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Jewish Fundamentalism in Israel – New Edition (Pluto Middle Eastern Studies S)
£20.90
‘Illuminative, insightful and accessible, this is an important book that deserves as wide a readership as possible.’ Ethnic Conflict Research Digest ‘A first-class overview of the different fundamentalist movements . . . A fascinating and thought-provoking book.’ Neue Zurcher Zeitung (Switzerland) ‘Shahak and Mezvinsky’s explicit objective is to rouse the reader, particularly the North American reader, into an acknowledgement that Jewish fundamentalism is as ‘pernicious’ as other fundamentalisms. This requires us to approach the Jewish past not as folk-tale, but as history.’ Outlook ‘Unlike all other English-language accounts [this] is frank and fiercely critical . . . A must-read for anyone interested in exploring the dark corners of an ideology that has an impact on international events.’ Race and Class This is a new edition of a classic and highly controversial book that examines the history and consequences of Jewish Fundamentalism in Israel. Fully updated, with new chapters and a new introduction by Norton Mezvinsky, it is essential reading for anyone who wants a full understanding of the way religious extremism has affected the political development of the modern Israeli state. Acclaimed writer and human rights campaigner Israel Shahak was, up util his death in 2001, one of the most respected of Israel’s peace activists – he was, in the words of Gore Vidal, ‘the latest – if not the last – of the great prophets.’ Written by Shahak together with American scholar Norton Mezvinsky, this books shows how Jewish fundamentalism in Israel, as shown in the activities of religious settlers, is of great political importance. The authors trace the history and development of Jewish fundamentalism. They place the assassination of Prime Minister Rabin in the context of what they see as a tradition of punishments and killings of those Jews perceived to be heretics. They conclude that Jewish fundamentalism is essentially h
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Additional information
| Publisher | 2nd edition (20 July 2004), Pluto Press |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 208 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0745320902 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0745320908 |
| Dimensions | 13.34 x 1.32 x 21.59 cm |
by Noor Dahri
This is not only a book but a box of hidden disclosures that author has opened it. This book is a full of secrets beneath of religious extremism within Judaism in Israel.
This book definitely helped me to write a chapter for my upcoming book on global extremism.
Noor Dahri
Independent researcher
Counter terrorism & violent extremism
London UK
by Flat earth Christian
I had to get off this ride. Confused, you will be! I actually had to stop reading this as I started getting nightmares so I can’t say too much about it. Suffice to say things get very surreal when you start reading this. It’s confounding. I made my mind up when I discovered, if I understood correctly, that some orthodox Rabbis insist the world was created in 6 days but also believe in heliocentrism. Well the Bible says nothing about a planet spinning through space nor of a big bang and evolution. So to believe the Bible is literal and to believe in heliocentrism is illogical. Actually if you read Edward Hendrie’s book you discover irrefutable evidence that the earth is flat and stationary. If you read Walt Brown’s book you discover evolution is a lie.
But the message you get from this book I think is that there are many, many Israeli factions in intense mutual conflict.
by Well Read
Jewish Fundamentalism In Israel by Israel Shahak & Norton Mezvinsky: The media are rapid in responding to Islamic fundamentalism whilst showing scant regard to providing detail about Jewish fundamentalism in Israel. Yet, it is Jewish fundamentalism that has driven the settlement movement since the 1967 War. The settlement movement, in particular Gush Emunim, has become an intractable problem and the greatest obstacle to the peace process. Shahak and Mezvinsky’s book is not a read for the faint hearted. There are unpalatable truths in the dangerous fundamentalist worldview presented. It is, however, an essential read for anyone with an interest in understanding why the ‘ peace process’ has been derailed and become a cycle of violence. The authors have shown great courage in exposing what has become the core of the problem between Israel and the Palestinians. Whilst the book answers many questions about fundamentalism, it also raises serious doubts for a reader about the ability of any Israeli Government to resolve the settlement issue and progress peace. The authors present an eye opening expose of a destructive movement that exerts tremendous control over Israel’s politics. In giving the book five stars, there are details contained that should be more widely known. In many respects it is shocking, which is a major reason for making it a must be read book.
by Amazon Customer
Shahak is no friend of organised religion, and he tireless in seeking to expose all aspects of life that have been contaminated by it. This book tells the story of how the far-right fundamentalists in Israel are holding the state to ransom. More, it offers some very interesting reasons for why secular Jews are letting these people get away with blackmail. He suggests that both sides are using each other, while simultaneously exposing the racism that underscores Israeli attitudes towards everybody else, and especially their Arab neighbours.
Compared to Jewish History, Jewish Religion, it is a less stylish and accomplished book, but its subject matter is even more disturbing. The Fundamentalists he talks about are not some mere crackpots, but people whose fingers are uncomfortably close to the nuclear button.
by Arynth
While I’m not the greatest fan of Israel Shahak’s writing style (it’s sometimes a bit dry), I found this book readable and informative. It details the little-known and little-discussed subject of Jewish fundamentalism in Israel and highlights the risk of ignoring such a threat. As Shahak mentions in his introduction, the modern world focuses a great deal on Islamic fundamentalism and even on Christian fundamentalism but rarely ever focuses on Jewish extremism which is equally, if not more, dangerous.
He begins with a brief summary of Jewish history classifying the different religious sects and their historical roots before plunging into the politics of the 20th Century and the outlook for the 21st. It is important to understand these roots for the modern political construct of Israel is dominated by a sense of nationality which defined as much by religion as ethnicity.
He proceeds to speak of the various religious movements and their effect on the political spectrum inside Israel as well as their interrelationships with the United States. Groups like Gush Emunim are extreme in their views and many of these which are stated quite openly (but receive little attention) are so extreme as to make one wonder why the world has not taken notice. Jewish extremists in Israel often use talmudic scholarship to justify some of the most racist views I have ever heard which would not doubt disgust moderates of all religions.
Israel Shahak treads very carefully around this serious, yet dangerous issue and I feel comes out of it with one of the most informative reads I have had in a long time. His aim is not to insult Jewry or criticise Judaism as such but more to examine the religious extremes as well as political influence in Israel today.
Did you know that Rabin publically scolded a female Education minister for wearing a bikini on the Shabat (Sabbath)? Did you know that Maimonedes recommended punishment of the children goyim (non-Jews)if they misbehaved to the extent of death? Did you know that Baruch Goldstein (the outrageous man who committed the Ibrahimi Mosque Massacre of 1994) refused to operate on Arabs because of their race when he was a medic for the army? Did you know that he has engendered a posthumous cult following, replete with a Shrine and literature praising both him and his deed?
If not, this book will be a revelation.
by J. Hofmann
Should be required reading for anyone that wishes to know more about Israeli politics and religion. Draws on sources that are not usually available to (or used by) western writers about this area. An absolute eye opener on how we in Britain are being deceived by our media. The book reveals what a hothouse of religious passion Israel has become and how the religious tail (the fundamentalist religious parties) actually wags the dog.
No wonder the Palestine problem is nowhere near a solution !