrounding what is inarguably, the Palestinian slaughter at the hands of Israeli Zionists. Thanks to the many suggestions given in this book, I have a basis point from where to continue my research and will hopefully extend my knowledge.
First off, this book is extremely satirical, and like most satires, poses an array of opinions. This may seem like an immediate turn away, but the presentation of the events and facts was mostly nonpartisan. As stated in the beginning of the book, the author's purpose was to present to you the facts of the crisis in Palestine due to the crimes of Israel. He did this by shedding light on not only the obvious victims in Palestine, but every group of peoples affected by this far-reaching conflict. The book made a direct case of presenting every detail of the Arab-Israel conflict.
I would NOT recommend this book for 'beginners' to the Arab-Israel issue. It's outdated (published in December 1993). And if you don't already know some basic facts about the conflict, you're not going to understand everything and won't be able to distinguish the facts from opinions in the book.
This book isn't a professional academic research book. It's loaded with biased opinions, though the opinions are distinguishable from the facts, which overall achieves the objective of the book. The author is not the most knowledgeable on the subject. Usually, it's better to read the accounts of actual Palestinians or Israelis, because what better way to know a situation, than to ask the people in it, victims and perpetrators alike. (Edit on Nov. 2, 2023: Two resources I recommed: @eye.on.palestine is a leading resource for on-the-ground footage by Palestinians. and Breaking the Silence is an organization that provides testimonials of ex-Israeli soldiers, mostly based in the U.S.)
One part of the book that I enjoyed reading was the summary of the history of the region. However, some events, such as the story of Abraham (Ibrahim) and his sons Ishmail (Ismail) and Isaac (Ishaq) was told form a biblical veiwpoint, rather than a historically accurate stand. He also misnames many historical figures and mixed up a few more.
After reading this book, I am compelled to read further into the history of the region and more importantly, into the issues and conflict surrounding what is inarguably, the Palestinian slaughter at the hands of Israeli Zionists. Thanks to the many suggestions given in this book, I have a basis point from where to continue my research and will hopefully extend my knowledge.
November 9, 2011
I remember first reading this book many many years ago. [return]After reading it I ended up taking several courses in Political Science and Middle East history at university, and have read all of the classic academic works from Noam Chomsky and Norman Finkelstein to Edward Said, Israel Shahak, Charles Smith and Ilan Pappe. [return]I now know my Middle East history back and forth, and have spent years researching and reading on this topic. [return][return]This book is an absolutely excellent introduction onto the subject. Easy to read and fast. I'd recommend it for ALL interested people with little knowledge of the Arab-Israeli conflict and Israeli history. It is the perfect stepping stone onto larger more academic works. [return][return]The only fault in this book is that the writing is slightly emotionally loaded, which isn't 'proper' for an academic or scholarly work. But that does not take away from the facts that this book is replete with, and it achieves its objective to be a beginner's run-through of the history of the area from ancient times to present, and that is why I give it 5 stars.
June 12, 2011
A fantastic read on the long history of the region and the myths that we perpetrate as "facts" about the conflicts. Biased, but who isn't after a deep study of the issue, toward a free secular Palestine and points out rightly the complicity of Britain, the US, and France in the subjugation of the Palestinian people for the last century or more. A must read!
November 2, 2023
This is a 20 year old leftist polemic I found at a book sale for $1. It claims to be "relentlessly fair to both Jews and Arabs" though this is an outright lie. I figured it would be tripe and it was, but it was interesting to compare this pre-9/11 leftist propaganda to the current wave of leftist propaganda running rampant as I write this (in Nov 2023).
September 27, 2021
There's a lot of information here and could use editing. Humor isn't always the best and can confuse people who know nothing about the region or Abrahamic religions. Regardless, good general introduction.
August 22, 2012
Great and easy read. History has never been this interesting.
October 15, 2024
As I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate books that cut through the bullshit. There's a time and place for nuance, no doubt about that, but some of the most well-informed people about Nazi Germany are Holocaust deniers, capable of producing walls of data that obfuscate rather than elucidate reality. The Holocaust, of course, is among the most meticulously documented events in human history, but those skillful in manipulating data can cast doubt on the truth in the eyes of the insufficiently informed. A small amount of information, when intelligently analyzed and reflected upon critically, can say far, far more.
