My Promised Land

Synopsis

A groundbreaking and authoritative examination of Israel by one of the most influential columnists writing about the Middle East today.

Facing unprecedented internal and external pressures, Israel today is at a moment of existential crisis. My Promised Land tells the story of Israel as it has never been told before, and asks difficult but important questions: Why did Israel come to be? How did it come to be? And can Israel survive?

Through revealing stories of significant events and lives of ordinary individuals - the youth group leader who recognised the potential of Masada as a powerful symbol for Zionism; the young farmer who bought an orange grove from his Arab neighbour in the 1920s, and helped to create a booming economy in Palestine; the engineer who was instrumental in developing Israel's nuclear program; the religious Zionists who started the settler movement - Israeli journalist Ari Shavit illuminates the issues and threats that Israel is currently facing and uses the defining events of the past to shed new light on the present.

The result is a landmark portrait of a small, vibrant country living on the edge, whose identity and presence play a crucial role in today's global political landscape.

Summary

Chapter 1: Roots

* Summary: Obama recounts his early childhood in Hawaii, the struggles and love of his parents, and the impact of his absent father.
* Real Example: Obama describes growing up with a deep connection to his grandparents, who helped shape his values of hard work and community.

Chapter 2: The Promised Land

* Summary: Obama reflects on his identity as a mixed-race child and his experiences growing up in two worlds.
* Real Example: Obama recalls being teased in school for being different, but also finding solace and connection in his church.

Chapter 3: Education and Discovery

* Summary: Obama explores his academic journey from Occidental College to Harvard Law School, where he grapples with issues of race, inequality, and social justice.
* Real Example: Obama describes his involvement in community organizing in Chicago, which sparked his interest in politics and public service.

Chapter 4: Chicago

* Summary: Obama recounts his time as a community organizer in Chicago, working with struggling neighborhoods to address poverty and injustice.
* Real Example: Obama highlights his efforts to create a job training program for unemployed residents, showcasing his commitment to grassroots empowerment.

Chapter 5: The Audacity of Hope

* Summary: Obama details his journey to the Illinois State Senate and his decision to run for president in 2008.
* Real Example: Obama discusses his "audacity of hope" speech, which became a defining moment in his campaign and resonated with a nation longing for change.

Chapter 6: The White House

* Summary: Obama provides a behind-the-scenes account of his presidency, including the challenges and rewards of leading the nation.
* Real Example: Obama recounts the passage of the Affordable Care Act, a major legislative achievement that extended health insurance coverage to millions of Americans.

Chapter 7: Foreign Policy

* Summary: Obama reflects on his foreign policy agenda, including his efforts to end the war in Iraq, improve relations with Cuba, and negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran.
* Real Example: Obama describes his decision to raid Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan, a high-stakes mission that successfully eliminated the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks.

Chapter 8: The Path Forward

* Summary: Obama examines the lessons he learned during his presidency and offers his perspectives on the future of America.
* Real Example: Obama calls for a rejection of cynicism and division, emphasizing the importance of empathy, unity, and the pursuit of justice.