Jewish History, Jewish Religion: The Weight of Three Thousand Years (Pluto Middle Eastern Studies)

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Paperback: 152 pages
Publisher: Pluto Press; First Edition edition (December 1, 1997)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0745308198
ISBN-13: 978-0745308197
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces

Shahak, who came to Israel in 1945 after surviving the concentration camp in Belsen during the Holocaust, contends that the potential for Israel's right-wing Jewish religious movements to seize power represents a threat to the peace of Israel and to the Zionist movement. He posits that Israel as a Jewish state constitutes a danger not only to itself and its inhabitants, but to all Jews and to all other people and states in the Middle East. Shahak, who was raised as an Orthodox Jew, condemns what he sees as discrimination against non-Jewish citizens of Israel. The real test facing both Israeli and diaspora Jews is the test of their self-criticism, which must include the critique of the Jewish past. Most disturbing, Shahak insists that the religion, in its classical and talmudic form, is "poisoning minds and hearts." This controversial attack of Israel by a Jew is bound to alarm Jewry worldwide. George Cohen --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Review 'Shahak is a very brave man who should be honored for his services to humanity ... One of the most remarkable individuals in the contemporary Middle East.' Edward Said 'Shahak subjects the whole history of Orthodoxy ... to a hilarious and scrupulous critique.' --Christopher Hitchens  'The future of the Palestinian people would have looked much brighter if there had been more Israelis like Shahak ... An outstanding personality.' The Jerusalem Times 'Dr Shahak's courage in speaking out against the very foundations of the state of Israel, and his kindly, humane personality, have won him influential friends.' --Al Hayat  'Deserves a wide readership, not only among Jews, but among Christians who seek a fuller understanding both of historical Judaism and of modern-day Israel.’ --Catholic New Times  ‘His message gets to the heart of U.S.-Israeli relations. It is not only Jews who should read Jewish History, Jewish Religion, but Christians as well.’ --Middle East Policy Jewish History, Jewish Religion: The Weight of Three Thousand Years (Pluto Middle Eastern Studies)