Customer Reviews

The Rise of Israel: A History of a Revolutionary State (Israeli History, Politics and Society)

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I have read many books about Israel. I have lived here for over thirty years. I thought I knew its story and history well. But this book provided me both a wealth of information and a perspective I had not had before. The author does a tremendous service by emphasizing the 'impossibile odds' faced by those who wished to create modern Israel. He details the long- shot historically, the many factors working to make Israel's success extremely unlikely. He points out that only five percent of the four- thousand or so peoples in the world have succeeded in creating nations. He writes in telling detail about the obstacles the Jews faced including two- thousand years without a real military tradition, or a connection with the Land. He says it was through revolutionary change, both Socialist and Capitalist that Israel came into being. He provides perspective by comparing Israel's story with that of other nations and peoples. He rightfully cites certain moral characteristics, including the will and dedication of individual Israeli citizens , which made the impossible, possible. He does a very good job of outlining all the negative factors which make Israel's success seem improbable. In 1947-48 there were experts including American Secretary of State George Marshall who thought Israel would last somewhere from two days to two weeks. Adelman says the Jews then were outnumbered six- hundred fifty - thousand against fifty million. He points out how the demographic imbalance to this day helps make it seem as if Israel's very staying alive is a kind of miracle.
Adelman is not uncritical of Israel, and sees that it has shown certain signs of weakness as in failing to decisively defeat Hizbollah in 2006. But what is great about this book is that the author is aware of and celebrates Israel's accomplishments. While its neighbors wallowed in a sea of backwardness Israel moved ahead to now be among the first- tier countries of the world in quality of life, and standard of living. Israel has developed new medical and scientific technologies which have been of service to Mankind. It has not been defeated by the many enemies that have wished to destroy it. It has done remarkable work in resettling immigrants from over eighty countries and providing them opportunites for new lives.
In a world which Israel is slandered day and night by hate-filled propaganda this work comes as a fresh breath of air. It is a reminder of the truth of what the Jewish state is.
This is a book which should be on the shelf of every true student of the Middle East.