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Never Native: An Epic Journey into the Heart of Israel's Identity Crisis

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

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Cover Of Never Native By Alice Shalvi Never A Native Alice Shalvi

In her groundbreaking book, award-winning author Alice Shalvi embarks on an epic journey into the heart of Israel's identity crisis. She challenges the deeply ingrained notion of "nativeness" in a land with a rich history of immigration and displacement.

Never a Native

by Alice Shalvi

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9969 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages

Shalvi's personal narrative weaves together her own experiences as a third-generation Israeli with the stories of other Israelis from diverse backgrounds, including Ethiopian Jews, Arab-Israelis, Holocaust survivors, and Russian immigrants.

Through these intimate portraits, Shalvi reveals the complex and often contradictory nature of Israeli identity. She shows how the idea of "nativeness" is often used to exclude and marginalize those who do not fit into a narrow definition of Israeli belonging.

In a series of evocative chapters, Shalvi explores the different ways that Israelis have tried to define themselves in relation to the land, the state, and each other. She examines the role of history, memory, and culture in shaping Israeli identity.

Shalvi also explores the impact of external forces on Israeli identity, including the conflict with the Palestinians, the Holocaust, and the rise of globalism. She shows how these forces have both strengthened and challenged the sense of "nativeness" among Israelis.

Never Native is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the complex and evolving nature of Israeli identity. Shalvi's lucid prose and insightful analysis provide a deep understanding of the challenges and contradictions that Israelis face as they seek to define themselves in a rapidly changing world.

Reviews

"A brilliant and deeply moving exploration of the complexities of Israeli identity. Shalvi's personal narrative is both universal and deeply particular, and her insights are both profound and timely." - Amos Oz

"A must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of Israeli identity. Shalvi's writing is clear and concise, and her arguments are both persuasive and thought-provoking." - The Jerusalem Post

"Never Native is a powerful and important book that challenges the very notion of 'nativeness' in Israel. Shalvi's work is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of Israeli society." - The New York Times

About the Author

Alice Shalvi is an award-winning author, journalist, and peace activist. She is the author of several books, including The Palestinian Refugees: Their History, Their Future and Born in Jerusalem, Born in Palestine.

Shalvi is a co-founder of the Israeli peace organization B'Tselem and the Alliance for Middle East Peace. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the Bruno Kreisky Award for Peace and the Olof Palme Prize.

Never a Native

by Alice Shalvi

4.4 out of 5