Israel, a Personal History: A Personal History

Swedish author and journalist Goran Rosenberg is a fearlessly straightforward writer. A Personal History of Israel demands open-minded readers. First published almost a generation ago, and supplemented after the October 7 onslaught, this is a singularly compelling memoir, an account of views and perceptions turned upside down.

As a teenager, Rosenberg, the son of Holocaust survivors, migrated to Israel with his family in 1962. Perhaps it is an exaggeration to say Rosenberg was euphoric, but barely so. Seemingly, he admired everything about the young country. Over the decades, with maturity and Middle East upheavals, his idealism largely evaporated.

Rosenberg is not a household name, although he may become one on the strength of this brilliant appraisal of Israel’s political path. The actions of early and current politicians reveal how the author’s hopes were dashed.

Each of Israel’s luminaries is closely profiled. Is the author’s view one-sided? Of course. He admired some and denigrated others, though never without adequate reasoning.
Now his dreams are nightmares. Occasional light and witty touches are refreshing and endearing, unexpected back story capsules. No matter your religion or even political leaning, this book awaits your appraisal.