Abstract

Israel is an incorrigible human rights offender because, by discriminating against Arabs, it is guilty of 'state-sponsored racism' argues Joel Kovel. Like apartheid South Africa, the best hope for peace in Israel is to return to the idea of a one-state solution, where Jews and Palestinians can co-exist in a secular democracy.

Kovel is well-known writer on the Middle East conflict. This book draws on his detailed knowledge to show that Zionism and democracy are essentially incompatible. He offers a thoughtful account of the emotional and psychological aspects of Zionism that helps us understand the relationship between ideology, culture and political processes.

Ultimately, Kovel argues, a two-state solution is essentially hopeless as it concedes too much to the regressive forces of nationalism, wherein lie the roots of continued conflict.
'Joel Kovel's uncompromising criticism of Zionism is rooted in a very deep feeling of empathy and solidarity with his fellow-Jews caught in the death-trap of the Zionist adventure. The way out Kovel is suggesting - a bi-national Israeli-Palestinian state - may be challenged, but definitely not ignored'
Michel Warschawski, former director of the Alternative Information Centre in Jerusalem
'An impressive, important book. If persons following the current discussion and concerned about the problems of Jews and Zionism and Israel and the Middle-East, even world peace, could have but one book on the subject on their shelf, it should be this one'
Media Lens
'Absolutely fundamental for those who reject the unfortunate confusion between Jews, Judaism, Zionism and the State of Israel - convincingly argues in favour of a single secular state for Israelis and Palestinians as the only democratic solution for the region'
Samir Amin, director of the Third World Forum