NPR's Book of the Day A new book from Peter Beinart asks Jewish people to reimagine the Israeli state
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Feb 17, 2025 
Peter Beinart, a prominent voice in contemporary Jewish thought and author of "Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza," offers a transformative vision of coexistence. He reflects on his personal journey from defender to critic of the Israeli state, addressing the moral dilemmas faced by the Jewish community. Beinart urges listeners to recognize the humanity on both sides, advocating for equal rights for Palestinians and Israeli Jews. He highlights the urgent need for a shared future that moves beyond supremacy and promotes dignity for all.
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Palestinian Mother's Fear
- Peter Beinart recounts a conversation with a Palestinian mother whose daughters cried when their brother was born.
- They feared he'd be taken by Israeli soldiers for stone-throwing, a common occurrence in their town.
Root Causes of Violence
- Beinart acknowledges the violence suffered by Israeli Jews but emphasizes the need to address the root causes of Palestinian violence.
- He argues for considering the conditions under which events like the October 7th attack occurred.
Equal Dignity
- Beinart's central appeal is to recognize the equal dignity of all human beings, a core Jewish principle.
- He argues that the value of a Jewish state should not supersede the value of human lives under its control.