Israel’s claim to be a state which is both democratic and Jewish is rarely questioned, but this unique book reveals the extent to which even the rights of its own citizens depend on their religion and ethnic origin. Part lively memoir, part social analysis, it exposes the divisive, pre-democratic values behind its policies. It is those values, Israeli author Ofra Yeshua-Lyth argues, which underpin discrimination, repression and a brutal militarism. While rarely ever spelled out, they form the basis of Israel's political structure. Unless Israelis and their politicians reject this dark heritage, she warns, they won’t be able to reach a just and lasting peace settlement with the Palestinians.
