Exploring Israel's Historical Past: From Idea to Statehood

Discover a compelling new historical account chronicling the century-long debate surrounding the nature of a Jewish state in Israel.

Although many Zionists aimed for a Jewish state similar to others, Israel's founding in 1948 defied all odds. Emerging from the shadows of genocide and a turbulent history, Israel was envisioned as a unique nation—a beacon of progress in the Middle East. This duality, as historian Michael Brenner explains, reflects the Jewish people's quest for a homeland that is both conventional and extraordinary. This struggle to define itself and find its place among nations is vividly portrayed in In Search of Israelis , a compelling new historical account spanning from the late 19th century to present day.

When Theodor Herzl organized the First Zionist Congress in 1897, various visions emerged for addressing the Jewish community's challenges. Herzl proposed a modern, inclusive "New Society" for Jews and non-Jews. East European Zionists pushed for the revival of Hebrew and a distinct Jewish culture. Socialists envisioned a society centered on collective work and agricultural settlements. Meanwhile, Orthodox believers sought a society governed by Jewish scripture. This clash of Zionist aspirations and Israeli realities still unfolds today, shaping the nation's historical journey.

Seventy years after its founding, Israel has achieved a lot, however for a state extensively seen as both a paragon or a pariah, Brenner argues, the objective of turning into a state like some other stays elusive. If the Jews have been the archetypal “different” in historical past, sarcastically, Israel—which a lot needed to keep away from the stamp of otherness—has turn out to be the Jew among the many nations.