Customer Reviews

Portraits of Israelis and Palestinians: For My Parents

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Written by an American Jewish artist, this collection of sketches and portraits begins with a challenge. A question is scribbled next to the portrait of an attractive, smiling woman: "Is she an Arab, or a Jew?" Very often the conflict in the middle east is portrayed to us in media snippets as an irresolvable conflict between extremists that has been going on and will go on for centuries. Unsatisfied with this shallow depiction, Tobocman resolved to go to Israel/Palestine and penetrate the layers of journalistic obfuscation to get to the heart of the conflict: the people behind the news. We get to see images of people, on both sides. We get to see what they look like, hear what they say, and understand their fears. Before I bought this book, I browsed through a few pages. It starts with a scene of Israelis boarding a plane going to Israel, then reading the "reports of the latest bombings", and then the Teddy Bear Incident: "El Al Security Checking the Bear". Considering I have actually, believe or not, experienced that incident myself, I decided immediately to buy the book. I'm glad I did.

Artistically, the book is visually appearing and an enjoyment to read. The sketches are much more raw and unfinished than, e.g., Joe Sacco's masterpiece <A HREF="T.html#156097432X">"Palestine"</A>. Yet this book is somewhat easier to read and perhaps contains a more positive, hopeful, message about the spirit of humanity.

Factual and accurate, it is written with a good purpose. To quote the author's introduction: "I don't claim to be an expert on the Middle East. I am neither an Israeli nor a Palestinian. But in many ways, the fate of that region has been in the hands of Americans who aren't experts. Americans like you and me. That's why it's important for us to come to a better understanding of the situation. I hope we make the right decisions.

I just recently viewed this book in a friend's ownership... It is absolutely simplistically beautiful and truthful... I recommend buying it to see a view of peace between both sides...
...Savannah Skye