Earlier this week, the world watched in horror as violence erupted in Israel and Gaza. As the violence continues and news continues to come out of various atrocities, it can be difficult to not only keep up with the news but also understand the nuanced history of how it all came to be.
To that end, here are four books that can help you on the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Blood Brothers: The Dramatic Story of a Palestinian Christian Working for Peace in Israel
by Elias Chacour
In this touching autobiography, Elias Chacour recounts his family’s ancient connection to Galilee. An Arab citizen of Israel, he writes movingly of his work to improve the lives of his people while seeking the common good for all who live in the Holy Land. Chacour’s story focuses on faith and social justice, pushing readers to think biblically about the conflict and seek out peace and reconciliation. His story is also a powerful reminder that the ongoing conflict is not just a political issue, but also a human one.
The Skeptic’s Guide to the Israel-Palestine Conflict
by Dale Hanson Bourke
News about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict often seems to have an agenda. In a conflict that wraps up politics, religion, nationality and identity, it’s difficult to find the truth admist all the bias. But digging in to all sides of a story is the only way to figure out truth from propaganda. Bourke’s book will helps sift through all the noise to encounter and understand people and perspectives on both sides.
The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East
by Sandy Tolan
Combining history with a true story of hope and reconciliation, Tolan brings the conflict down to its most human level, exploring the complicated issues that divide Israelis and Palestinians and the shared history and future that unites them. At first glance, it may seem as if there’s no possible end or resolution to this war. But as Tolan describes, there is a way forward that results in peace and unity for all.
Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East
by Michael Oren
Historian and author Michael Oren recounts the Six-Day War that occurred in June 1967, linking how every crisis and escalation that has taken place since — from the Yom Kippur War of 1973 to the current Isreal-Gaza war, is a direct consequence of those six days of fighting.
Understanding this war, Oren argues, is key to understanding the conflicts occurring today. History is not singular, it is often connected in more ways than one. And understanding a brief bu important war from decades ago will help you understand what lies ahead for Israel and Palestine.
