"Jerusalem Diaries In Tense Times" is a very important book. It captures the very heart and spirit of the Jewish population of Israel and helps readers understand why the city of Jerusalem and the land of Israel is so holy to these people. Author Judy Lash Balint writes in many short vignettes about the state of violence and terrorism during the years 2000 and 2001 in this divided country. She has such wisdom and insight and with great skill she describes and reveals a picture of life in both religious and nonreligious communities. We learn how truly devoted to the cause of settlement in this area the Jews are and how they are committed to residing in their Holy Land, even if they have to sacrifice their lives.
It is difficult to read about the many deaths of innocent Jewish civilians who live in towns close to Arab communities, especially the slaughter of school children and a ten month old child. Balint makes the reader realize just how volatile the problem is and now in the year 2011 not much has changed. Still there are bombs exploding and killing innocent people and still there is no peaceful solution reached between Jews and Palestinians.
This book is not an easy read but it does help to explain the political background of the leaders at this time. Readers will better understand just how the lives of the Jewish and Palestinian people are impacted by decisions made by those in charge. Balint explains the feeling of the Jewish people best when she says the following: "Underlying the anxiety, fear, sadness and despondency, there's a spirit of defiance and sense of destiny that sustains those living through these hard times". She quotes a resident, Shani Simkowitz of Tekoa who says, "People have to realize that this is not a "settler" problem, it's a Jewish problem, and they better realize we have finally come home and we're choosing to stay."
If you are interested in Jewish history, in the Arab/Israeli conflict this book offers yet another perspective and a glance backward during a time of extraordinary challenges to the population of Israel. It's a book worth reading.
It is difficult to read about the many deaths of innocent Jewish civilians who live in towns close to Arab communities, especially the slaughter of school children and a ten month old child. Balint makes the reader realize just how volatile the problem is and now in the year 2011 not much has changed. Still there are bombs exploding and killing innocent people and still there is no peaceful solution reached between Jews and Palestinians.
This book is not an easy read but it does help to explain the political background of the leaders at this time. Readers will better understand just how the lives of the Jewish and Palestinian people are impacted by decisions made by those in charge. Balint explains the feeling of the Jewish people best when she says the following: "Underlying the anxiety, fear, sadness and despondency, there's a spirit of defiance and sense of destiny that sustains those living through these hard times". She quotes a resident, Shani Simkowitz of Tekoa who says, "People have to realize that this is not a "settler" problem, it's a Jewish problem, and they better realize we have finally come home and we're choosing to stay."
If you are interested in Jewish history, in the Arab/Israeli conflict this book offers yet another perspective and a glance backward during a time of extraordinary challenges to the population of Israel. It's a book worth reading.
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