A Zionist among Palestinians offers the perspective of an ordinary Israeli citizen who became concerned about the Israeli military's treatment of Palestinians and was moved to work for peace. Hillel Bardin, a confirmed Zionist, was a reservist in the Israeli army during the first intifada when he met Palestinians arrested by his unit. He learned that they supported peace with Israel and the then-taboo proposal for a two-state solution, and that they understood the intifada as a struggle to achieve these goals. Bardin began to organize dialogues between Arabs and Israelis in West Bank villages, towns, and refugee camps. In 1988, he was jailed for meeting with Palestinians while on active duty in Ramallah. Over the next two decades, he participated in a variety of peace organizations and actions, from arranging for Israelis to visit Palestinian communities and homes, to the joint jogging group "Runners for Peace," to marches, political organizing, and demonstrations supporting peace, security, and freedom. In this very personal account, Bardin tries to come to grips with the conflict in a way that takes account of both Israeli-Zionist and Palestinian aims.

One man's odyssey as an activist for peace and justice

About the Author

Born in Mandatory Palestine, Hillel Bardin is a founder and former board member of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, the Rapprochement Dialogue Center, and the Jerusalem Information Center, and he has served on the board of Defense for Children International. A founder of the Shlom Yerushalayim Party, he was its authorized representative in the Jerusalem Municipal Council.

Reviews

A compelling, thoughtful, and honest examination of a complex situation from a powerfully conscientious peace activist.

* ForeWord Reviews *

[A]s a panoramic view of . . . peace efforts by citizens on the ground during this turbulent period, Bardin's book allows the reader some wonderful insights.

* National Catholic Reporter *

A Zionist Among Palestinians is a testimony to the effort to bring about change, to educate Palestinians and Israelis about one another, and to touch them one at a time.

* Jewish Book Council *



Book Information
ISBN 9780253002112
Author Hillel Bardin
Format Hardback
Page Count 272
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Weight(grams) 567g