Arno J. Mayer (1926–2023)

I didn't finish this book, not because it wasn't interesting but because it was from the library and I didn't have enough time to read it at leisure. The parts I read were very interesting. Mayer is understanding of the Zionist cause in the early 20th century while recognising that from the beginning the Arab people living in what became Israel were not seen as legitimate citizens of the place they were living in. This colonial attitude tainted the otherwise impressive achievements of the early settlers. A defensive, militaristic ideology was dominant from the beginning of the settlements, and carried over into the foundation of the state. Mayer didn't gloss over Arab atrocities either, from the parts I read anyway, so the account felt balanced. I hadn't heard of advocates of the one-state solution like Martin Buber; he was an interesting figure. Shame that such a solution, or any satisfactory solution, seems pretty much impossible now. I hope to come back to this book in more detail when I have more time.… (mere)