Arabs & Israel for Beginners is a book that cuts through the bullshit and provides that kind of valuable commentary. Though its attempt to cover the entire, 10,000 year history of the region in under 200 pages means it is often superficial by necessity, being able to cover that wide a range of dates at all is valuable. Many far longer, far more detailed books than this fail to mention that the unlawful sale of Palestinian lands began under the Ottomans, not the British. This book does not spend much time discussing that fact, but by making me aware of it at all it sent me down a few hour research rabbit hole that taught me a lot.
Along with Ilan Pappé's Ten Myths About Israel, this will undoubtedly be my new go-to recommendation for anyone looking to learn more about the situation in Palestine. Having this kind of high level survey of the entire history is so valuable because it makes it so much harder for anyone you encounter to isolate this or that indecent from its broader context.
Arabs & Israel for Beginners is a book that cuts through the bullshit and provides that kind of valuable commentary. Though its attempt to cover the entire, 10,000 year history of the region in under 200 pages means it is often superficial by necessity, being able to cover that wide a range of dates at all is valuable. Many far longer, far more detailed books than this fail to mention that the unlawful sale of Palestinian lands began under the Ottomans, not the British. This book does not spend much time discussing that fact, but by making me aware of it at all it sent me down a few hour research rabbit hole that taught me a lot.
Along with Ilan Pappé's Ten Myths About Israel, this will undoubtedly be my new go-to recommendation for anyone looking to learn more about the situation in Palestine. Having this kind of high level survey of the entire history is so valuable because it makes it so much harder for anyone you encounter to isolate this or that indecent from its broader context.
July 15, 2023
This book provides a broad historical overview of the Arabs/Zionist conflict dating as far back as 10,000 years ago. Ron David writes this book in the style of an informal conversation with the reader, which definitely helps its readability.
The book is also clear in it being an overview (i.e. “for beginners”). I definitely am encouraged to read more about the issue because of this book, and recommend it for anyone who wants a low commitment overview of the conflict.
The book is also clear in it being an overview (i.e. “for beginners”). I definitely am encouraged to read more about the issue because of this book, and recommend it for anyone who wants a low commitment overview of the conflict.
September 13, 2018
If I could give this book zero stars, I would, which is what it deserves. If goodreads requires a star, then it gets 1, barely.
The problem with this book is not that it is a polemic (it is), not that it is propaganda (it is), and not that it has many errors (it does), but that it claims to be a non-partisan educational book, which it isn't.
It's one thing to take a specific point of view and run with it, and claim it so. It's another thing to claim innocence and objectivity, and then toss them out the window.
The claim that for me at least, showed how off this book is, was to include the Neturai-Karta as a legitimate viewpoint. The Neturai-Karta are a tiny sect within Judaism, that are extreme anti-Zionists. So much so, to the point that they have met with and support organizations like the terrorist group Hizballah, and met with Iranian government leaders during their anti-Semitic rants calling for the destruction of Israel. These actions have driven other Jews, including chassidic groups like the Satmars, who have issues with Israel, to denounce the Neturai-Karta and push for their excommunication. There are many more problems with the history and path that the authors take, and it is notable how those who like this book find other authors with polemical views (Chomsky, Said, and Finkelstein) and those with discredited works (Shahak) include this book as foundation material.
There is no shortage of educational and scholarly works on the Arab / Israeli conflict and there are many poorly researched and poorly written books on the subject too. This book falls into the latter category.
The problem with this book is not that it is a polemic (it is), not that it is propaganda (it is), and not that it has many errors (it does), but that it claims to be a non-partisan educational book, which it isn't.
It's one thing to take a specific point of view and run with it, and claim it so. It's another thing to claim innocence and objectivity, and then toss them out the window.
The claim that for me at least, showed how off this book is, was to include the Neturai-Karta as a legitimate viewpoint. The Neturai-Karta are a tiny sect within Judaism, that are extreme anti-Zionists. So much so, to the point that they have met with and support organizations like the terrorist group Hizballah, and met with Iranian government leaders during their anti-Semitic rants calling for the destruction of Israel. These actions have driven other Jews, including chassidic groups like the Satmars, who have issues with Israel, to denounce the Neturai-Karta and push for their excommunication. There are many more problems with the history and path that the authors take, and it is notable how those who like this book find other authors with polemical views (Chomsky, Said, and Finkelstein) and those with discredited works (Shahak) include this book as foundation material.
