The impressive list of people praising this
book at its beginning is most certainly not just a flattering array with no
substance. It bears testament to the brilliance, as well as impeccable timing,
of the publication of a book such as Why Israel? Reading through the comments
made by the likes such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Ahmed Kathrada it feels
as if anything I will have to say about Why Israel? will appear inadequate or redundant.
However, I can give a review of this book
from a different perspective; from the view of not only a young adult but a
student. Trying to balance your studies as well as staying informed about the
various global conflicts is not an easy task. It is easy to fall into the abyss
of ignorance and I have personally witnessed this with so many of my
colleagues. And this is why this book is imperative for every single student
interested in basic human rights and the Israeli-Palestinian issue at large to
have.
The way Why Israel? has been set up and
presented makes it the number one tool for all students in combating the myths
regarding the Middle-Eastern conflict. We are victims of many misconceptions
fed to us via the mainstream media and if one did not look for another source
of information it would be convenient to accept these lies as truths. With Why
Israel?, each of these misrepresentations are broken down in a comprehensive,
yet user-friendly, manner. The index at the beginning makes it beyond easy for
you to find out about any subject you are interested in, starting with the
origins of the conflict and progressing through the intricate history until
present day. It offers you a truthful, yet at the same time unbiased approach
to flames fuelling the conflict as well as what has kept the racist ideology of
Zionism alive until today, in the 21st century.
Having only had the book for a very short
period of time, it has already served me tremendously in my quest of combating
the age old foundations used to justify the implementation of Zionism in Israel
today. It has also clarified details regarding the various resistance movements
established by the Palestinians over the years, and offered a clear plan for
the way forward to peace in a very troubled region.
Excellent content aside, it is the
presentation of this book that most impressed me. When reading books regarding
the conflict one usually has to wade through thousands of pages of information
in the smallest of fonts. Undoubtedly the information in invaluable, however,
Why Israel? has managed to accomplish the compilation of all the vital details
in a font and presentation that would appeal to the masses, particularly the
youth. Its full colour 16 page photo insert is also a striking feature, and
together with the hard cover and glossy pages I felt as if I had hit the
jackpot getting a book such as this one for such a ridiculously reasonable
price.
Whether it be needing to brush up on my
knowledge regarding the conflict for a debate or workshop, or using it as a
resource to write my next piece exposing the lies of Zionism, I know that I
have found my essential first aid kit in combating the Hasbara.
From the moment I had my copy of Why
Israel?, it was clearly evident the amount of work and countless hours put into
its production, for which I commend the authors Dr Firoz Osamn and Suraya
Dadoo. Why Israel? is not only for the established political commentators
amongst us but well suited for people of all ages, particularly the youth.
Aayesha Soni is a fifth year medical
student with a keen interest in Islam, politics and the global perception of
international conflicts.
Why
Israel? The Anatomy of Zionist Apartheid – A South African Perspective (Porcupine Press, 2013) is available at all bookstores countrywide.
E-book and Kindle versions are also available.
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