As the world watched the war between Palestine and Israel in October 2023, it left most of us horrified. Some knew the history of the conflict in bits and pieces, most read about it then and there were yet more who didn’t get the entire picture. This book explains it all, in a lucid and chronological manner.
Michael Scott-Bauman, a Cambridge graduate, spent 35 years as a history teacher and lecturer. He also volunteered with the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions as a field worker in West Bank. Witnessing life there in the 8-days of volunteering, along with his academic experience, is what makes this book an authentic lesson on the great divide. The book is interspersed with photographs, maps, glossary and reference resources. There is a chronology table at the beginning that shows the events as they happened over the years.
The book is divided into 10 chapters. Each chapter focusses on major milestones that shaped the conflict for over a century. The conflict is for small piece of land, ‘not much larger than Belgium’, with a population of close to 13 million. This land is Palestine, and its territories of West Bank and Gaza strip. He states the reason in the Preface, “The conflict is a dispute between Jewish immigrants and their descendants, who have followed the ideology of Zionism, and the Palestine Arabs, among whom the Zionists settled. Both claim the right to live in, and control, some or all of Palestine.”
Why is the land important? It is considered holy by Muslims, Christians and Jews. Going by the ideological views, it is the land promised to Jews and “Christ’s second coming will occur only when all the Jews have returned to the ‘Land of Israel’—i.e. the biblical land including Judea and Samaria”. For the Muslims, Jerusalem is the most holy city after Mecca and Medina. The Temple Mount has three monumental structures from the early Umayyad period – the Dome of the Rock (691 CE), the Dome of the Chain (691-692 CE) and the al-Aqsa Mosque (705-715 CE).
The author traces the passage from the Ottoman Empire, going to British rule, World War I, World War II, international interventions, the impact on neighbouring Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, and ends the book with the attack of October 2023 and continued unrest.
History has seen many such wars between bordering nations based on fanatic ideologies. However, the author has cited true testimonials and news clippings; the reason that stands out is ‘fear’ that the Arabs and Jews harbour, of accepting that they are here to stay in the same land, for the same reason—sacred energy of the founders of their faith. For most liberals like me, this is an insane idea. Peace and harmony can come when there is a universal message of peace, instead of different ideas vying for supremacy. But there is no utopian world and the atrocities shocked me.
The book does not take sides, it is not a text book. It is a chronology of events, leaders, thoughts, events worked through the century to tell us about the unrest, the upheaval, the conditions of the common man and the loss of human lives, damage to the region and the games of the people in power. Over a century, diplomacy hasn’t worked in bringing peace to the region. From the Balfour Declaration to the failed Oslo Accords, the author has presented it all.
As the turmoil has taken on extreme proportions, all those who propagated a path of peace were shunned along the way. Despite the fact that Yasser Arafat wanted a middle path, he could not control the rise of Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated in 1995 by an Israeli youth for signing the Oslo Accord of peace in 1993.
Israel’s superior military force, creation of illegitimate settlements, blockage of food, water and other supplies to Gaza shapes the lives of the Palestinians, who live under suppression, poverty and fear. The militant power struggle has resulted in an even more complex situation where radicalisation is the norm, giving rise to terrorism.
What will happen to the two countries? To end it in the author’s words, “Palestinians and Israelis will always be neighbours. As Yitzhak Rabin, the former Israeli prime minister, said: Israelis and Palestinians are ‘destined to live together on the same soil, on the same land.’ An agreement based on equality and justice could enable both to live in peace and security.” Till then, the battle for Jerusalem and the promised land continues.
As I have visited Jordan twice and also been to the border of Israel, this book has been eye-opener. I virtually revisited the places I saw to reconnect the threads of the conflict. The book is a valuable read for all those who are interested in geopolitics, wish to work for humanitarian causes and in peace organisations. It has also piqued my interest in Zionism and I am now going to read more about that.
Book Details
Publisher: Picador India (Pan Macmillan India)
Pages: 288
Language: English
Price: Rs 599 (Kindle Edition available)
This book was part of the blogger outreach programme by Pan Macmillan India. However, the views expressed are under my editorial purview.
I am participating in the Book Bingo 2024 reading challenge by Shinjini. (Prompt: A book set in Palestine)
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile.
Queen of Treasures 
You said it best: as a liberal, it is insane…
-And supposedly all religions preach love and peace 👀 All that’s left is a perversion of the original idealogies. Might check the book out, but think I watched a Vox documentary on it and that’s that. Zionism is interesting ~
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Yeah.. I wonder what sacred energy is left in these poverty-stricken and unhappy places
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Yes, it is baffling how religion can incite so much hatred and such a long war. I am aware of the basics but somehow that does not seem to explain the long war, I am sure there are some other underlying factors like politics such as our Mandir -Masjid tussle which led to riots but thankfully not a civil war. I would like to pick this book if it answers that question.
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This chaos has been on for years. So many people dying in the process. I’m wondering if it is all worth all the blood shed there.
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When people kill in the name of religion, there is nothing but shame and distress. This is the case with Israel and Palestine, as we see here also.
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This book seems interesting. I have been keeping an eye on the news but couldn’t get to the point where it all started. I guess this book would give me clarity.
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What a perfect review, including every important detail about Israel and Palestine . I was aware of the Israel-Palestine war but did not know in detail about the conflict. Your review opened my eyes, and I will buy this book to understand things in more detail. Thanks for the write-up.
