The Land of Hope and Fear: Israel's battle for its inner soul

The Land of Hope and Fear is a New York Times 100 Notable Book for 2023 that provides a rich, wide-ranging portrait of the Israeli people at a critical juncture in their country's history. The book explores the country's divided society, with the old guard of socialist secular elites and idealists dying out and the state's democratic foundations being challenged. Despite this, the book reveals the core of what holds Israel together and the forces that threaten its future through the lens of real people.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2023
Publisher: Scribe Publications

One of the New York Times' 100 Notable Books for 2023, "The Land of Hope and Fear" is a captivating portrayal of the Israeli people at a pivotal moment in their country's history. Despite Israel's enduring strength in a challenging environment, its military prowess, and global innovation, the nation is more divided than ever. The old guard of socialist secular elites and idealists is dwindling, while the democratic foundations of the state are being tested. A vibrant and dynamic country of nine million, Israel is now predominantly composed of native-born Hebrew speakers, yet a lasting sense of security and normalcy remains elusive.

In "The Land of Hope and Fear," we embark on a journey to meet Israelis from diverse backgrounds, including Jews and Arabs, religious and secular, Eastern and Western, liberals and zealots. These individuals are plagued by perpetual conflict and existential threats, yet their lives are intricately intertwined. Despite their political, social, and ideological divisions, they undergo generational change and redefine what it means to be an Israeli.

Through captivating narratives and on-the-ground reporting, Isabel Kershner delves into the heart of what unites Israel and the forces that threaten its future. She sheds light on the real people who shape the nation's identity, exposing the complexities and contradictions that define this unique society. The book poses the fundamental question: Who is an Israeli?

"The Land of Hope and Fear" is a profound exploration of identity, resilience, and the search for a shared future in a nation that continues to navigate its complex and ever-evolving landscape.

Weight: 604g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915590220