Customer Reviews

Letters from Jerusalem 1947-1948

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Letters From Jerusalem conveys directly and powerfully the events of 1948, as seen through the eyes of a young American student in Jerusalem. Today more than ever, when Israel occupies a central place in international headlines, it is vital that every young - and not so young - person read this book in order to put current events in their proper perspective. The writing is direct, colorful and insightful. Letters from Jerusalem is a personal document of immense value, sharing the author's thoughts, fears and hopes and sweeping the reader along on a fascinating historical journey. Never before have the facts of Israel's War of Independence been so vividly fleshed out. I read the book at one sitting, alternating between tears and laughter. Make up an excuse, if necessary, to give your friends and family a copy of Zipporah Porath's wonderful book.

Zipporah Porath has written a most instructive book concerning one of the most important episodes in world history after the trauma of the Second World War - Israel's War of Independence. She has provided a personal account of the siege of Jerusalem as seen through the eyes of a young American student and written with humor and insight. In addition, she presents a graphic picture of the defiant mood of a nation in the making, still traumatized by the horrors of the Holocaust, fighting with their backs to the wall and fearful that the Arab states which invaded Israel, wished to complete the annihilation of the Jews started by Nazi Germany. The series of letters written to her family in the United States demonstrates the boundless optimism and idealism of a young American woman prepared to accept hardship and danger in a homeland which Jews had yearned and prayed for during 2,000 years of exile. While describing how she manned a first aid station behind the front lines in Jerusalem, or sharing the joy of Israelis following the arrival of a convoy of trucks bringing food for Passover to a beleagured Jerusalem, she inextricably draws the reader into the saga. In a cynical and materialistic world, Zipporah Porath's book stands out like a beacon of the triumph of the human spirit.

What a privilege it was to meet Zippy in Israel in March 0f 2008 and to get an autographed copy of her book! An amazing woman with an amazing story--or rather, many amazing stories from someone who not only saw it firsthand but helped to make it happen.

Some are funny, like the Haganah girls hiding hand grenades in their ample bosoms and betting that the British soldiers would be too gentlemanly to search them. Some are tragic but inspiring, like the Siege of Jerusalem and shortages of everything but spirit and courage. And some are both, like Zippy using her bright red lipstick to draw a Mogen David on a wall to set up an impromptu first aid station to treat victims of a terrorist bombing.

Thank you, Zippy, for this book and for everything you and all the other "silver platters" did to give us Israel. Chazak, chazak!

I recently heard Zippy speak, and bought copies of her book! An incredible witness to history, she not only was in the Seige ofJerusalem, but also an eye witness in Deir Yassin and to the Altalena blast. I hope someone makes a movie of this amazing book of letters, some of the scenes would be unforgetable. Buy this book!!

p.s. I wouldn't sell mine for anything.

I am so grateful that Zipporah Porath's family saved these letters written by her to them during the struggle for the birth of Israel. This account unfolds her story as living history, preserved forever of the courage and commitment that were required to endure the long gritty struggle. What is so wonderful about this book is that the voice of the young student is so clear, the writing so intimate and the insights so personal. My late parents in law came over from South Africa to fight in the War of Independance. I was fortunate that my Mom in law shared a lot of their stories with me. However it is several years since their passing and in reading this book , not only could I hear the voice of my mom in law, but I learnt more details about what their daily lives had been like. As this generation of pioneers leaves us, it is so important to hear the voice of this passionate, young zionist, to teach, to inspire and to guide us back to the moment of our rebirth in our land, to connect us to our past, to understand the present and to launch us into our future!

Zipporah Porath's book tells of an American returning to her homeland from which maurading armies evicted her ancestors.
The author's style is incredible; the "scenes" jump off the page. The book is like a visual program that the reader can rewind many times in order to absorb all the nuances.
The insightful detail, the pathos, the humor, the nitty gritty of daily life in a war for survival make this book compelling reading.
It is like going to a movie of historical drama. It is full of little vignettes that give the problems and accomplishments of those emotionally packed days.
Watching someone who is reading this book is an experience. At one point the reader chuckles and the next moment tears come streaming down his face. In one example she paints a charming picture of her visit to a kibbutz, and how pleasant it was. Then, in a quick footnote, she tell how the Arabs subsequently massacred her newly met friends from the kibbutz.
In another tale, she tells of the excitement of a crowd of students listening to the faint voices on a short wave radio to the UN vote establishing independence from the British (no cable TV then). Beautiful is the description of the ecstasy when the state was established.
Good for all ages not only for adults but early teens as well.
Highly recommended, never to be forgotten.

Deja Vu
This wonderful first hand account of the unfolding events of the rebirth of a nation provides a magnified view into the past and the current repeating of historical events. "Never again" seems hollow when one realizes the homicide bombings of today are the calculated genocide of a people and a nation. Today Israel, but tomorrow the world. With one billion people in violent and direct opposition to the continuation of the only democracy in the middle east, one becomes frightened at the realization that it can happen again. It would take less than 1 million "martyrs," as called by Arafat and the Saudi Telthon, to exterminate Israel and turn that region back into a desert. The ratio of homicidal bomber to numbers of dead and numbers of the living dead injured in the blasts is chilling. With 9/11 demonstrating mass murder can be had by a few fanatics, will Europe be next or the United States, or perhaps Chinese Buddhists. 12 people killed more than 3500 in New York. Will the master race philosophy of the past give way to the master faith philosophy of the present. This time it won't just be the annihilation of the Jews, but the annihilation of anyone that isn't Arab or Muslim. Ironically, Arabs and Muslims died in New York as well, demonstrating that a vicious dog can bite anyone, not just the "enemy." Ms. Porath provides an insight into our human nature eliciting laughter and tears as one reads on and on hoping for the enduring light that will speak to peace and the end of humanity's cruelty against humanity. Her description of events that unfolded as Israel becomes a nation after "The War to End All Wars" provides an incredible spring board into an open view of current events. Everyone Jew, Arab, Muslim, Christian, and Non-Arab, and any other faith should read this book to find answers deep within for the sole purpose of finally ending today's war and permanently end all wars. On the eve of yet another "World War" with Iraq, on the backdrop of the "War against terrorism" this book is a must read. Unity in diversity and Peace can only come from understanding and tolerance of each other and our differences. Ms. Porath's book provides a cornerstone in the search for that understanding. If you care about peace, read this book, and let it move you.