Rezak, a first generation Palestinian American, paints a bleak picture via a sweeping generalization of the conflict in the Middle East between the Arabs and Israelis. Unlike other books that have covered this “hot button topic,” however, this book presents the other side of the story and digs deep into the roots of the violence that festers in the Middle East today. Rather than portray Israel as a victimized nation of historically persecuted people, the author refrains from superfluous verbiage and instead strikes at the core of what he strongly feels is fueling the conflict: a fundamental misconception and misunderstanding of Palestinians, by not only Israel, but the United States as well.

For example, Rezak notes that Arabs introduced our present system of counting units—tens, hundreds, thousands, and so forth—and the concept of zero as well. Rezak also notes that Arabs were centuries ahead of Europe in zoology, natural history, geography, and botany. The list of accomplishments goes on, including Arabs producing superior metalwork, weapons, glassware, silk, and textiles, to that which was produced 1,000 years ago in Europe. While Arabs undeniable developed and carried civilized culture during the European Dark Ages, this does not have direct bearing other that culture heritage to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

The author castigates America for continuing to support Israel, and theorizes that Israel manipulates the United States in favoring that nation by portraying their people (Israelis) as victims scarred from the horrific chapter in history known as The Holocaust. (There are detractors who adamantly deny The Holocaust happened.) This book lacks citations and footnotes, pertinent to providing reference that supports statements within its pages about Israel and America. For those interested in an opposing narrative, this book may be for you.

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