Twelve Tribes: Promise and Peril in the New Israel

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

In his captivating book, Twelve Tribes, acclaimed author Ethan Michaeli offers a profound and richly descriptive portrayal of contemporary Israel, unveiling the remarkable diversity of this extraordinary yet volatile nation through the intertwined personal histories of ordinary citizens from diverse walks of life.

The New York Times Book Review aptly describes Twelve Tribes as an illuminating and richly descriptive portrait, highlighting Michaeli's mastery as a portraitist, capturing the essence of lives, places, and cultures. His rendering of contemporary Israel brims with energy, fueled by a historian's vision and a journalist's relentless curiosity.

Evan Osnos, a New York Times bestselling author and renowned journalist, praises Twelve Tribes, stating that Michaeli proves himself to be a master portraitist, adept at capturing the lives, places, and cultures of individuals and communities. Osnos further commends Michaeli's portrayal of contemporary Israel, noting that it crackles with energy, driven by a historian's insights and a journalist's unwavering curiosity.

In 2015, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin issued a concerning warning, noting that the country's citizens were increasingly dividing into tribes, driven by factors such as class, ethnicity, geography, and faith. In Twelve Tribes, Michaeli skillfully weaves together interviews with Israelis from various tribes, creating a narrative that explores the social and political changes shaping Israel. The book is framed by Michaeli's travels across the country over a period of four years, during which he engages in conversations with Israeli family, friends, and ordinary citizens.

Through his storytelling, Twelve Tribes sheds light on the complex dynamics within Israel, revealing a collective drama with far-reaching global consequences. Readers are introduced to a diverse range of individuals, including aging revolutionaries who played pivotal roles in founding Israel's kibbutz movement, as well as brilliant young people working in the country's thriving Big Tech companies. The book also takes readers on a journey to witness the vibrant life of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Haredim at a joyous memorial for a long-dead Romanian Rebbe in a Tel Aviv suburb.

Furthermore, Twelve Tribes delves into the harrowing life stories of Ethiopian Jews who were incarcerated and tortured in their homeland as "Prisoners of Zion" before they were able to escape to Israel. The book presents these individuals' resilience and determination in rebuilding their lives in a new land.

In addition to these personal narratives, Twelve Tribes offers challenging portraits of Israeli Arabs navigating the complexities of their identity within the Israeli society. Michaeli's portrayal of these individuals highlights the complexities and challenges they face, shedding light on the ongoing struggle for equality and social justice in Israel.

Twelve Tribes is a captivating and thought-provoking book that provides a deep understanding of contemporary Israel, offering a multifaceted perspective on the country's social, political, and cultural landscape. Through his meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Ethan Michaeli has created a work that is both informative and engaging, leaving readers with a greater appreciation for the diversity and complexity of this remarkable nation.

Weight: 348g
Dimension: 135 x 203 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780062688866