Victimhood Discourse in Contemporary Israel

This book explores the politics of victimhood in contemporary Israel and its implications for other societies, including the Palestinian one. It offers analysis of the victimhood discourse, tracing its evolution and changes in Zionist thought, and examining the politics and ideology of victimhood within the Palestinian national movement. The insights of the eight authors are relevant for numerous other national groups and disciplines. The book is inspired by the universality of victimhood and invites readers to contemplate its far-reaching implications for our lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

This comprehensive book delves into various facets of collective victimhood in contemporary Israel, while also exploring its broader implications for other societies, particularly the Palestinian one. Comprising eight scholarly chapters, this volume offers insightful analysis of the politics of victimhood, examining its growing dominance within contemporary Israel. It also assesses victimhood as a central aspect of the Jewish historical legacy, tracing the evolution and shifts in Zionist thought related to a sense of national victimhood. The book explores the potential for political transformation of victimhood through changing perceptions and policies by top Israeli leaders. It also focuses on significant events that have shaped the victimhood discourse in Israel and beyond, such as the 1967 Six-Day and 1973 Yom Kippur wars in the Middle East. Additionally, the book examines the politics and ideology of victimhood within the Palestinian national movement, offering innovative approaches for moving beyond national victimhood and towards a brighter future for people in the Middle East and beyond. The insights of the eight authors, who conceptualize Israeli victimhood from diverse perspectives, hold immediate relevance for numerous other national groups and various disciplines within the humanities and social sciences. Drawing inspiration from the universality of victimhood experienced by humans, as reflected in King Lear's words ("I am a man more sinned against than sinning") and the late Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin's assertion that "no longer is it true that the whole world is against us," this volume serves as a comprehensive summary of the state of the field regarding collective victimhood. It encourages readers to engage in thoughtful contemplation of the challenges and opportunities associated with this concept.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 220 x 153 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498553520