The Invention of the Jewish People

A historical tour de force that demolishes the myths and taboos that have surrounded Jewish and Israeli history, The Invention of the Jewish People offers a new account of both that demands to be reckoned with. Was there really a forced exile in the first century, at the hands of the Romans? Should we regard the Jewish people, throughout two millennia, as both a distinct ethnic group and a putative nation—returned at last to its Biblical homeland? 

Shlomo Sand argues that most Jews actually descend from converts, whose native lands were scattered far across the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The formation of a Jewish people and then a Jewish nation out of these disparate groups could only take place under the sway of a new historiography, developing in response to the rise of nationalism throughout Europe.

The central importance of the conflict in the Middle East ensures that Sand's arguments will reverberate well beyond the historians and politicians that he takes to task. Without an adequate understanding of Israel's past, capable of superseding today's opposing views, diplomatic solutions are likely to remain elusive. In this iconoclastic work of history, Shlomo Sand provides the intellectual foundations for a new vision of Israel's future.

(P)2022 Tantor

Informative

Liked the depth of historical knowledge , and the way it is written for lay minds

National myths

This was an insightful analysis of the national myth of a Jewish people and homeland. It shows how the proselytizing of early Jewish migrants around the Mediterranean and in the middle east and areas now within eastern Ukraine and southern Russia converted many people who never lived in ancient Palestine. Most interesting is the migration of these converts from the latter areas into Poland, Lithuania and surrounding areas where the yiddish culture developed. The analsis shows how the national myth of Zionists developed and has been used to justify the extension of the Israeli state and to justify its claim to be a Jewish state, despite 20% of its citizens not claiming to be Jews. No doubt this book is villified by those who believe the Jews were evicted from ancient Palestine and that there is a direct line between those early Mosaic followers and the Jews who founded the modern Israeli state. But like all nation states, Israel has its national myths which serve to justify the actions of its government. This book demonstrates the myth is just that.

The Truth Is In Plain Sight

Sand separates the myth and reality. I found the historical sections enlightening, while the political analysis, especially the analysis of the Zionist movement, deepened my understanding of nationalism and how it relates to the Jews.

The Grand Deception

Amazing logical journey. Then you you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free. Ignorance certainly is bliss.

An interesting read!

The authors contention that all modern people groups are 100% invented is absolutely true. However, the word homogenous is not pronounced homo genius.