Alex Building a Life (Paperback)

~ (Author) "I'm writing to you from Brandeis, California..." (more)
Key Phrases: platoon commander, Officer School, Ein Tsurim, West Bank (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In many parts of the Jewish world it is taken for granted that today we live in a "post-Zionist" era, that Jewish nationalism is (was) a "quaint" idea that may have made sense at one time - when downtrodden Jews needed a safe haven from persecution - but no longer has contemporary relevance, and that Israel is not, or at least not to be, the central focus of the Jewish world. If Alex Singer had been alive today, he would have strongly disagreed with all those points: That was not the life he lived and it certainly was not the ideal for which he died.

Most readers may never have heard of Alex Singer, an American Jew by birth, an Israeli and an officer in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) by choice. Alex's life was cut tragically short by a terrorist's bullet while he led his platoon on a patrol in Southern Lebanon. Just how great the tragedy becomes clear when reading the selections from Alex's writings (letters and diaries) and his drawings that are gathered by his parents and published as Alex - Building a Life.

Alex was a remarkable young man. Earnest, studious, and industrious, Alex was a success at everything he did: including college at Cornell University and a yearlong stay as a transfer student at the London School of Economics. Despite his lofty academic credentials, Alex also never forgot his Jewish roots: he writes many letters about a trip to Russia and his meetings with Refuseniks. Alex also never questioned his path after college: Aliya, Army service, officer school, culminating in a posting to a platoon in the IDF's elite Givati Brigade.

Two details shine through immediately: Alex sensitivity and his Jewish heart. In training his men, for example, Alex always followed what he considered the "Jewish way": never to dehumanize the enemy, never to stoop to the level of terrorists. In following this line of thought Alex wrote a journal entry entitled "Idea for Teaching the Difference of a Jewish Army." His point was that the IDF should/would never attempt to emulate the Nazis, or even the Arabs, by dehumanizing its foes. Instead, Jewish troops had to view its enemies as people. Alex noted that this is the "Jewish way" and also noted that such a policy "keeps us in control of our actions."

Rabbi Joseph Teluskin summarized the entire story when he said that Alex understood what it means to be a moral human being, a committed Jew, and a mensch.

(Avraham Edelheit, Jewish Book World, Spring 1997)

Product Details

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: Gefen Publishing House (March 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9652291609
• ISBN-13: 978-9652291608
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #855,673 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Experience Alex Singer's Zionism, Compassion and Strength, March 18, 2005

By	A Reader (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

If this book had been simply about an IDF soldier who made aliyah, it would have been interesting at that. However, this book is that and so much more. It is an opportunity to experience how determined a young soldier can be, how focused and centered on his beliefs a young man can be and how warm and compassionate a young Jewish son, brother and friend can be... in his own words, at the time he was making these decisions and having these experiences. It is an opportunity to experience Alex's Zionism, compassion and strength. Every letter/journal entry written by Alex moved me and I am not often moved by books and by people whom I have never met. I recommend this book as highly as I possibly can.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alex's book has the potential to change lives., July 20, 1999

By A Customer

Alex's writings convey powerfully and persuasively, an attitude and tone of voice that seems to be heard less and less. It's a voice that says that life is a gift to be lived fully, joyfully, spontaneously; that Judaism has the power and depth to challenge and enrich every Jew, and through them to improve the world; that doing for others is the most effective--the only--way of fulfilling yourself; and that Israel is the Jewish home and that instead of rejecting it for its faults we should work to correct them. Alex writes beautifully and honestly. His drawings are vivid and personal

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fascinating, poignant, heartbreaking, November 1, 1998

By	Deborah M (Jerusalem, Israel) - See all my reviews

This book had a huge effect on me. The life of an ordinary man, reaching maturity, making important decisions in his life, described in his own words. The reality of his death does not hit you until the very end, despite knowing it will happen. Alex Singer was a true hero; he tried always to do 'the right thing' and acted always with pure intentions. The struggles of changing cultures comes out very clearly, as does his determination to live life to the fullest and commit to his nation and country. The world lost a great spirit when Alex was killed. He gave his life for his country, and he will not be forgotten. Everyone should own a copy of this book.