Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza

A Reckoning

De: Peter Beinart

Narrado por: Peter Beinart

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A bold, urgent appeal from the acclaimed columnist and political commentator, addressing one of the most important issues of our time

“At this painful moment, Peter Beinart’s voice is more vital than ever. His reach is broad—from the tragedy of today’s Middle East to the South Africa he knows well to events centuries ago—his scholarship is deep, and his heart is big. This book is not just about being Jewish in the shadow of today’s war, but about being a person who cares for justice.”—Adam Hochschild, author of American Midnight and King Leopold’s Ghost

In Peter Beinart’s view, one story dominates Jewish communal life: that of persecution and victimhood. It is a story that erases much of the nuance of Jewish religious tradition and warps our understanding of Israel and Palestine. After Gaza, where Jewish texts, history, and language have been deployed to justify mass slaughter and starvation, Beinart argues, Jews must tell a new story. After this war, whose horror will echo for generations, they must do nothing less than offer a new answer to the question: What does it mean to be a Jew?

Beinart imagines an alternate narrative, which would draw on other nations’ efforts at moral reconstruction and a different reading of Jewish tradition. A story in which Israeli Jews have the right to equality, not supremacy, and in which Jewish and Palestinian safety are not mutually exclusive but intertwined. One that recognizes the danger of venerating states at the expense of human life.

Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza is a provocative argument that will expand and inform one of the defining conversations of our time. It is a book that only Peter Beinart could write: a passionate yet measured work that brings together his personal experience, his commanding grasp of history, his keen understanding of political and moral dilemmas, and a clear vision for the future.

©2025 Peter Beinart (P)2025 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“This timely book constitutes a reckoning with the vast gulf between the Jewish tradition that Beinart cherishes and what has replaced it in the practice of the state of Israel, and of those who have come to worship that state. It is urgently needed.”—Rashid Khalidi, New York Times bestselling author of The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine

“At this painful moment, Peter Beinart’s voice is more vital than ever. His reach is broad—from the tragedy of today’s Middle East to the South Africa he knows well to events centuries ago—his scholarship is deep, and his heart is big. This book is not just about being Jewish in the shadow of today’s war, but about being a person who cares for justice.”—Adam Hochschild, author of American Midnight and King Leopold’s Ghost

“Guided by a deep familiarity with Jewish history and sources, and a piercing awareness of Palestinian realities, Peter Beinart unflinchingly peels away the layers of propagandist misdirection deployed to defend Israel's actions. This essential book leads us to a universal and Jewish reawakening that is both humane and hopeful.”—Daniel Levy, President of the US-Middle East Project and former Israeli peace negotiator

Absolutely fantastic

Great writing, easy to follow for the most part and full of information, I would definitely recommend a listen!

Honest discussion during confusing times for Jewish identity

Author helped me understand the history and integration with the present around Oct 7.
The length is perfect. I consider it a must read.

The way out to resolve the Israel paelstenian conflict

It is fair and very well balanced look at the Palestinian Israeli conflict. It gives clear objective view of the current Israeli side as an occupation apartheid force. The book gives way out of this current catastrophe which we’ll not only save the Palestinians but also will save the Israelis if adapted.

How much it agreed with my own views

A must read for anyone who believes in Justice & Humanity. It will save us all.

Profound and Clear

Read and reread; think and go deeper; before deciding, find someone else who has read or listened and discuss

Profound

Powerful, clear, educational, passionately delivered. Recommended for anyone trying to sort out a complicated, seemingly never ending situation blocked from progress by deeply dug in partisan viewpoints. Very moving and inspirational conclusion. Nothing easy here, but a light we can all look toward.

One of the most important books I’ve read about Israel Palestine.

A compassionate and thoughtful yet bold and unflinching analysis of the primary obstacle for Jewish and Israeli safety and freedom. I hope you find the courage to read it too.

Outstanding!

Historically accurate and well balanced. I appreciate his willingness to discuss how his own personal views came to change overtime. Everyone should read this book.

Explained how I’ve been feeling

Everyone interested in preserving the Jewish people should read this book. Peaceful coexistence in the Middle East is possible

Refreshing

As an American Jew in despair that the government of Israel after the second exchange of hostages seems set on restarting the war, I found Peter Beinart’s searing criticism of Israel’s 77 year oppression of the Palestinians brave and inspiring. He also may me reconsider the orthodoxies my community’s espouses.