Israel: The Founding of a Modern Nation [Hardcover]

Maida Silverman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1998

The story of how the nation of Israel was founded is filled with heroes, villains, bloody battles, and miracles. With clear, accessible text and well-researched illustrations, Israel traces this dramatic history from biblical times to the triumphant proclamation in May 1948 that announced the birth of the Jewish state and plunged the new nation into war. A map of Israel today and a detailed time line spanning 1948 to the present complete this introduction to a fascinating subject.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9AThis accessible history of the Jewish people covers 3000 years, beginning in Biblical times and concluding with the birth of the independent Jewish state in 1948. Silverman brings her account to life through the lives of leaders such as Moses Hess and Sir Moses Montefiore. One chapter is devoted to Theodor Herzl, founder of the World Zionist Organization and "goodwill ambassador" for his people. An appendix lists important events from 1948 to the present, including the signing of the Hebron Accord in 1997. Written in a clear and natural style, the text reads like a well-told story of courage and determination in the face of great suffering. The Israeli-Arab conflict is treated objectively, emphasizing that the early Jewish immigrants who returned to Palestine believed in the importance of cooperation with their Arab neighbors. Although the author does not include specific chapter notes documenting her research, there is a bibliography of 15 sources, as well as a list of 9 titles for further reading. Black-and-white drawings show leaders as well as average citizens. Students of Jewish history will find this book useful as well as inspiring.ADawn Amsberry, Oakland Public Library, CA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-7. Silverman cuts through the ages, highlighting with simplicity and passion the tumultuous history of the Jewish people. Because Israel's foundation is grounded in 3,000 years of Jewish history, Silverman begins with God's promise to Abraham that "his descendants would become a great and holy nation." She then recaps the successive conquerings, dispersals, and returns of the Jewish people to Zion, their homeland, noting that always a small, devoted community of Jews managed to survive and remain. In more recent centuries, as government fostered persecution of Jews in Russia and Europe intensified, Zionists strove to join their people in their historic homeland to build a safe haven for all Jews. Silverman offers such dramatic anecdotes as Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai's feigning death in order to sneak out of the besieged Jerusalem and meet with the Roman general Vespasian to strike the deal that saved Judaism in 70 C.E. A time line of important events in Israel's history from 1948 until the present is included. An admirably written, much needed, dynamic history. Ellen Mandel

Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Dial; 1st edition (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803721358
• ISBN-13: 978-0803721357
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,580,418 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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