Becoming Palestine: How Israelis and Palestinians Invented Their Respective Peoples

A New History of the Modern Middle East

In Becoming Palestine, Lina Meruane and Mariana Sanchez present a groundbreaking new history of the modern Middle East. Drawing on a wealth of archival research and interviews, they argue that the Israeli and Palestinian peoples are not ancient, immutable entities, but rather modern inventions that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Invention of the Israeli People

The first part of the book tells the story of how the Israeli people were invented. Meruane and Sanchez show how a diverse group of Jewish immigrants from around the world came together in Palestine and forged a new national identity. They also explore the role of the British Mandate in shaping Israeli society and politics.

The Invention of the Palestinian People

The second part of the book tells the story of how the Palestinian people were invented. Meruane and Sanchez show how a diverse group of Arab Christians and Muslims living in Palestine came together to form a national movement. They also explore the role of the Arab-Israeli conflict in shaping Palestinian identity.

The Future of Palestine

In the final part of the book, Meruane and Sanchez discuss the future of Palestine. They argue that the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East is to recognize the rights of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. They also call for a new approach to peacemaking that is based on dialogue and cooperation, rather than violence and coercion.

Why You Should Read Becoming Palestine

Becoming Palestine is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the modern Middle East. It is a groundbreaking work of scholarship that challenges conventional wisdom and offers a new way of thinking about the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

Here are a few reasons why you should read Becoming Palestine:

• It is a well-written and engaging book that is accessible to a wide range of readers.
• It is based on a wealth of archival research and interviews.
• It offers a new and provocative interpretation of the history of the modern Middle East.
• It calls for a new approach to peacemaking that is based on dialogue and cooperation.

If you are interested in the Middle East, history, or peacemaking, then I highly recommend that you read Becoming Palestine. It is a book that will change the way you think about the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.