Dear Friends,
Frequently we see books on the history and politics of Israel and often, although in Hebrew, they are significant in terms of Mid-East history and international relations. One such important new book is 'Ha-Yad she-kaf'a,' 'the Frozen Hand,' by Uri Sagie. The book is primarily about the Shepherdstown peace talks held between Israel and Syria, in January 2000. The talks were held under US auspices in this small West Virginia town. They were hosted by President Bill Clinton and attended by Sec. of State Madeline Albright, Sandy Berger, Dennis Ross, Martin Indyk, and Farouk al-Shara, leading the Syrian delegation. Ehud Barak led the Israeli delegation which included David Levy (FM) and Uri Sagie. The book is thoughtful, full of important facts and even maps. The book includes past history including the relationship with Ehud Barak prior to his becoming Prime Minister and an assessment of the aftermath of Shepherdstown and Israeli Syrian relations. One of the underlying themes of the book is that there are technical details and 'the big picture,' not always seen by the advisors. Uri Sagie a distinguished Israeli General and former head of military intelligence, points out that advisors and military leaders told PM Menachem Begin of the dangers of withdrawal and peace with Egypt, and at a critical moment Begin said thank you but 'I have decided to make peace with Egypt.' The author beleives that this bold vision is necessary and indicates that it was lacking at these critical negotiations. The 'frozen hand,' therefore was Ehud Barak's unwillingness to seize the opportunity, according to his view. Now, in the light of hindsight perhaps this view seems weak and less convincing. After all, former Syrian dictator, Hafez al Assad died that year in (June) 2000. The authority, legitimacy and sustainability of such a peace looks doubtful. If the author credits the bravery and wisdom of a Begin to make peace should it not follow that the unwillingness to adopt or revive a questionable deal by another Prime Minister in different circumstances should likewise be respected? The book is an important work. Its points are worth studying and have wide, even worldwide implications. However, one can't escape the feeling that the author and perhaps other advisors and leaders feel compelled to make bold moves and gestures so as to capture their moment in history, as might have been the case for the author, Uri Sagie if a peace deal had been signed between Israel and Syria. Nevertheless, the book is serious significant first person history. It marks one of the milestone's in Israel's history and Mid-East politics. It provides a vantage point on negotiations, decision making in Israel, Syria and the US. Published By Yediot Hemed, isbn 978-965-511-477-5, Cat.77650 $34.00 Another title not to be missed, also categorized under Israel and Zionism is David Kroyanker's latest, 'ha-Meshulash ha-yerushalmi..,' 'the Jerusalem Triangle an urban biography.' While, his five other related books dealt with research and history of Jerusalem neighborhoods, this deals with a triangle urban space at the crossroads and heart of Jerusalem, namely Ben Yehuda, King George and Jaffa, streets. The book is glossy and has photos and illustrations but is not a coffee table book. It is a professional and scholarly analysis of architecture, history and culture in Jerusalem from the (late) Ottoman period, through the British mandate in Palestine and particularly from 1948-2011. The bibliography, notes and index are 44 pages. Published by Keter, isbn 978-965-07-1948-7. Cat. 77778 $68.00 I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year from all of us at Jerusalem Books ltd. Sincerely, Jeff Spitzer Jerusalem Books ltd. POB 26190, Jerusalem 91261, Israel Tel: 972-2-642-6576 Fax: 972-2-643-3580 www.jerusalembooks.co.il jerbo...@netvision.net.il --- Messages and opinions expressed on Hasafran are those of the individual author and are not necessarily endorsed by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) =========================================================== Submissions for Ha-Safran, send to: hasaf...@osu.edu SUBscribing, SIGNOFF commands send to: Listproc @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu Questions, problems, complaints, compliments;-) send to: galron.1 @ osu.edu Ha-Safran Archives: Current: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html History: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/history.html AJL HomePage http://www.JewishLibraries.org
