When We Were Arabs

A Jewish Family's Forgotten History

By: Massoud Hayoun

Narrated by: Massoud Hayoun

Length: 7 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

The stunning debut of a brilliant nonfiction writer whose vivid account of his grandparents' lives in Egypt, Tunisia, Palestine, and Los Angeles reclaims his family’s Jewish Arab identity

There was a time when being an "Arab" didn't mean you were necessarily Muslim. It was a time when Oscar Hayoun, a Jewish Arab, strode along the Nile in a fashionable suit, long before he and his father arrived at the port of Haifa to join the Zionist state only to find themselves hosed down with DDT and then left unemployed on the margins of society. In that time, Arabness was a mark of cosmopolitanism, of intellectualism. Today, in the age of the Likud and ISIS, Oscar's son, the Jewish Arab journalist Massoud Hayoun whom Oscar raised in Los Angeles, finds his voice by telling his family's story.

To reclaim a worldly, nuanced Arab identity is, for Hayoun, part of the larger project to recall a time before ethnic identity was mangled for political ends. It is also a journey deep into a lost age of sophisticated innocence in the Arab world; an age that is now nearly lost.

When We Were Arabs showcases the gorgeous prose of the Eppy Award-winning writer Massoud Hayoun, bringing the worlds of his grandparents alive, vividly shattering our contemporary understanding of what makes an Arab, what makes a Jew, and how we draw the lines over which we do battle.

©2019 Massoud Hayoun (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

A truly unique and honest perspective

Beautifully written and performed. Took me back to a generation I had only seen in pictures. This book reclaims the Arab and North African identity and shows that it's up to us to define who we are!

Historical beauty

This book provides such insight into the pre-colonial Arab world. To learn more about the real history of how Arabs of all religions lived in pluralistic societies but were torn apart by Western tactics, this is the book. Well written, deep historical accounts and a touching story of a world that is only lived through stories. Must read!

An important perspective, beautifully told

I loved this book. Hayoun invites the listener to experience the kind of story one usually hears unfold around a kitchen table - into the wee hours, over many cups of tea. Hayoun is wonderfully talented and his voice and perspective exemplify the richness of what it is to be Arab.

Rich and eye-opening

I enjoyed learning about this part of history , colonization, culture, and nationality through the lived experiences of this family. I heard about the book on the Palestine Pod and the length of time it took me to finish is only due to my own distraction.

He is very Honest, entering the truth

I enjoy this book. It’s a good book and I recommend it. He’s honest and tell the truth not too many people will do that. Thank you very much.

Reclamation of a valuable history

The author has performed an important service. I was unaware of this corner of Jewish history and Arabic history. I am reminded once again that prejudice is all too universal. Thank you to the author for sharing this very personal family memoir.

When we were Arabs

For anyone struggling with the mix of identities that this author addresses will ‘speak to their condition’ in his book. What is unsaid but needed is to take this analysis from the focus solely on Arab and Jewish to how Palestinians and any person of color subsists in modern day Israel with respect for differences, equality and justice. Next book maybe

Wonderful window into Jewish Arab identity

This book was really hit home. As a Palestinian of the diaspora, the story of the Hayoun’s deeply resonated with me, particularly Massoud’s longing for his homeland and journey towards identity.

I really appreciated hearing a Jewish-Arab perspective, and Massoud’s book was eye opening to me on the importance of inter-solidarity with middle eastern Jews. Much work is needed in reclaiming our shared heritage and decolonizing our minds of what made us “enemies” opposed to brothers, neighbours and children of the same lands.

Incredible testimony written with compassion

I recommend this book for anyone looking to expand their understanding of Arab Jewish people and colonization’s impact on their past, present and future.

The writer is a poetic gift to this world.

painful to read.

A misguided hateful youth that spews his venom as a form of self induced psychoanalysis. Like Elizabeth Warren who used her "high cheek bones" as a portal to the privileges of America Indians, Massiud Hayoun attempts to gain his bone fide with the Arab community (and Al Jazeera) by reciting his grandfather's love for Egyptian culture.
wish I could get my money back... At best he is an Egyptian Jew at worst he is an opportunist...