There is no shortage of educational and scholarly works on the Arab / Israeli conflict and there are many poorly researched and poorly written books on the subject too. This book falls into the latter category.
February 19, 2024
I first read this years ago and, in light of current events, reread it as a quick way to refresh my memory on certain events. I shouldn't have been shocked by any of the content, having read it before, but still was! It genuinely amazes me what the Rogue State, otherwise known as Israel, has gotten away with over the years!
SPOILER ALERT...
Not least the murder of Count Folke Bernadotte (who, incidentally as Head of the Swedish Red Cross had risked his own life to save 20,000 Jewish people from Concentration Camps). Bernadotte was appointed as mediator between the Arabs and Zionists. He was killed on the orders of Yitzhak Shamir, head of the terrorist group The Stern Gang. Shamir later went on to serve two terms as Prime Minister of Israel! It seems fair to say Netenyahu has big boots to fill!
SPOILER ALERT...
Not least the murder of Count Folke Bernadotte (who, incidentally as Head of the Swedish Red Cross had risked his own life to save 20,000 Jewish people from Concentration Camps). Bernadotte was appointed as mediator between the Arabs and Zionists. He was killed on the orders of Yitzhak Shamir, head of the terrorist group The Stern Gang. Shamir later went on to serve two terms as Prime Minister of Israel! It seems fair to say Netenyahu has big boots to fill!
February 8, 2015
I originally read this back in the '90's. It was much more enjoyable, just as informative, and even less dated than say, Chomsky's "The Fateful Triangle". While it is sometimes irreverent, it is powerful. Wish it was in all American's libraries. It's a great start for insight. I would also highly recommend books like Edward Said's "A Question of Palestine", Ilan Pappe's "The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine", Max Blumenthal's "Goliath: Life and Loathing in Greater Israel", though, if one has a liking of a format that tends toward graphic novels, read Joe Sacco's "Palestine" (written with Edward Said), or "Gaza".
September 25, 2015
Such an incredibly useful book, complete with handy sidebars and illustrations. It's a quickly, remarkably easy read about fairly complex politics and history.
As a history buff, I know that many situations we all take for granted and perceived "facts" about the world are often either untrue or rooted in crazy-sauce. So, it's nice to find this matter of fact guide explaining the Middle East. It includes a lengthy bibliography so you can continue your research.
By the way, this is one of those books that gets borrowed and not returned. I think I'm now in copy #3.
As a history buff, I know that many situations we all take for granted and perceived "facts" about the world are often either untrue or rooted in crazy-sauce. So, it's nice to find this matter of fact guide explaining the Middle East. It includes a lengthy bibliography so you can continue your research.
By the way, this is one of those books that gets borrowed and not returned. I think I'm now in copy #3.
December 5, 2021
This was the first time I had ever encountered someone who DIDN'T say "the bible says that Israel is the promised land of the Jews, so it's theirs."-Living in the south tends to lead to one hearing simple, religiously biased arguments. I'm not surprised to find out the divinely inspired warriors turned out to be in the wrong, I am also not surprised that after all this time, not many people aren't aware of the true history of the area. I think this book really is a good starter and I am ready to begin on it's recommended reading list!
October 21, 2019
May be for beginners because of it's simple writing style, but there is plenty of information packed in this book. A couple of thousand years of Near East and Middle Eastern history in slightly over 200 pages. Not taking the author's point of view as Gospel, but a lot of it was an eye opener to me.
August 29, 2009
A more politically incorrect view of the arab-israeli conflict. Some interesting insights from more Arab perspective. Not sure how much these insights really influence the larger political and super-power issues in the Middle East.
August 8, 2014
It is a wonderful book, very light for reading, but very profound in its content. I identified myself with the writer and changed my idea some years go. Hope that this book will help others to catch the reality as well. Highly recommended!
March 11, 2009
Wow! I never knew how little I knew about the Middle East until I read this book...I would HIGHLY recommend this to EVERYONE as an essential (and easy) read...
October 20, 2009
A simple , easy to understand about the Israel-Palestine conflict. For curious beginners, it would be a good start.
Want to read
June 3, 2012I love Beginners books.
December 15, 2012
This book was a real eye-opener! I've learned a lot about extremest religion and corruption... well worth reading, it will change the way you have been propagandised to feel....
July 13, 2013
It was a comic. Never again.
August 17, 2011
Required reading for most of us!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews