When We Were Arabs

A Jewish Family's Forgotten History

By: Massoud Hayoun

Narrated by: Massoud Hayoun

The stunning debut of a brilliant nonfiction writer whose vivid account of his grandparents' lives in Egypt, Tunisia, Palestine, and Los Angeles reclaims his family’s Jewish Arab identity

There was a time when being an "Arab" didn't mean you were necessarily Muslim. It was a time when Oscar Hayoun, a Jewish Arab, strode along the Nile in a fashionable suit, long before he and his father arrived at the port of Haifa to join the Zionist state only to find themselves hosed down with DDT and then left unemployed on the margins of society. In that time, Arabness was a mark of cosmopolitanism, of intellectualism. Today, in the age of the Likud and ISIS, Oscar's son, the Jewish Arab journalist Massoud Hayoun whom Oscar raised in Los Angeles, finds his voice by telling his family's story.

To reclaim a worldly, nuanced Arab identity is, for Hayoun, part of the larger project to recall a time before ethnic identity was mangled for political ends. It is also a journey deep into a lost age of sophisticated innocence in the Arab world; an age that is now nearly lost.

When We Were Arabs showcases the gorgeous prose of the Eppy Award-winning writer Massoud Hayoun, bringing the worlds of his grandparents alive, vividly shattering our contemporary understanding of what makes an Arab, what makes a Jew, and how we draw the lines over which we do battle.

©2019 Massoud Hayoun (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

A truly unique and honest perspective

Beautifully written and performed. Took me back to a generation I had only seen in pictures. This book reclaims the Arab and North African identity and shows that it's up to us to define who we are!

Historical beauty

This book provides such insight into the pre-colonial Arab world. To learn more about the real history of how Arabs of all religions lived in pluralistic societies but were torn apart by Western tactics, this is the book. Well written, deep historical accounts and a touching story of a world that is only lived through stories. Must read!

Insight provoking

A book that exposes the ugly clinical history that created the state of Israel and victimizes the native arab population be they Jews, Muslims and Christian’s. A hurt that continues till now .

Excellent Reconstruction of Jewish Arab Identity

The author, raised by Egyptian and Tunisian Jews in Los Angelas, reconstructs a Jewish Arab identity that has has been systematically undermined and obliterated by Zionists. And in the process, he humanizes his family and his own outlook on the world.

Essential reading for Mizrahi Jews and critics of Zionism as an ideology.

An important perspective, beautifully told

I loved this book. Hayoun invites the listener to experience the kind of story one usually hears unfold around a kitchen table - into the wee hours, over many cups of tea. Hayoun is wonderfully talented and his voice and perspective exemplify the richness of what it is to be Arab.

Rich and eye-opening

I enjoyed learning about this part of history , colonization, culture, and nationality through the lived experiences of this family. I heard about the book on the Palestine Pod and the length of time it took me to finish is only due to my own distraction.

He is very Honest, entering the truth

I enjoy this book. It’s a good book and I recommend it. He’s honest and tell the truth not too many people will do that. Thank you very much.

Keep a box of a tissues nearby & prepare to open your heart and mind

There are books that you read or lucky to hear by the author’s own voice and know that they will leave a mark on you for the rest of your life. This book is IT. Well researched, human story based on real people. Incredible from begining to end. I did not want this book to end. Although I was in tears more times than I can remember, there was a sweetness about this very real human story. It was relatable. Even though, I don’t share the author’s faith. It was like he was telling a story that belongs to me. Even if it doesn’t. It belongs to my tribe with its many varied colors, sounds, smells and customs. He was able to grasp what unites all Arabs within those pages told with love and non judgement. Beautiful piece of work. Thank you for writing this book. It uplifts the spirits and gives context to the struggle we feel from one side of the globe to the other. It does what it’s supposed to do.

Reclamation of a valuable history

The author has performed an important service. I was unaware of this corner of Jewish history and Arabic history. I am reminded once again that prejudice is all too universal. Thank you to the author for sharing this very personal family memoir.

When we were Arabs

For anyone struggling with the mix of identities that this author addresses will ‘speak to their condition’ in his book. What is unsaid but needed is to take this analysis from the focus solely on Arab and Jewish to how Palestinians and any person of color subsists in modern day Israel with respect for differences, equality and justice. Next book maybe