Inside the National Enquirer.....Confessions of Undercover Reporter

Customer Reviews:

Inspiration of a Genuine Hero.......2006-06-23

I first read this collection of letters when I was 18 years old and was totally entranced by Yoni's style, the imagery he evoked, and his sense of connection with the vast memory of the Jewish people--all in translation from Hebrew to English, with little or none of the literary impact lost. He wrote of the beauty and wonder of Israel, of the day-to-day struggle to defend his country, and of his own hopes and doubts and dreams, and he did so in a way that binds you to him. He loves Israel intensely, believes passionately in the idea of Israel, yet he is also keenly aware of Israel's challenges, not only from outside but from within. Yoni befriends you and becomes part of you in these letters. In the past several years, I finally made it to Israel and volunteered with the Israel Defense Force and brought "Self-Portrait" with me, walking the same streets, climbing the same hills, even helping out at one of the bases where Yoni was stationed. From experience, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to you, for it is real and it is moving and it will help you to comprehend the wonder of Israel.

"We became very attached to him..."-Israeli soldier.......2006-04-16

"...I don't think he wore his rank insignia...word spread our commanding officer had arrived...I don't remember what he said, but I remember the spirit...He was not merely a commanding officer but an educator-a great educator I believe".

My favorite accounts of his bravery under fire are the ones listed in the last chapter "From the Yom Kippur War to operation Jonathan (1973-1976)".

Another soldier recalled the first contact with the enemy on the Golan Heights in October 1973 on Yom Kippur:

"We were standing on the road looking for the enemy when suddenly heavy fire was opened on us, killing one of our officers...I was very frightened. What I saw then was a picture I'll remember all my life: suddenly I saw Yoni stand up quite calmly, as if nothing had happened...he signaled to the men to get up...he began to go forward as if it were a firing exercise...he walked upright giving orders...I remember my thoughts then as his soldier: Hell, if he can do it, so can I!"

I love this account given by his second-in-command in 1973 and his deputy at Entebbe airport in Uganda:

"Yoni conducted a battle the likes of which I've not come across even in the books...the Syrians were firing at us...I shouted to Yoni to cover us...but before I could move, Yoni had taken his men and in a matter of seconds stormed the place...And the picture I always remember is that of Yoni running ahead of 8 men and destroying the enemy force...This was a classic example of leadership under fire with relatively small losses."

Reading this for me was a real treat, stumbled upon this reading an Amazon friend's review. Would like for my nephews to read this. His life and attitude are truly inspirational, a great role model for youth. Hard to imagine in America the kinds of hardships and true tests of courage that daily meet these young men in Israel.

Not all of his letters are about fighting. The letters reveal the life and thoughts of an outstanding Israeli boy from his teen years up to the last few days of his life 30 years ago (+7 days to be exact).

I was laughing out loud in the car with family when I read what he wrote to his fiancee before the outbreak of the 6 day war in 1967. Israeli soldiers it seems like to tell jokes before the campfire to calm nerves. The joke goes like this:

"An Englishman, an American and an Israeli were caught by a tribe of cannibals in Africa. When they were already in the pot, each of them was allowed a last wish. The Englishman asked for a whiskey and pipe and got it. The American, for a steak, and got it. The Israeli asked the chief for a good kick in the backside. At first the chief refused, but...finally did it. At once the Israeli pulled out a gun and shot all the cannibals...(they) asked him..."why didn't you kill them sooner?" "Are you crazy," answered the Israeli, "and have the U.N. call me an aggressor?"!

He evidently wrote very little about his military activities as I've heard the wisest soldiers do. You simply don't say a word. And under such intense pressure day by day, an intense faith is surely required.

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion...He shall set me upon a rock. Psalm of David 27:5

The Truth About Jonathan Netanyahu:Only The Good Die Young.......2005-11-26

One plausible reason for the serious level of Jew-hatred in anti-
Israel Arab countries(see for example,Palestinianmediawatch.com),is because if some of their
troops were aware of who they were messing with,they would think at least twice about fighting the Jewish army and there can be no more powerful document of the Israeli army they are fighting-rather than the Israeli army,they've demonized than 'Self-Portrait'. Yoni's letters to his family-from 1963-1976-he wrote his last one in the book to his girlfriend on June 29,five days before the July Fourth Entebbe raid which he led -and for which he died at 30- the only Israeli military victim.General Shlomo Gazit had this to say following the Entebbe operation(p.297-298)"...The IDF operation at Entebbe was a brilliant military victory,reflecting imagination,daring,courage and professional skill of the highest quality anywhere in the world.The success of the main objective-storming the terminal building,wiping out the captors and guards and speedily liberating the hostages so that nearly all of them remained unharmed-this success must be credited in decisive measure to the commander of the force who planned,prepared and rehearsed the breakthrough-that is ,to the credit of Yoni.Perhaps it may be said paradoxically that precisely the success of the operation after Yoni was hit and did not live to see its extraordinary conclusion testifies,more than anything else,to the extent to which he prepared the force for its mission,to its precise and meticulous execution,so that it could be completed flawlessly even without its commander..It is of course, difficult to know how Yoni would have continued and what height he would have reached in whatever course he would have followed-military or academic.But whatever that course might have been,we have all lost one of the most wonderful,promising and outstanding young men of Israel."

