Israel Has Moved

Diana Pinto

“[Pinto] presents impressions and interviews that reveal both Israeli truculence to go its own road as well as deep schisms within Israeli society. The author’s vivid characterizations of Israeli society expose its deeply problematic nature: as ‘autistic,’ in that its brilliant young people and leaders operate within a self-contained obliviousness of others; as a ‘realm of collective psychosis’ in thinking, as ultranationalist religious Zionists do, that the Temple in Jerusalem could ever be rebuilt, since it would obliterate the Dome of the Rock, a holy site for Muslims; as a postmodern Utopia in its scientific and genetic advances; as a ‘very large and ultrasophisticated aquarium’ containing exotic fishes, all ‘turning rapidly away to avoid the others, and all of this in utter silence.’ From the choosing of which road to take into Jerusalem (through heroic landmarks or the less-traveled Route 443 leading to various Arab exits) to the country’s spectacular embrace of high technology and Asian investment, which offer a glaring juxtaposition to the pre-modern lifestyles of the ultraorthodox, everywhere Israel is awash in contradictions. But does Israel really care who thinks so? Fewer and fewer sophisticated Israelis bother to envision a two-state solution, and Pinto fears that this solipsism is engendering a dangerous ‘self-satisfaction bordering on hubris’—and it can’t last… A solid work of intellectual criticism.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Brilliant and beautifully written. Even those who disagree with Pinto’s analysis cannot deny its force and her deep love and concern for Israel. An equally anguished and powerful rebuttal can be expected from Jerusalem.”—Shlomo Avineri, author of The Making of Modern Zionism

“Diana Pinto’s book is brilliant. She draws a portrait of Israel as a living entity, warts and all, caught between the euphoric power of its creativity, and the weaknesses of its historical contradictions and political impasses. Studded with multi-layered illuminating anecdotes and metaphors, the book could easily pass as a fascinating travel journal. But rigorous intellectual categories lurk behind the highly readable style.”—Saul Friedlander, University of California, Los Angeles

“A terrific book, so well written that it is hard to put down while offering deep and analytical insights that must be taken seriously by anyone concerned with contemporary Israel.”—Susan Neiman, Director, Einstein Forum

“In every chapter vivid colors depict in exquisite detail some delimited aspect of life. Diana Pinto has an eye for the telling detail that helps us feel the complexity, the nuance, the texture, and the flow of social, economic, cultural, and political life in Israel today.”—Tony Smith, Tufts University

Related Links

• In Haaretz, read an essay by Diana Pinto on the ethical dilemma among European Jews faced with Israel’s recent politics (site registration req’d)