Fate
About the book
Daniel Gordis traces the modern history of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. He follows the ideas, conflicts, and choices that shaped the nation.
Why it matters to me
This is a clear, accessible history with a remarkable amount of information. It reads like a history textbook without feeling difficult.
As a Chinese reader, I had few opportunities to understand Israel in depth. This book let me see its modern history from a Jewish perspective.
I admire what people achieved with limited resources under difficult conditions. Their experience reminds me of another people who have endured and worked through hardship.
I do not want to reduce history to a simple judgment of right and wrong. The same events look different from different perspectives.
The book also challenged my assumptions about relationships with Western countries. It made me appreciate the difficult choices faced by a small country.
My most important takeaway is that environments shape nations and people. Growth through adversity can also be a trait of resilient organizations and individuals.
Lines from the book
“Zionism was a rebellion against ancient Judaism.”“The Six-Day War divided Israelis while uniting defeated Palestinian Arabs.”“We will continue the peace process as if there were no terrorist attacks.”“Without democracy, Israel would lose the legitimacy of its existence.”“History helps those who try to help themselves.”