A Time to Speak Out

Jewish voices challenge the terms of the Israel/Palestine debate

The grave situation in the Middle East threatens the future of both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the stability of the whole region. This book delivers an exploration of Israel and Zionism. It covers the Holocaust, varieties of Zionism, self-hatred, the multiplicity of Jewish identities, human rights and anti-Zionist traditions.In A Time to Speak Out, a collection of strong Jewish voices come together to explore some of the most challenging issues facing diaspora Jews. With articles on such topics as international law, the Holocaust, varieties of Zionism, self-hatred, the multiplicity of Jewish identities, and human rights, these essays provide powerful evidence of the vitality of independent Jewish opinion as well as demonstrating that criticism of Israel has a crucial role to play in the continuing history of a Jewish concern for social justice. At once sober and radical, A Time To Speak Out reclaims an often intemperate debate for those both inside and outside Israel who prefer to confront uncomfortable truths.
Nearly all contributors were associated with the Independent Jewish Voices declaration which, when launched in Britain in 2007, opened a floodgate of responses. Independent Jewish Voices is a group of Jews in Britain from diverse backgrounds, occupations and affiliations who have in common a strong commitment to social justice and universal human rights.