Holy Land Mosaic: Stories of Cooperation and Coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians

(Paperback)

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The unrelenting conflict between Jews and Arabs in the Middle East is reported daily, but the ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the two is less known. Holy Land Mosaic chronicles the less reported side of the Middle East scene: the ongoing projects of conciliation and coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, and between Arabs and Jews in Israel.

Daniel Gavron presents a personal journey through the different movements, projects, organizations, and NGOs that promote tolerance and understanding between the two warring peoples, depicting some remarkable Jews and Arabs. Among the projects described are the village of Neve Shalom, where Jews and Arabs have lived together for three decades; the Hand-in-Hand bilingual schools, where Arab and Jewish children study in Hebrew and Arabic; and an Israeli group that rebuilds demolished Arab houses.

In no way does the author play down the grim reality of the Middle East conflict, but his narrative shows that the enmity is not endemic. The current atmosphere is far from one of harmony and tranquility, but it can be different.

Reviews

Daniel Gavron is an indefatigable believer in Israeli-Palestinian coexistence. In this delightful, moving, and thought-provoking book, he tells the stories of many others who in their daily lives translate that belief into reality. -- David Landau, editor in chief, Haaretz
Without overlooking the vicious cycle of hatred and violence in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this remarkable book records many stories of cooperation and friendship between Palestinian Arabs and Israeli Jews in various fields of life. Daniel Gavron presents these little-known glimpses of sanity and hope in a well-written and vivid account. -- Moshe Ma'oz, former director, The Harry S. Truman Institute for the Advancement of Peace, Hebrew University; Harvard University
Daniel Gavron's book is a bombshell read. Gavron looks behind the tired cliches for thrilling, living-and-breathing indeed spine-prickling personal stories, full of drama and comedy. A saga of love, hate and almost superhuman endurance, on both sides. The book is also wonderfully useful for its concise summary of the Middle East troubles and as a practical guide in how to jostle if not entirely break the log jam. A terrific and inspiring read. -- Clancy Sigal, National Book Award nominee, journalist, PEN Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
In its accumulation of small, promising revelations, this book makes a larger impact. * Publishers Weekly *
Holy Land Mosaic is an excellent and important book....It should be required reading at schools and universities around the world. -- Sir Arnold Wesker, playwright, playwright and author
Unlike many books about Israel/Palestine relations, this one conveys some optimism. The author...sets out to show that cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians has been viable and productive. While he brilliantly outlines the political history of Israel, Gavron focuses mostly on the individual rather than on the political and social system that developed in Israel....It is an eminently readable and honest book that leaves a bittersweet taste. * Outlook *

Author Bio

Daniel Gavron is a long-time journalist. His work has appeared in The New York Times, the Jerusalem Post, and Ariel and aired on NBC and National Public Radio. He is the author of The Kibbutz and The Other Side of Despair and lives in Motza Elite, Israel.