Israel at 50: A Journalist's Perspective

In this overview of Israel's half century of existence, Hohenberg draws on newspaper accounts, memoirs of major players in Middle East politics and standard historical works, as well as a personal cache of memories, letters, notes and diaries, to teach a lesson in the intricacies of international diplomacy. Although he reflects the rather miraculous circumstances of the Israel's creation, he also gives a dutiful and dispassionate record of the failures as well as the successes of Israel's political leaders. For example, Hohenberg is brave enough to recount how quickly the afterglow of the Six-Day War subsided following the debacle of the Yom Kippur War. The writing is clear and, at times, crisp. However, this historical survey of Israel is hardly comprehensive, leaning too heavily on the traditional treatment of Israeli history as a series of Arab-Israeli wars. Economic matters, social issues and movements, and religious factionalism receive too little attention. Perhaps the most distinctive characteristic of this study is Hohenberg's focus on the United Nations' role in Israel's development. As one of several histories out on the occasion of Israel's 50th anniversary, Hohenberg's study holds up well though it will not lead the pack. (May) FYI: In May, Westview will release Gideon Ofrat's One Hundred Years of Art in Israel, with 200 color and 150 b&w illustrations. ($75 400p ISBN 0-8133-3377-6)