Carly Yuenger
On today's show author and journalist Rich Cohen discusses his new book, Israel is Real: An Obsessive Quest to Understand the Jewish Nation and its History, which has gotten much praise, and also much criticism, since it was released earlier this year.
In Israel is Real, Rich Cohen, himself Jewish, treks back through ancient history to understand the Jewish people, especially the notion of Zionism and its relation to the state of Israel. Through a long, and sometimes quirky, view of this history, Cohen expresses his own qualms about the value of the Jewish state to the Jewish people. In the story he lays out, he asks some provocative questions about the long-standing assumptions about what it takes for the Jewish faith to thrive in safety.
As hopes are raised again for productive peace talks, what are the deeply ingrained positions at the center of this conflict you think need to change for peace to be reached? What about the history of the Jewish people and of Jerusalem can offer insight into a peaceful future? Israel is real, but does it need to be re-imagined? If so how? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.
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Nov. 8-12 Programs
14 years ago
1 comment:
Thanks again for the great program Jean and Richard! So many questions I had about the whole underlying problem you answered so well, I am grateful for your being on this show.
Richard, I will write President Obama, and ask him to put you on as a negotiator or part of the negotiating team, as I can just tell that you have a deep understanding of the issues, and can see light at the end of the tunnel!
Yes, getting back to what Bill Clinton wanted as well - to share the temple mount - even better, to create a new designation for the holy city of Jerusalem as a separate state - a most excellent idea!! And ending the settlements is one issue as well - perhaps the real issue for the Palestinians is just compensation for their land - a return of what can be returned, and of what is impractical to return, to compensate those families fairly for their losses. It would go a long ways towards ending the resentment they feel, I think.
Also, if peace could be achieved, so much prosperity could then blossom, as stability with generally satisfied peoples allows prosperity to grow and flourish. Ending poverty and inequity would I think help reduce the terror threat globally and regionally as well, as frustrated and desperate people often are misled into terrorism as an option of last resort.
Anyhow, I will put in a good word for Richard, and though I may have all the pull of a mouse in the White House, just maybe the letter will get noticed. Thanks again, and thanks to Jean - keep getting great guests!!
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