The Wall and the Gate

Israel, Palestine, and the Legal Battle for Human Rights

De: Michael Sfard

Narrado por: Jonathan Davis

A farmer from a village in the occupied West Bank, cut off from his olive groves by the construction of Israel's controversial separation wall, asked Israeli human rights lawyer Michael Sfard to petition the courts to allow a gate to be built in the wall. While the gate would provide immediate relief for the farmer, would it not also confer legitimacy on the wall and on the court that deems it legal?

The defense of human rights is often marked by such ethical dilemmas, which are especially acute in Israel, where lawyers have for decades sought redress for the abuse of Palestinian rights in the country's High Court - that is, in the court of the abuser.

In The Wall and the Gate, Michael Sfard chronicles this struggle - a story that has never before been fully told - and in the process engages the core principles of human rights legal ethics. Sfard recounts the unfolding of key cases and issues, ranging from confiscation of land, deportations, the creation of settlements, punitive home demolitions, torture, and targeted killings - all actions considered violations of international law. In the process, he lays bare the reality of the occupation and the lives of the people who must contend with that reality.

©2018 Michael Sfard; translation copyright 2018 by Maya Johnston (P)2018 Tantor

A Must Read

The author is extremely knowledgeable, and the stories are enthralling and keep your attention. Each and every chapter introduces new characters, heroes, antagonists, and "decent people" who humanize the conflict in Israel and Palestine. If you want to understand the facts on the ground and how we got there, this book is for you.

A necessary read for all

Thorough and inspiring. Excellent storytelling approach to some complex legal issues. Looking forward to more books on the individual cases that were tried in court.

Unique view of Mideast conflict

Intricate story line, requires close attention. Worth the effort though. A completely unique explanation of the Mideast conflict that you never heard before and need to know.

Thorough analysis

A thorough analysis of the tedious and at times disheartening work of human rights lawyers. Kudos to Mr. Sfard and all the other lawyers for their relentless pursuit of justice. Also an enlightening recounting of the disregard of Israel for international law and regretfully the mostly unconditional support of the US. Well written and highly recommended.

2023 timely

Well written and researched. The author makes a compelling case for his thesis. I recommend this book.

Awesome Great book

Great book and extremely detailed and in depth about human rights law. Will keep your attention all the through. Highly recommended.

A unique courageous patriotic voice fighting for the heart of Israel

Sfard is a leading figure among the yet unsung heroes of the fight against Israeli occupation. This book is yet another accomplishment in his impressive legal and literary repertoire. He managed to turn what could have been a tedious legal document into a fascinating even thrilling book about human rights lawyers, fighting against huge forces, winning, losing, doubting, finding new hope, but not giving up. A true inspiration and an important historical reference for anyone who really cares for true democracy in the middleeast. Thank you.