Israel's place in the Middle East: a pluralist perspective

Abstract

To many, Jews and Arabs stand in permanent opposition, representing two clashing cultures, mentalities and temperaments. In this book, the author maintains that this perception is historically inaccurate. From the standpoint of culture, ethnicity and religion, he says, Israel is an integral part of the Middle East. As a nation, Israel consists largely of Middle Eastern and North African Jews, native-born Israelis of European origin, and Arabs. This book seeks to show that peaceful and neighbourly relations among these groups have always prevailed and that the lot of the Jews has been better in the realm of Islam than in the West. Using Arabic, Hebrew and English sources, the book traces the course of Arab-Jewish relations from their beginnings in Pre-Islamic times to the present, and it offers a survey of Judeo-Arabic culture and literature. It also describes the ideological and cultural origins of Israel and demonstrates the way these roots shape the country's attitude toward its surroundings.