Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza

A Reckoning

By: Peter Beinart

Narrated by: 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

Critic reviews

“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

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.

Breaking Through The Lies

I liked the author’s honesty. Not easy I am sure but he bared his soul and allows us to do the same.

Absolutely fantastic

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

Beautiful well researched important read!

This is an important book for Jewish folks and anyone curious about the State of Israel's war on Palestine. Interlaced with personal stories, Beinart weaves troves of historical information into a searing analysis that demands that peace, justice and equality for all are our best hope for Jews', and humanity's, safety.

Can there be hope.

While the title refers to a specific time and place, it is a universal story inspiring reckonings for all; it does not abandon faith in our humanity. Rather it offers a path to re- ignite it. I highly recommend it.

How much it agreed with my own views

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

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.

Profound and Clear

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

Wasn’t quite what I expected…

…but was still unsurprisingly exceptional.I would love to reread this 2 or 3 more times at least to more deeply internalize Beinart’s clear and compelling analysis, as heartbreaking as it rightfully is at times. Highly recommend!

I was seeking a text that would help me as a Jew to reconceptualize my Jewish self and collective conception, but not so much. Or at least not as clearly that as I expected. I think re-reading will help me on that front, in addition to committing the data and analysis he shares to memory.

Required Reading for People of Conscience

Brilliantly researched, written, and narrated. I’m in awe of how thorough yet comprehensive and accessible this book is. It gave voice to and citations for my feelings these past few years, but much more skillfully than I could have. So grateful that Peter Beinart has made this critical contribution to the literature. It should be required reading for anyone of conscience (hopefully everyone). I will certainly be recommending it to the people in my orbit and beyond.