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In Search of Israel: The History of an Idea

Name: In Search of Israel: The History of an Idea
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Book Synopsis: A major new history of the century-long debate over what a Jewish state should be…

Many Zionists who advocated the creation of a Jewish state envisioned a nation like any other. Yet for Israel’s founders, the state that emerged against all odds in 1948 was anything but ordinary. Born from the ashes of genocide and a long history of suffering, Israel was conceived to be unique, a model society and the heart of a prosperous new Middle East. It is this paradox, says historian Michael Brenner—the Jewish people’s wish for a homeland both normal and exceptional—that shapes Israel’s ongoing struggle to define itself and secure a place among nations. In Search of Israel is a major new history of this struggle from the late nineteenth century to our time.

When Theodor Herzl convened the First Zionist Congress in 1897, no single solution to the problem of “normalizing” the Jewish people emerged. Herzl proposed a secular-liberal “New Society” that would be home to Jews and non-Jews alike. East European Zionists advocated the renewal of the Hebrew language and the creation of a distinct Jewish culture. Socialists imagined a society of workers’ collectives and farm settlements. The Orthodox dreamt of a society based on the laws of Jewish scripture. The stage was set for a clash of Zionist dreams and Israeli realities that continues today.

Seventy years after its founding, Israel has achieved much, but for a state widely viewed as either a paragon or a pariah, Brenner argues, the goal of becoming a state like any other remains elusive. If the Jews were the archetypal “other” in history, ironically, Israel—which so much wanted to avoid the stamp of otherness—has become the Jew among the nations.

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Are you intrigued by the rich history of the Jewish people and their quest for a homeland? Look no further than "In Search of Israel: The History of an Idea". This monumental book takes you on a journey through the century-long debate over what a Jewish state should be. From the visionaries who advocated for a nation like any other to the founding of Israel against all odds in 1948, this is a story of resilience, determination, and a longing for normalcy.

Step into the world of Israel's founders, who faced the daunting task of creating a state born from the ashes of genocide and centuries of suffering. They envisioned not just a homeland, but a model society and a beacon of hope in the Middle East. It is this paradox, the desire for both normality and exceptionality, that continues to shape Israel's identity and its ongoing struggle to secure a place among nations.

Author Michael Brenner, a renowned historian, presents a comprehensive and compelling account of this struggle from the late nineteenth century to the present day. Discover the various visions and aspirations of Zionists, from secular-liberal societies to the revival of Hebrew language and distinct Jewish culture. Witness the clash between dreams and realities that has shaped Israel's unique path.

After seventy years of existence, Israel has achieved remarkable milestones, but the journey towards becoming a state like any other remains elusive. For a nation often seen as either a paragon or a pariah, the quest for normalization continues. In a twist of fate, Israel, which sought to defy the label of "otherness," has become the Jew among the nations.

Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Israel with "In Search of Israel: The History of an Idea." Gain a deeper understanding of the struggles, triumphs, and complexities that define this remarkable nation. Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey through time by ordering your copy today.

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