Ezra's Bookshelf

Arabs and Israelis

by Abdel Monem Said Aly, Shai Feldman and Khalil Shikaki

Arabs and Israelis presents the conflict from three perspectives through the collaboration of an Egyptian, an Israeli, and a Palestinian scholar. Abdel Monem Said Aly, Shai Feldman, and Khalil Shikaki bring their respective national viewpoints into dialogue, examining how different narratives about history, identity, and justice shape positions on key issues. The book acknowledges that each community possesses legitimate grievances and historical experiences that inform their understanding of the conflict. Rather than seeking false equivalence, the authors illuminate the genuine asymmetries of power while also taking seriously the fears and aspirations of all parties. Topics include the contested histories of 1948 and 1967, the meaning of security for Israelis and justice for Palestinians, the role of refugees and settlements, and the possibilities for future arrangements. The authors write for readers who recognize that understanding multiple perspectives is essential for any meaningful progress. Their collaboration models the kind of dialogue that might eventually support political resolution. For anyone seeking to move beyond one-sided advocacy toward genuine comprehension of the conflict's complexity, this book offers a rare example of respectful intellectual engagement across deep divides.