Israel Audiobook By Daniel Gordis cover art

Israel

A Concise History of a Nation Reborn

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Israel

By: Daniel Gordis
Narrated by: Fred Sanders
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About this listen

The first comprehensive yet accessible history of the state of Israel from its inception to present day, from Daniel Gordis, "one of the most respected Israel analysts" (The Forward) living and writing in Jerusalem.

Israel is a tiny state, and yet it has captured the world's attention, aroused its imagination, and lately, been the object of its opprobrium. Why does such a small country speak to so many global concerns? More pressingly: Why does Israel make the decisions it does? And what lies in its future?

We cannot answer these questions until we understand Israel's people and the questions and conflicts, the hopes and desires, that have animated their conversations and actions. Though Israel's history is rife with conflict, these conflicts do not fully communicate the spirit of Israel and its people: they give short shrift to the dream that gave birth to the state, and to the vision for the Jewish people that was at its core. Guiding us through the milestones of Israeli history, Gordis relays the drama of the Jewish people's story and the creation of the state. Clear-eyed and erudite, he illustrates how Israel became a cultural, economic and military powerhouse - but also explains where Israel made grave mistakes and traces the long history of Israel's deepening isolation.

With Israel, public intellectual Daniel Gordis offers us a brief but thorough account of the cultural, economic, and political history of this complex nation, from its beginnings to the present. Accessible, levelheaded, and rigorous, Israel sheds light on Israel's past so we can understand its future. The result is a vivid portrait of a people, and a nation, reborn.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2016 Daniel Gordis (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers
20th Century Israel & Palestine Judaism War Refugee Israeli-Palestinian conflict Holocaust Imperialism Royalty
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What listeners say about Israel

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Clearly biased, but informative

The author has a very clear pro-Israel bias, and it shows in the way he frames all of the events throughout the book. So I see this as an excellent summary of the "Israeli side of the story," and therefore a worthwhile listen.

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Biased but great

The book is great and gives perspective on the problem but definitely from one side.
I suggest to read it simultaneously from the Arab perspective to see full picture

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Best book of Zionism/Israel history

Great mixture of facts and anecdotes. I agree with just about everything Gordis says in this book. Narrator has to learn how to pronounce Hebrew words.

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it is my first isreal history book

sorry to say i wished I have read earlier. since I do not have similar book to compare. i gave five stars cross the board basically it has meant for me and knowledge I never had about Zionism and its layered nuances including the recent renewed interest of Tora and its talmud.
I have the second book of jewish and Arabic history lined up.

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Fantastc

One of the best historical accounts I’ve ever read. The mix of data, politics, culture, religion, etc., was very educational and very entertaining. Excellent book.

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Excellent One Volume History of Israel

Covers almost everything concerning Israel's history from the time of Turkish rule to almost the present in under 17 hours in a very clear and comprehensive manner. A fantastic overview from which one can use as a jumping off point to any one of a thousand areas that might be of interest.

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Excellent story of an amazing nation

A great concise history that I thoroughly enjoyed, does not shy away from things. Highly recommend!

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Informative

I found this to be very informative. I still marvel that other countries feel like they have the right to an opinion in how Israel handles things. I also marvel that Israel tolerates it.

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Great book

You will want to listen every chance you get. Fascinating history of Israel read in a pleaseant voice. Enjoy!

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A great Summary of Israel

This book did a great job explaining the amazing story of a nation reborn. It highlighted factors I did not consider before such as the young people who came to Israel after its creation in 1948. This people sought to develop a new future and not just be viewed as a weak victim of the past.

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