Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza

A Reckoning

De: Peter Beinart

Narrado por: Peter Beinart

A bold, urgent appeal from the acclaimed columnist and political commentator, addressing one of the most important issues of our time

In Peter Beinart’s view, one story dominates Jewish communal life: that of persecution and victimhood. It is a story that erases much of the nuance of Jewish religious tradition and warps our understanding of Israel and Palestine. After Gaza, where Jewish texts, history, and language have been deployed to justify mass slaughter and starvation, Beinart argues, Jews must tell a new story. After this war, whose horror will echo for generations, they must do nothing less than offer a new answer to the question: What does it mean to be a Jew?

Beinart imagines an alternate narrative, which would draw on other nations’ efforts at moral reconstruction and a different reading of Jewish tradition. A story in which Israeli Jews have the right to equality, not supremacy, and in which Jewish and Palestinian safety are not mutually exclusive but intertwined. One that recognizes the danger of venerating states at the expense of human life.

Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza is a provocative argument that will expand and inform one of the defining conversations of our time. It is a book that only Peter Beinart could write: a passionate yet measured work that brings together his personal experience, his commanding grasp of history, his keen understanding of political and moral dilemmas, and a clear vision for the future.

©2025 Peter Beinart (P)2025 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Beinart issues an impassioned critique of the American Jewish community’s reaction to the war in Gaza. . . . Urgent and thought-provoking, this is sure to spark debate.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Invaluable. . . . Beinart’s cogent and caring analysis guides readers toward moral clarity and a sharper understanding of the crisis and its profoundly devastating consequences.”
—Booklist

"This timely book constitutes a reckoning with the vast gulf between the Jewish tradition that Beinart cherishes and what has replaced it in the practice of the state of Israel, and of those who have come to worship that state. It is urgently needed.”
—Rashid Khalidi, New York Times bestselling author of The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine

How much it agreed with my own views

A must read for anyone who believes in Justice & Humanity. It will save us all.

The way out to resolve the Israel paelstenian conflict

It is fair and very well balanced look at the Palestinian Israeli conflict. It gives clear objective view of the current Israeli side as an occupation apartheid force. The book gives way out of this current catastrophe which we’ll not only save the Palestinians but also will save the Israelis if adapted.

All men are created equal but treated according to the standards of the governments.

I believe we have a chance to settle our differences if we just treat others with respect and dignity. This book makes that argument very compelling.

Profound

Powerful, clear, educational, passionately delivered. Recommended for anyone trying to sort out a complicated, seemingly never ending situation blocked from progress by deeply dug in partisan viewpoints. Very moving and inspirational conclusion. Nothing easy here, but a light we can all look toward.

One of the most important books I’ve read about Israel Palestine.

A compassionate and thoughtful yet bold and unflinching analysis of the primary obstacle for Jewish and Israeli safety and freedom. I hope you find the courage to read it too.

The truth

This remarkable, concise, deeply informative description of a current catastrophe is a brave and admirable endeavor to foster understanding and promote a path toward a peaceful solution that is now completely obscured by the brutality of the situation. The message can be generalized readily toward the elusive goal of peace on earth. I am sadly pessimistic about its probable limited short term impact, but I am hoping for the best, that baby steps which will eventually turn the tide.

Balance and historical evidence around the world supporting the possibility of former enemies living side by side peacefully.

Nothing that seems important to me or that I found distasteful at all. Billy to the author.

Triggers the Right People for the Right Reasons

Spent a Shabbat evening locked into every single word of this one. Peter speaks to universalist truths and applies core civil rights concepts to a conflict that people needlessly complicate by refusing to set aside their tribalistic biases. We need more fearless Jewish voices like Peter’s to take root in our discourse if we’re ever going to find our way out of this abyss and into better times!

Every person in the u s should read this

This was a fantastic book and very eye opening. i have shared it with many family and friends and it has changed their perspective.

knowledgeable speaker.

The writer is honest about his experience and echoes the experiences and beliefs of many who have encountered oppression. His narration is so important because he is jewish. He reminds us of the lovely Jewish traditions and faith and how it is in discord with the actions of the Jewish government.