Book description
Why Israel's greatest weakness is its greatest strength, and what its
supporters and enemies can learn from its success
Israel's critics in the West insist that no country founded on a
single religion or culture can stay democratic and prosperousÂ-but
they're wrong. In The Promise of Israel, Daniel Gordis points
out that Israel has defied that conventional wisdom. It has provided
its citizens infinitely greater liberty and prosperity than anyone
expected, faring far better than any other young nation. Israel's
"magic" is a unique blend of democracy and tradition, of
unabashed particularism coupled to intellectual and cultural openness.
Given Israel's success, it would make sense for many other countries,
from Rwanda to Afghanistan and even Iran, to look at how they've done
it. In fact, rather than seeking to destroy Israel, the Palestinians
would serve their own best interests by trying to copy it.
- Takes many of the most compelling arguments against Israel and
turns them completely on their heads, undoing liberals with a more
liberal argument and the religious with a more devout argument
- Puts forth an idea that is as convincing as it is shockingÂ-that
Iran's clerics and the Taliban should want to be more like Israel
- Written by Daniel Gordis, the author of the National Jewish Book
Award winner, Saving Israel
- Daniel Gordis has been called "one of Israel's most
thoughtful observers" (Alan Dershowitz) and "a writer
whose reflections are consistently as intellectually impressive as
they are moving" (Cynthia Ozick)
Certain to generate controversy and debate, The Promise of
Israel is one of the most interesting and original books about
Israel in years.
DANIEL GORDIS is Senior Vice President and Koret Distinguished
Fellow at the Shalem Center and a columnist for the Jerusalem
Post. He has also written for the New York Times,
Commentary, Tikkun, the Forward, and the New
York Times Magazine. He is the author of several books,
including Saving Israel, winner of a National Jewish Book Award.