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Reading about the conflict between Palestine and Israel in such detail is truly eye-opening and, frankly, heartbreaking. It’s one of those situations that many of us are aware of but may not fully understand the depth and complexity of. This book seems like a crucial resource for anyone seeking to grasp the intricacies of the conflict.
As a liberal-minded individual, I share the sentiment that true peace and harmony can only come when there’s a universal message of peace prevailing over divisive ideologies. It’s disheartening to realize that in the face of such deep-rooted beliefs and fears, achieving that ideal seems like a distant dream.
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A land held revered by many religions, but lying in shambles due to politics and greed. Palestinians need to saved on humanity basis alone, too much bloodshed and mayhem has already been endured. Will surely give the book a read thanks to your well detailed review.
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Thanks for introducing me to this book Ambica. The war has been appalling and since my work region covers Middle East as well, it is that much more personal. I have colleagues who have extended families in Palestine – some known to have been killed, others untraceable … it is horrific. I have been having discussions on this with my 13 year old son who is a history nerd and he knows way more about the history of this conflict – so I plan to buy this and read, so I can have a more informed discussion with him. I am glad you mentioned the book takes no sides because that was the first question that came to mind when I started reading the review. Thanks!
Btw I really enjoy your writing.
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Thanks Sakshi. It is a concise book, well written and a good read
I feel sad for the people who live on ancient grudges .
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Seems like a great and recommended read for those who want to educate themselves on the why and how of what’s going on in Palestine. I don’t read non-fiction much but I’ve been wondering about this unrest for a while now and your review tells me this would be an authentic source to get my answers. Thanks for the honest review. I’ll bookmark this one for when I’m curious again 🙂
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This book sounds like a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics in Palestine. Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts—I’ll definitely keep this in mind for when I want to delve into this important topic.
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I am so very overwhelmed by this entire situation. This book seems to answer few of my queries. However this situation is centuries old and only God knows what the future holds for both of them.
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What a great review, touching on all the important points about Israel and Palestin. The ongoing chaos and so many people losing their lives make me wonder if it’s really worth it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts—I’ll definitely remember them when I want to learn more about this important topic.
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Looks like an interesting read for sure. Given the circumstances, there must be more than what media shows. The issue has been boiling for decades now and I can’t just fathom why. I heard somewhere that it us in the best interest of world powers to ensure the chaos.
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Well penned…I am too intrigued to know more about Zionism….
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I don’t think any conflict or war is worth the bloodshed, or tears. After all is pain is the same for everyone when we see closely humanity is one.
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This region is one of the very complex and hot regions in the world. Book sounds interesting read. Adding it my tbr
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Considering the war that’s still going on there it seems any talks of peace are unlikely anytime soon. Seems like a good book that doesn’t mince words and will show a clear picture of the real issues.
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It’s surprising how religion can spark intense hatred and prolonged conflicts. While I understand the fundamentals, they don’t fully account for the duration of wars. Other factors like political tensions, such as our Mandir-Masjid disputes, have led to riots, yet thankfully not a civil war. I’m interested in reading this book to explore if it delves into these complexities.
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A book that doesn’t take sides – what a gem of a find! Most of the articles, posts & news are so divided by their own propaganda that sometimes it is difficult to know the truth!
I would like to believe that peace and co-existence in this region is something that I will be able to see sooner in my lifetime.
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I have been seeing this conflict ever since I was young. All these years it just got worse and worse. As always, it is the innocent who have to pay the price. The book looks very informative and I will surely pick it up.
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I am watching no, reading since a long time about Israel and Palestine. It just devastating. How hatered turned into the war and it is shameless. Your review is perfect. I never read such kinds of books but I think I shall give it try to know the situation.
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Israelis and Palestinians are ‘destined to live together on the same soil, on the same land.’ so true and the hard fact but still people are fighting on the name of religion. I am waiting when people will rise above religion and start believing in mere humanity.
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I’ve been wondering for long what would have triggered this. I loved your review. Will check out the book
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I can never understand the reason people give for killing and torturing other human beings including little children. I don’t have much knowledge about the history of Israel and Palentine, maybe it’s a good book to get the insights.
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Israel and Palestine war is something that has piqued the interest of many for decades. This looks like an interesting book. I’m also interested because you say that the author doesn’t take sides. Plus I’m sure the news clipping and other resources used for reference makes it a one-stop shop for understand the origin of the war and how it has been continuing.
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True, there is no utopian world and I don’t see that happening anytime soon. It is bewildering how many wars have been fought in the name of religion.
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Your thoughtful reflection on the book’s content and its relevance in today’s geopolitical landscape adds a valuable perspective to the discussion.
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This book seems to provide a good information on the topic on which whole world is keeping an eye as none of us can keep ourselves aloof of the things going on in the world
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“What will happen to the two countries? To end it in the author’s words, “Palestinians and Israelis will always be neighbours. As Yitzhak Rabin, the former Israeli prime minister, said, Israelis and Palestinians are ‘destined to live together on the same soil, on the same land.’ An agreement based on equality and justice could enable both to live in peace and security.” Till then, the battle for Jerusalem and the promised land continues.”
And how can it happen? This is the question any person concerned about the conflicts in the area can ask. And can anyone blame anyone who sees only trouble in religious dogmas? Feeling sad! You did a great job.
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The ongoing war has really saddened me immensely. Though I know the basics of that region’s history, perhaps this book will enlighten me further.
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