The Palestine-Israeli Conflict: A Beginner's Guide

by Dan Cohn-Sherbok, Dawoud El-Alami

Overview

With coverage of all the recent events, the new edition of this best-selling book gives a thorough and accessible account of the history behind the Palestine-Israeli conflict, its roots, and the possibilities for the future. The book is divided into two parts — the first by an American rabbi and Professor of Judaism, and the second by a Palestinian lecturer on Islam. The result is a real insight into the situation, with each author giving full vent to the emotions behind the two sides of the debate. Two new chapters outline recent developments, while an updated conclusion consists of a direct debate between the two authors, which raises many issues, yet offers real solutions to which future peace talks may aspire.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780740645
Publisher:	Oneworld Publications
Publication date:	05/01/2008
Series:	Beginner's Guides
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	490 KB

About the Author

Dan Cohn-Sherbok is Professor Emeritus of Judaism at the University of Wales and Honorary Fellow of the Centre of Religions for Peace and Reconciliation at the University of Winchester. He lives in Winchester, U.K. Dawoud El-Alami is Senior Teaching Fellow at the University of Aberdeen. He lives in Aberdeen, U.K.

Table of Contents

List of Maps


Preface to the Second Edition


Preface to the First Edition


Chronology


A Jewish Perspective – Dan Cohn-Sherbok


I.The Zionist Movement


II.Beyond the First World War


III.The Jewish State


IV.The Six-Day War and its Aftermath


V.The Road to Peace


VI.Before and After September 11





A Palestinian Perspective – Dawoud El-Alami


VII.The Origins of Modern Palestine


VIII.Palestinians, the Jews and the British


IX.Towards the Establishment of a Jewish State


X.Arabs and Jews


XI.Towards Liberation


XII.The Wall





Debate


Glossary


Notes


Bibliography


Index

Editorial Reviews

This publication offers a rare insight into the Palestinian-Israeli dilemma while outlining political, religious, historical, and emotional issues in the struggle for peace. It is unique in brilliantly bringing together two authors who represent the two peoples in the conflict: Cohn-Sherbok is Rabbi Professor of Judaism, and El-Alami is a lecturer in Islamic studies at the University of Wales, Lampeter. Each introduces his argument and then offers a rebuttal of the other's position. Cohn-Sherbok views the creation of a Jewish state as a necessity, basing it on a history of anti-Semitism, migration, and the Holocaust. He recounts visions of historical figures such as Theodor Herzl and David Ben-Gurion and the Balfour Declaration in 1917, which permitted the legal acquisition of land. Conversely, El-Alami questions the legality and morality of the land acquisition process and supports the Palestinian struggle. He documents over 2000 years of history, moving through the Ottoman Empire, and points out numerous "secret negotiations and broken promises." Both authors tend to blame the other side, or a third party, but offer some resolutions for settling the impasse. This book would serve as an essential primer in public or academic libraries. Ethan P. Pullman, Univ. of Pittsburgh Lib. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

"Few readers can fail to come away armed with invaluable knowledge after dipping into Oneworld's Beginner's Guides series. Insightful and informative, they make mind-boggling concepts simple and stimulate further inquiry." — Christina Borg, The Sunday Times (London)

"There are no dispassionate accounts of the conflict that racks the Holy Land, nor should there be. As this intelligent and important book makes clear, it is hard to be dispassionate when you believe that you are fighting for your life; and both the authors remind us that no less than this is what is felt to be at stake...” Dr. Rowan Williams

From the Publisher