Reading 1001 discussion

Have you learnt anything new reading this?

I have learnt things about events in Israel and Palestine that I didn't know before, however I would have liked more historical information.

I am pretty familiar with the history of Israel, however i did learn some new things about Israeli politics in the early days.

I did, or at least it was a reminder. I enjoyed reading about the Jews that had returned to the area prior to WWII. I really found it quite informative to read about what it was like when they stayed up all night waiting to hear the United Nations decision as to whether they would be able to become a country.

I definitely learned more about the political situation in Israel. I am also relatively familiar with the history of Israel but did learn some information. I like reading about the literary climate in Israel.

Apart from all the stuff I have already mentioned, I found it so interesting to read about what it was like, first under British occupation, then independence and then the precariousness of life in the kibbutzim. I was hoping for a little more about how the Six Day War effected Israeli citizens. I suppose that was when Israel as a modern country first became of particular interest to me. I was surprised that so many people thought the two State solution the most viable option back then.

I agree with all that has been mentioned. I did learn quite a bit of history and want to learn more.

I learned a lot in this book. The British occupation was unknown to me. Life in a kibbutz was unknown to me as well. I found both interesting particularly the kibbutz part.

I learned things I hadn't been aware of about Britain's conduct during the mandate and in the handover. Also enjoyed learning about Jewish life in Eastern Europe on so many different levels.

John wrote: "I learned things I hadn't been aware of about Britain's conduct during the mandate and in the handover. Also enjoyed learning about Jewish life in Eastern Europe on so many different levels."

I almost forgot - I learned an entirely new meaning for the 2nd Amendment right to keep and bare arms.

More info John, it has been awhile since I read it. What new info about right to bear arms? I agree, I really learned a lot about British occupation of the Middle East.

Kristel wrote: "More info John, it has been awhile since I read it. What new info about right to bear arms? I agree, I really learned a lot about British occupation of the Middle East."

The speech by Menachim Begin, in which he used a Hebrew term which meant arm or weapon, and was used in that way by older Ashkenazim, but which had acquired a second, colloquial meaning among those growing up in Palestine or Jewish émigrés from the rest of the Middle East for a part of male anatomy; and which when used in a verb form, referred, crudely, to sex. So the speech in which, to stunned silence, Begin complains that the Russians are arming the Arabs, the French are arming the Arabs, the British are arming the Arabs, but who is arming the Jews? When we are in power the Jews will arm themselves. (Paraphrase from memory, so details may be off, but the essence is right.)

I used "bare" on purpose. ;-)

I have this on kindle. Did you read it on kindle or book? I should be able to find it. I will try later today when back home. Thanks!

I have the book, which is of extraordinary quality. I got it for $2 at a thrift store.