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In this groundbreaking book, published on the fiftieth anniversary of the Occupation, the outspoken and radical Israeli historian Ilan Pappe examines the most contested ideas concerning the origins and identity of the contemporary state of Israel. The 'ten myths' that Pappe explores - repeated endlessly in the media, enforced by the military, accepted without question by the world's governments - reinforce the regional status quo. He explores the claim that Palestine was an empty land at the time of the Balfour Declaration, as well as the formation of Zionism and its role in the early decades of nation building. He asks whether the Palestinians voluntarily left their homeland in 1948, and whether June 1967 was a war of 'no choice.' Turning to the myths surrounding the failures of the Camp David Accords and the official reasons for the attacks on Gaza, Pappe explains why the two-state solution is no longer viable. Review: Utterly fascinating - It's written by a Jewish history professor working at the university of Exeter. Knows his stuff but is very clearly on the Palestinian side. I hoovered it up, dead interesting and well written to boot, in my view. Recommend. Review: A Courageous Unmasking of Historical Falsehoods - Ten Myths About Israel by renowned historian Ilan Pappรฉ is a masterclass in intellectual bravery, scholarly precision, and moral clarity. With piercing insight and unflinching honesty, Pappรฉ dismantles the foundational myths that have long shielded Israeli policies from scrutiny and distorted the narrative surrounding Palestine. Through ten accessible yet deeply researched chapters, Pappรฉ confronts some of the most persistent falsehoods โ from the idea that Palestine was "a land without a people" to the claim that Israel is the โonly democracy in the Middle East.โ Each myth is unpacked with rigorous historical evidence, compelling arguments, and a profound sense of justice. What makes this book especially powerful is its refusal to sanitise history for comfort. Pappรฉ dares to name what so many others avoid: the Nakba was not a tragic accident of war, but a deliberate campaign of ethnic cleansing. His writing cuts through the fog of propaganda and reminds readers that truth-telling is an essential act of resistance. This book is a beacon for anyone seeking clarity amid the noise, a vital tool for educators, students, activists, and anyone who refuses to be complicit in silence. With elegance and urgency, Ten Myths About Israel calls us not only to rethink what weโve been told, but to stand firmly on the side of truth and human dignity.
| Best Sellers Rank | 352,613 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) 6 in Jewish Studies 31 in Middle Eastern Studies 751 in World History (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,070 Reviews |
B**R
Utterly fascinating
It's written by a Jewish history professor working at the university of Exeter. Knows his stuff but is very clearly on the Palestinian side. I hoovered it up, dead interesting and well written to boot, in my view. Recommend.
H**U
A Courageous Unmasking of Historical Falsehoods
Ten Myths About Israel by renowned historian Ilan Pappรฉ is a masterclass in intellectual bravery, scholarly precision, and moral clarity. With piercing insight and unflinching honesty, Pappรฉ dismantles the foundational myths that have long shielded Israeli policies from scrutiny and distorted the narrative surrounding Palestine. Through ten accessible yet deeply researched chapters, Pappรฉ confronts some of the most persistent falsehoods โ from the idea that Palestine was "a land without a people" to the claim that Israel is the โonly democracy in the Middle East.โ Each myth is unpacked with rigorous historical evidence, compelling arguments, and a profound sense of justice. What makes this book especially powerful is its refusal to sanitise history for comfort. Pappรฉ dares to name what so many others avoid: the Nakba was not a tragic accident of war, but a deliberate campaign of ethnic cleansing. His writing cuts through the fog of propaganda and reminds readers that truth-telling is an essential act of resistance. This book is a beacon for anyone seeking clarity amid the noise, a vital tool for educators, students, activists, and anyone who refuses to be complicit in silence. With elegance and urgency, Ten Myths About Israel calls us not only to rethink what weโve been told, but to stand firmly on the side of truth and human dignity.
A**.
Truly enlightening
So easy to understand after being fed decades of lies by the mainstream media about probably the most lied about subject. Rigorous research and puts both side - truly enlightening.
D**P
Four Stars
Very informative
B**T
An accurate view of Israel
I have already read Ilan's book The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine, so this seems a logical book to follow with, especially as it has been updated. Israel can be changed, but the real "belief" must come from within. Regardless, much can be done by outsiders such as the USA in forcing Israel to change. However, I do believe that the 2 separate states can be accomplished. I strongly believe that Palestine should be classified as an individual state but only if Gaza and the Left Bank are united. I would extend Gaza up the coast and inland by the same territory as the Left Bank has. Arab occupants of the Left Bank could relocate if they wished and the left Bank would then be part of Israel. The new Palestine would have its own sea territory, total autonomy, sea port, airport, etc. Israel took the land away; they can give some back. Anyway, thank you Mr. Pappe for a very interesting and thoughtful book. You are a brave man to be so critical of your own country even though you are not resident there.
P**E
Punchy, precise and easy to read. Necessary in this 'post truth' era
Punchy precise and helpful. Says exactly what it does "on the tin"! In s time where truth is hidden and false histories and lies propagated, having clear and evidenced information is critical. As a Jewish Israeli historian, Professor Ilan Pappรฉ is best placed to write this book without being accused of racism. I thoroughly recommend his other books, in particular the Ethnic cleansing of Palestine - a crucial book to read.
L**J
Essential reading to understand the history of contemporary Palestine/Israel
I am academically well informed regarding the history of Zionism and Palestine but I nonetheless found this book very informative in that it explains clearly how much of the western propaganda in support of Israel is, as the book's title makes clear, myth. It is also structured in an accessible and ordered way that provides the reader with a strong sense of how the appalling events occurring in Gaza and The West Bank today were inevitable. It is recommended reading for everyone who wants to understand not just the recolonalisation of Palestine by Zionist settlers but also help them to recognize that the same process, that is recolonization, in is taking place in many other nations, albeit in often (but not always) more subtle ways, only recently liberated from the colonial rule of the great powers of the nineteenth century.
S**J
A very important book
There is a reason academics recommend this book. If you want historical facts, historical context, scholarly reviews and a true picture of the realities around this decades long conflict, read this book.
A**R
A fascinating, easy and clear explanation.
Ilan Pappe, a gifted historian and writer. Written in clear, easy, and concise language, it is highly recommended for anyone interested in understanding what this phenomenon called the State of Israel is.
R**A
A must-read for everyone
short, easy to read, and challenges assumptions most people take for granted. A must-read for everyone.
N**S
Best book ever
A must read. Worth your money and time.
A**T
Knowledge of the history
It is essential to know the history of the Palestine-Israel conflict and the many different points of view that obscure the truth.
K**R
Five Stars
Well written as usual.
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