Threat from Within

Professor Yakov Rabkin has taught Jewish history and the history of science at the University of Montreal since 1973.

'An extremely interesting and valuable book.'Noam Chomsky, Massachusetts Institute of Technology'Timely, well researched and thorough treatment of probably the most controversial issue in today’s Jewish world. Fascinating contemporary material. The author deserves our thanks for presenting our case so eloquently.'Jewish Telegraph'Yakov Rabkin argues that Jewish rejection of the Zionist state should be taken seriously.'Jewish Chronicle'This book sheds light on religious anti-Zionism, which, demographically and ideologically, represents the most serious threat to Israel as a State and as a collective identity. In fact, it is a more grievous and dangerous challenge than Arab and Palestinian hostility. The State, by increasing its achievements, leads the country straight into an abyss. To paraphrase Marx, one could say that Israel, by virtue of its spectacular development, is digging its own tomb.'Joseph Hodara, Bar-Ilan University, Israel'I can only welcome the publication of this unconventional book based on often ignored historical facts. It is up to us to draw lessons from it.'Rabbi Moshe Gérard Ackermann, Director of the Nerlitz Institute of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem'Yakov Rabkin has produced an altogether remarkable book that tells the story and analyses the ideas of the Orthodox Jewish movement opposed to Zionism and the State of Israel. I am enormously impressed by the author‘s historical scholarship, by his brilliant analysis of a complex literature and by the lucidity of his prose. This is an extraordinary book.'Gregory Baum, McGill University'This book is fascinating. it presents a range of anti-Zionist arguments developed in Jewish religious circles that are practically unknown to the public. It is a solid contribution to scholarship.'Alain Bouchard, Laval University'This is a capital book that comes at the very time that "the eternal Middle East question" demands new approaches that may defuse the crisis. This is why this book must be read without delay that the greatest number of people possible.'Charles Rhéaume, historian, Department of National Defense, Ottawa'As an Israeli patriot and as a philosopher, I consider it essential to integrate the discourse of Judaic anti-Zionism into the badly needed public debate about our past, present and future.'Joseph Agassi, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada; Tel-Aviv University and York University, Toronto'...mastery of detail and succinct referencing...[the book] is rich and deserves serious attention and respect.'Journal of the Middle East in London'This is an excellent and an urgent book at a time when criticism is confronted by an iron wall.'Yerah Gover, Journal of Palestine Studies

• Preface - Joseph AgassiPrologue1. Historical Signposts2. A New Identity3. Land of Israel between Exile and Return4. Use of Force5. Collaboration with the Zionists: Limits and Opportunities6. Zionism, the Shoah and Israel7. Prophecies of Destruction and Strategies of SurvivalEpilogue