Israel: The Founding of a Modern Nation - Hardcover

Silverman, Maida

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0803721358 ISBN 13: 9780803721357

Publisher: Dial Books, 1998

Synopsis

Tells the story of how the nation of Israel was founded, as well as the stories of its heroes, villains, battles, and miracles, with clear, accessible text that traces its history from biblical times to the nation's birth in 1948.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 6-9AThis accessible history of the Jewish people covers 3000 years, beginning in Biblical times and concluding with the birth of the independent Jewish state in 1948. Silverman brings her account to life through the lives of leaders such as Moses Hess and Sir Moses Montefiore. One chapter is devoted to Theodor Herzl, founder of the World Zionist Organization and "goodwill ambassador" for his people. An appendix lists important events from 1948 to the present, including the signing of the Hebron Accord in 1997. Written in a clear and natural style, the text reads like a well-told story of courage and determination in the face of great suffering. The Israeli-Arab conflict is treated objectively, emphasizing that the early Jewish immigrants who returned to Palestine believed in the importance of cooperation with their Arab neighbors. Although the author does not include specific chapter notes documenting her research, there is a bibliography of 15 sources, as well as a list of 9 titles for further reading. Black-and-white drawings show leaders as well as average citizens. Students of Jewish history will find this book useful as well as inspiring.ADawn Amsberry, Oakland Public Library, CA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist:

Gr. 4^-7. Silverman cuts through the ages, highlighting with simplicity and passion the tumultuous history of the Jewish people. Because Israel's foundation is grounded in 3,000 years of Jewish history, Silverman begins with God's promise to Abraham that "his descendants would become a great and holy nation." She then recaps the successive conquerings, dispersals, and returns of the Jewish people to Zion, their homeland, noting that always a small, devoted community of Jews managed to survive and remain. In more recent centuries, as government fostered persecution of Jews in Russia and Europe intensified, Zionists strove to join their people in their historic homeland to build a safe haven for all Jews. Silverman offers such dramatic anecdotes as Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai's feigning death in order to sneak out of the besieged Jerusalem and meet with the Roman general Vespasian to strike the deal that saved Judaism in 70 C.E. A time line of important events in Israel's history from 1948 until the present is included. An admirably written, much needed, dynamic history. Ellen Mandel

About this edition

• Publisher: Dial Books
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0803721358
• ISBN 13: 9780803721357
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 112