Recommended reading
The Lemon Tree: An Arab, A Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East, by Sandy Tolan
If you’re just beginning to learn about this conflict The Lemon Tree is a good place to start. In a moving narrative, Tolan records the history of the conflict and helps us understand its very personal dimensions.
Blood Brothers or We Belong to the Land by Elias Chacour
Father Chacour is a Melkite priest, now Archbishop, whose ministry in the Palestinian village of Ibillin is legendary. Chacour establishes the Christ-inspired foundations for resisting oppression, loving an enemy and achieving reconciliation. Blood Brothers is where many begin their reading.
Occupied with Nonviolence by Jean Zaru
This is a newly published book by a Palestinian Christian (Quaker) living in Ramallah whose very personal story and profound theological grounding explores a practical path to peace in her troubled land.
A History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict (Fifth edition) by Ian J. Bickerton and Carla L. Klausner
This book provides a good overview of the Arab-Israel conflict and is recommended by a number of professors teaching this material.
Palestinian Identity by Rashid Khalidi
This is an overview of the Palestinian case, especially of how their national identity is tied to the land.
People Like Us, Misrepresenting the Middle East by Joris Luyendijk
As a reporter in the Middle East, the author examines the gap between what he witnessed and what was reported in the media.
The General’s Son, Journey of an Israeli in Palestine by Miko Peled
An Israeli’s first-person account of growing up the son of a prominent Israeli General and struggling to make sense of the narrative. When his niece is killed by a Palestinian terrorist, he begins to dedicate his life to understanding both sides of the conflict and advocating for peace.
Israel Palestine, a Christian response to the conflict by Craig Michael Nielsen
This book traces the root causes of the Israel/Palestine conflict, and how the Christian Zionist movement has prolonged the conflict, with the aim of inpiring Christian responsibility.
Gaza Under Hamas, from Islamic Democracy to Islamist Governance by Bjorn Brenner
The author explains how Hamas came to power, the challenges it experienced, and the successes and failures of the group’s governance.
Israel and the Politics of Land, a Theological Case Study by Walter Brueggemann
Beginning with the premise that land is lent to us by God, the author establishes a theological understanding of Biblical Israel to the contemporary version, and advocates for the three Abrahamic faiths to work together for the good of the earth.
My Promised Land by Ari Shavit
This award-winning book by a long-time Israeli journalist demonstrates his abiding love for his country and a frank look at its history and present dilemmas. Named a NYT Best Book of 2013.