Great attempt to address complexities of Israel

The book, through personal stories and with great sense of humour, makes a strong case for the only democracy in Middle East - showing that while it’s not perfect, it’s still an amazing country thanks to perseverance, culture of innovation and, let’s be honest, a bit of ‘hutzpa’ of it’s ‘prickly pear’-like citizens

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Wildly informative and approachable.

Refreshing and restrained perspective. I learned a lot and had long calcified opinions challenged and overturned! Highly recommended.

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Engaging and educational

Given the current situation in Israel, I took it upon myself to discover why Jewish people and Israel have always been persecuted around the world. I found my answers in this book. It was not only well written and read, but also very informative and exceptionally engaging. It is not anti Palistinian, in fact, there is alot of support for the Palistinian people in this book. Whichever side of the fence you sit, please listen to this book and educate yourself as you will be surprised.

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Excellent history laced with funny and thoughtful personal comments from the author.

No matter how much I read about the history and politics of Israel and the Middle East, I never stop learning. This book is a well-written and an enjoyable listen, providing a fascinating introduction - albeit detailed - to that history and politics. The author’s liberalism is to be admired, but I cannot agree with it. This was written before the massacre of October 7th by Hamas and Gazans, and the ongoing killings by Palestinians and other Muslims as well as the attacks by Hezbollah and the Houthis. Recent history shows beyond peradventure that THE problem with the Middle East is Arabs and Iran’s theocracy. While some countries are finally softening and making peace with Israel, and some Muslims are willing to live according to Western values or at least accept (albeit too often grudgingly) Israel’s right to exist, October 7th has revealed Islamist death culture for what it is and unmasked the many sick supporters it has the world over. The book’s sentiment is a fine. Perfect for an ideal world. Sadly the world isn’t ideal. It never was. Therefore, the book’s usefulness is how it unpicks every falsehood aimed at Israel and Jews. Everyone should know the truth behind, for example, the BDS movement, the failed peace attempts, the wars always started or provoked by Arabs then most by them, and so on. Truth is power. But only one part of it. Strength is the other part. Hence Bibi Netanyahu’s approach to overwhelm terrorism before any long lasting peace can be achieved has now been demonstrated - by what happened on October 7th and who participated in it - to be the correct path forward.

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Outstanding

Facts will get you everywhere. With passion. personality and honesty, a great book, well written.

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Brilliant

Combining a reasoned and cogent factual narrative with a a fascinating personal story and family history this book should be read by everyone with any interest in finding out the true story of Israel.

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A relatively non-biased truth about a misunderstood country 

I would recommend this book to anyone that is Jewish or non-Jewish anyone that disagrees or agrees with Israel, even dislikes Israel, you will take many things out of this book as long as you coming with an open mind.
Thank you Noa. It seems that we come from very similar political backgrounds. As in Israeli that has now been living in the UK for over 30 years, I have been struggling to explain Israel and you have managed to do it in one book.
Dealing with the politics, religion, the history and the humanity of everything. .
Thank you so much. 

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An amazing book

When I was at school my final exam was a dissertation and a 30 minute presentation on a subject of my choice, I choose The state of Israel. Why? Because this young northern working class girl from a mining background admired what this country had achieved in its short life and how its people had made its country.
I researched throughly and I achieved excellent marks but I wish I could have read a book like this in 1973. It is a book that really informs and explains and was truly worth reading. Well done Noa I love your passion and your book is fantastic.

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FINALLY I HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THIS CONFLICT

Noa Tishby explains the history of the Jewish people from biblical times to the present day. I wanted to understand what has caused the ongoing conflict between the Jews and Muslims and wanted it explaining in a way I could understand. This book does that. It is a good book and I am glad I bought it. If I have a complaint it is the unnecessary swearing she feels the need to use but then books these days seem to be under the impression that throwing in the occasional swear word improves the story. Sorry it doesn’t it merely serves to cheapen the book if it cannot be written without it. Also I found the undercurrent of Wokeism rather irritating.

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A masterpiece!

A well written book beautifully read.
Factual and also entertaining. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was hooked from the beginning. The author who is also the narrator is wonderful. I highly recommend this title.

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