Good books have the power to entertain us, but great books have the power to influence us in a way that our thoughts and feelings are altered permanently. When it comes to literature about Israel, there’s no shortage of great reads.

However, some books are so perfect that they make us fall in love with Israel all over again. They address the complex Israeli psyche and serve as a reminder of the country’s nobility and why so many of us call it home. Check out these fantastic reads that will make you fall in love with Israel!

1.    A Beggar in Jerusalem by Elie Wiesel

A book about how the past and present intersect, Wiesel’s A Beggar in Jerusalem is a reminder for younger generations of the sacrifices made by our ancestors for our lives and this country.

The novel is a fascinating read, not just because it reminds us of what we lost but also what was gained. The characters and the narrative are steeped in this land’s diverse and rich history and are set in the aftermath of the Six-Day War.

It’s a must-read for anyone looking to revisit the history of Israel and remember the sacrifices that gave us Israel.

2. My Father’s Paradise by Ariel Sabar

While this book isn’t about Israel, it does serve as a reminder of all the hardships endured by our people. My Father’s Paradise is a memoir written by Ariel Sabar as he travels with his father to his birthplace in a quest to unravel his family’s past.

As most of them were Holocaust survivors, the first Israelis endured hardships and were at the risk of annihilation. This memoir serves as a reconnection of modern Israel with its history of rescuing Jews even in the remote corners of the world.

3.    The Source by James A. Michener

Want to travel back in time to the ancient land? Michener’s The Source is a must-read for you! The stories and the characters that Michener brings to life portray ancient life.

These stories chart the history of Israel as it was in the ancient world, all the way to the modern state which it is today. Michener does this in a way that is not only captivating but will leave you thinking about the stories for a long time to come.

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