Israel and the Quest for Permanence

Book excerpt: For many years, the conflict between Jews and Arabs has affected Middle East politics. In their struggle to establish a Jewish state in a hostile region, the founding citizens of Israel put aside their cultural and religious differences to fight as a unified nation. Ironically, it was the prospect of peace that brought these differences back into the light. Israel became challenged by deep divisions within. The founders did not envision this divided nation--but the founders are gone. Today's Israelis must decide how to carry the founding vision forward. How will Israel's past shape its future? How will its people answer the looming questions of race, religion, citizenship--and nationhood itself? The answers lie in an extraordinary history--and a future only to be imagined.