Is it possible to be a Jewish Intellectual?

What is happening in a country where security is of such importance that a female physician is willing to take part in a conspiracy to commit murder because she is convinced that in doing so she will be defending that country? Would high-ranking Israeli politicians or military leaders be willing to protect a member of a minority against the suspicion of high treason? These are the types of questions Eva Illouz traces in her essays about Israel.

Based on actual political developments and personal experiences she paints a dramatic portrait of Israeli society: The growing identification with ethnicity and religion, according to her thesis, is threatening to subvert its liberal character. Illouz’s highly respected and provocative texts combine astute analyses with an uncompromising plea for an open society – a desperately needed voice from a region marked by extremism.

»Eva Illouz warns of the extreme right in the Knesset. […] Instead of attacking the critics and discrediting them, she advises distance and self criticism.« Hans-Christian Rössler, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

»A book that is dedicated politically to the ›union of people‹, written for Israeli and Jewish readers, now translated for German readers, and we recommend it.« Elisabeth von Thadden, DIE ZEIT

»Illouz’s superbly readable essay collection is a must-read for everyone who is just the least bit interested in the so-called ›Middle East conflict‹ and who wants to contribute to the debate in an informed manner.« Micha Brumlik, Frankfurter Rundschau

»[The essays] are distinguished by analytic severity, ethical demands, political dedication. […] The big plus of her observations: The author criticizes from within. She has been living and working in Israel for decades. But due to her origin and socialization outside the country, she is able to compare its society with others from her own experiences. […] If there has to be criticism of Israel, then it should be like this: not polemical, but explanatory, always close to the matter at hand, intelligent and with a kind heart.« NZZ

»But her essay collection is no Israel-bashing, but intelligent, kind-hearted Israel-criticism. […] If one has to criticize Israel, then it should be done like this: not polemically, but explanatory and close to the matter at hand« Carsten Hueck, Deutschlandradio Kultur

»The essay collection by Israeli sociologist Eva Illouz belongs among the most interesting publications on the identity of the Israeli nation. […] An excellent collection. Chapeau, Ms. Illouz!« International