NPR's Book of the Day
A new book from Peter Beinart asks Jewish people to reimagine the Israeli state
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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Quick takeaways
- Peter Beinart advocates for reimagining the Israeli state to ensure equal rights for both Palestinians and Israeli Jews, emphasizing coexistence.
- He stresses that prioritizing humanitarian principles over national identity is essential for resolving cycles of violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Deep dives
The Function of the State in Jewish Identity
The discussion highlights the ongoing debate about the role of a Jewish state in relation to the lives of Palestinians. The author, Peter Beinart, presents a profound question: does the existence of a Jewish state hold more value than the welfare of the individuals it governs? He expresses concern that the elevation of state identity over human lives can lead to moral contradictions within the Jewish community. By reflecting on his journey as an American Jew, Beinart challenges listeners to reconsider the implications of prioritizing national identity over humanitarian principles.
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