We Stand Divided

The Rift Between American Jews and Israel

By: Daniel Gordis

Narrated by: Fred Sanders

From National Jewish Book Award Winner and author of Israel, a bold reevaluation of the tensions between American and Israeli Jews that reimagines the past, present, and future of Jewish life.

Relations between the American Jewish community and Israel are at an all-time nadir. Since Israel’s founding seventy years ago, particularly as memory of the Holocaust and of Israel’s early vulnerability has receded, the divide has grown only wider. Most explanations pin the blame on Israel’s handling of its conflict with the Palestinians, Israel’s attitude toward non-Orthodox Judaism, and Israel’s dismissive attitude toward American Jews in general. In short, the cause for the rupture is not what Israel is; it’s what Israel does.

These explanations tell only half the story. We Stand Divided examines the history of the troubled relationship, showing that from the outset, the founders of what are now the world’s two largest Jewish communities were responding to different threats and opportunities, and had very different ideas of how to guarantee a Jewish future.

With an even hand, Daniel Gordis takes us beyond the headlines and explains how Israel and America have fundamentally different ideas about issues ranging from democracy and history to religion and identity. He argues that as a first step to healing the breach, the two communities must acknowledge and discuss their profound differences and moral commitments. Only then can they forge a path forward, together.

Thoughtful, important, inspiring

The empathy that Gordis brings to his subjects may be enough to heal significant wounds and overcome fear and pain.

Profound analysis of the divide between Israelis and American Jews

As someone struggling to understand progressive Jews’ perspectives on Israel, this book has taught me much that I don’t know. It is very deeply researched, well balanced, and contains a lot of historical background. It is also very timely. Highly recommended reading or listening.

A Must Read!

A must read for any American Jew who has any reservation about the significance of Israel to the continuity of the Jewish people.

Helped improve my understanding

It is important for people to understand the points of views of Jewish people in Israel vs America. This helps in thet journey.

A must read!

A deep, well researched and unbiased look into a most relevant issue for all Jews.