Review
"News about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict often seems to have an agenda. This book helps sift through all the noise to encounter and understand people and perspectives on both sides." (Relevant Magazine, March/April 2014)
"I welcome this book as it fills a needed gap and paves the way for reconsidering the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in a fresh light. It is based not only on scholarly research but also on meeting and interacting with people who hold conflicting convictions. It does not seek to marginalize or demonize any views but instead patiently and courageously listens. Then it presents complex questions in simple--but not simplistic--ways. The questions are crucial and the answers accessible. Further, the author's humility, commitment to listen, and insistence on modeling peace and openness transforms her book from an informative discourse into a transformative encounter." (Rev. Yohanna Katanacho, PRISM newsletter (From www.evangelicalsforsocialaction.org), November 2013)
"The author has accomplished a difficult, important feat simply by providing a working vocabulary to help people understand what is at stake to both parties. It is a simple (accessible) but never simplistic (naïve) guide that is quite valuable for congregations seeking to have a good conversation." (Roy W. Howard, Presbyterian Outlook, June 24, 2013)
"This will be a great tool for all who want to engage in the Holy Land. It will be required reading for everyone that Kensington sends to the region." (Don Andersen, Director of Global Partnerships, Kensington Church)
"When someone asks me what they should read to understand what's going on in Israel, I point them immediately and unreservedly to The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict." (Mark Galli, editor, Christianity Today)
"Some books are just necessary. This is one of them. When it comes to the conflicts in the Middle East, it is too easy to rush to judgment and opinions without understanding. Slowly, inexorably and beautifully, Dale Hanson Bourke untangles the jumbled mess and separates fact from fiction. What's even more beautiful is that she leaves the conclusions to you--a rare gift indeed." (Nancy Ortberg, author of Looking for God)
"News about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict often feels overwhelming because every story seems to have an agenda. Here is that rare resource that helps the curious and fair-minded individual sift through all the noise to encounter and understand people and perspectives on both sides. Those who support freedom, dignity and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike should read this book and share it widely." (Todd Deatherage, former special assistant, U.S. Department of State)
"Dale Hanson Bourke's Skeptic's Guide for The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict honors the histories, suffering and religious convictions of Israelis and Palestinians. All of them. Bourke entreats her readers to side only with peace and to become educated about the people, places and complexities of the region. Up-to-date, empathic and meticulously researched, this book serves as a much-needed guide for any of us who find the issues around the conflict confounding. Highly recommended!" (Jennifer Grant, author of Love You More: The Divine Surprise of Adopting My Daughter)
"As evangelical interest in Israel/Palestine grows, and grows more urgent, we need better information. This book could become the indispensable starting point for those who begin this journey. Strongly recommended." (Dr. David P. Gushee, distinguished university professor of Christian ethics and director of the Center for Theology and Public Life, Mercer University)
"The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the flashpoint issue that divides our world in the twenty-first century. Most people have taken sides without really knowing what they don't know. By clearly and simply laying out the history and the facts of the conflict, Dale Hanson Bourke has done much to further the cause of peace. Read her book and you will see this issue with new eyes." (Rich Stearns, president of World Vision US and author of The Hole in Our Gospel)
"This has got to be the best, most concise, simplest-to-understand book I've ever seen in my life on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Yes, you could write volumes, and there are many things those who are there would say should be in. But most people are not reading those long books and essays. This is the best primer and clearest articulation I've seen on the conflict and that part of the world. This will be required reading for everyone going to the Holy Land that I'm involved with." (Bob Roberts Jr., pastor of Northwood Church, and author of Bold as Love)
From the Author
I wrote this book because I had heard so much about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, yet I understood so little. I wanted to make it simple; to present the facts without all of the spin.
This book has been described as the simplest book on one of the most complex subjects. It is full of charts and graphs and maps and photos, all meant to make it possible for anyone to have a basic overview of the subject. I worked hard to be neutral and not take sides. That wasn't the point. The point was to give information and explain the points of view of all involved, not to try to convince the reader that anyone was right or wrong.
About the Author
Dale Hanson Bourke is the author of "Embracing Your Second Calling" and The Skeptic's Guide series. Her latest book, "The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict" is a simple introduction to an often confusing and difficult issue.
A graduate of Wheaton College (IL) with an MBA from the University of Maryland, she has traveled extensively and served on the boards of World Vision (US and Intl), International Justice Mission, Opportunity International, Sojourners, ECFA, and MAP International.
Currently president of PDI, she has also served as president of the CIDRZ Foundation, SVP at World Relief, and publisher of Religion News Service, and has been a syndicated columnist. Author of ten books, she also writes for magazines, newspapers and online publications.
A member of National Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC, she is married and has two grown sons.
