Jews in Arab Countries: The Great Uprooting by Georges Bensoussan

In 'Jews in Arab Countries,' French author Georges Bensoussan challenges the widely held belief that Jewish life in Arab lands was peaceful and harmonious. Through a meticulous examination of historical records, Bensoussan reveals a nuanced and diverse history of Jewish-Arab relations, marked by local differences in cultural, religious, and political practices. The book is divided into sections covering key periods, from 1850 to the end of World War I, from 1919 to the eve of World War II, and from World War II to the establishment of Israel and the Arab Wars. A new afterword brings the history up to the present day, highlighting the slow disintegration of relationships, increasing tension, violence, and persecution. Bensoussan's work is not only a historical account but also a critical analysis that sheds light on the often overlooked experiences of Jews in Arab countries. By debunking the myth of peaceful coexistence, the book offers a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that have shaped Jewish-Arab relations over the past century and a half.

Reviews

JSTOR · N Scholz · 2020-05-01

informative 4.50

The book offers a comprehensive overview of the Jewish experience in Arab countries, highlighting the significant upheavals and displacements. The reviewer appreciates the detailed historical context provided.

N Scholz's review in JSTOR provides a thorough analysis of Bensoussan's work. They highlight the book's comprehensive overview of the Jewish experience in Arab countries, noting the significant upheavals and displacements that are often overlooked. The reviewer appreciates the detailed historical context provided, which helps to understand the complexities of Jewish-Arab relations. Scholz also notes the book's thorough research and detailed narrative, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic. The review emphasizes the importance of this book in shedding light on a crucial but often ignored chapter of history.

Quick quotes

Review of Jews in Arab Countries: The Great Uprooting, by Georges Bensoussan.

MES 56, no. 3 (May 2020): 511–20.

Beyond the myth of protection and less violence.

Booksplea · 2020-01-01

insightful 4.25

The book is praised for its comprehensive historical account of Jewish communities in Arab countries. It is noted for its detailed research and insightful analysis.

Booksplea's review highlights the book's comprehensive historical account of Jewish communities in Arab countries. The reviewer praises the detailed research and insightful analysis, noting how the book sheds light on the significant upheavals and displacements that these communities faced. The narrative is compelling and provides a valuable perspective on Jewish-Arab relations. The reviewer appreciates the thorough documentation and the way the book challenges common myths about the protection and treatment of Jews in Arab countries. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of this history.

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In this new history, French author Georges Bensoussan retells the story of what life was like for Jews in the Arab world since 1850.

The book provides a detailed account of the historical struggles and upheavals.

It's a compelling read that sheds light on a crucial but often ignored chapter of history.

Sannyassa Blog · 2019-07-25

enlightening 4.00

The book challenges the common perception that Jews in Arab countries were protected and faced less persecution. It provides a detailed account of the historical struggles and upheavals experienced by Jewish communities.

This book is a deep dive into the often overlooked history of Jewish communities in Arab countries. It challenges the myth that Jews were generally protected and faced less violence, highlighting instead the significant persecution and inequality they endured. The author meticulously documents the social, political, and economic factors that led to the great upheaval and eventual displacement of these communities. It's a compelling read that sheds light on a crucial but often ignored chapter of history. The detailed narrative and thorough research make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Jewish-Arab relations.

Quick quotes

Jews were protected by law and suffered much less violence, persecution, and inequality.

Bensoussan takes on this myth and looks back over the historical struggles.

The book provides a detailed account of the historical struggles and upheavals.

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