compulsory reading....find out the true meaning of HERO !.......2002-09-23

having read this book many times over and will continue to read it again and again and discovering more & more about a national hero

Great book. Fantastic insight to life in the Israeli Army........1999-08-17

This book gives the reader a great insight into life in the Israeli army from the inside. Johnathon Netanyahu is a real hero, not a plastic hollywood screen actor. A man of great intelligence (top 1% at Harvard), Johnathon faces not only life and death through his exploits in the Israeli army, but also life's day to day problems we all face.

A man cut down in his prime doing what he kows best, saving others was his mission in life. He questioned what he was doing, what Israel was doing, and what the future would bring.

Johnathon unwittingly wrote this book - not knowing that his personal letters would become the basis for this book.

I read this book over 5 years ago, and it is testament to the power Johnathon held that I can still recall these things from memory.

Book Description

Jerusalem in the inter-war period lay between the ancient rule of the Ottoman Empire and the creation of the modern State of Israel, between a relatively poor and under-developed city, steeped in old ways, and a modern metropolis. Into the intervening period came the British Mandate, restoring the old city, controlling the new, and living with the political and rioting consequences of the Balfour Declaration which promised the Jews a homeland.

Cliff and Eunice Holliday came to Jerusalem in 1922. Cliff, an architect and town planner, had the tasks of restoring part of the old city, building control outside, the preparing of a town plan, and he was later to design several new public buildings. Eunice wrote home regularly to her mother, and her letters give an account of everyday life, portraying a city at a critical time in its history. This book contains the letters Eunice wrote during that time.

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Letters from Egypt, 1863-65
Lucie Austin Duff-Gordon
Manufacturer: Adamant Media Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Egypt | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

Israel | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1402193459
Release Date: 2001-12-06

Product Description

This Elibron Classics book is a facsimile reprint of a 1865 edition by Macmillan and Co., London.

LETTERS FROM TEL MOND PRISON: An Israeli Settler Defends His Act of Terror

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Mandatory reading
inredible book
Inspiring Faith
A Tale of The Human Spirit
Powerful honest portrayal of life in Israel

LETTERS FROM TEL MOND PRISON: An Israeli Settler Defends His Act of Terror
Era Rapaport
Manufacturer: Free Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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General | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Terrorism | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Criminology | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Mandatory reading.......2007-02-26

The four published reviews of this book are rather biased and show that the reviewers did not internalize what the author wrote. They stand in stark contrast to the 7 personal reviews. I couldn't put this book down. In a very personal way the author and his real experiences embody the reality of the co-existence, or lack thereof, in judea and samaria today. Stangely enough, shortly after a friend insisted I read this book I have shared tea with Era in his home and with his neighbors in Turmis Aya that he descibes in the book and to independently hear them tell the same stories he tells in the book.
This book should be required reading for anyone that wants to offer an opinion about the future of Samaria.

inredible book.......2003-05-11

this book is intriging. it makes you wonder about the other side of the media. letters from tel mond prison is a book written by a man who lives his life with such pupose, meaning and honesty you wonder some times who you feel bad for - the "terrorist" or the "victim"

Inspiring Faith.......2003-05-05

Era Rapaport effectively communicates the highs and lowes of being a settler in the land of Israel today. He is a modern day Zionist who gave up a life of comfort to face ridicule, persecution and imprisonment to stay true to his faith in the resettlement of Eretz Israel. I highly recommend this book to all who love Zion and believe in the restoration of Israel.

A Tale of The Human Spirit.......2001-06-17

This book takes what has become a controvertial impersonal topic and turns it into a tale of the human spirit. Era was an the average American. He had the normal life, but he choose to follow the path G-d choose for him. His acts of desperation would be called terrorism by the media, but it is only after reading this book that one understands he was an everday guy defending his family. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in gaining a true first hand perspective of life in the West Bank.

Powerful honest portrayal of life in Israel.......2000-08-05

Mr. Rapaport's book is one of the few honest accounts of life in Israel today. Unlike reporters who have very little understanding of the complexities of life in Israel, Mr. Rapaport lives in the heart of Israel, and has a great understanding of the problems his country encounters daily. You can't go wrong reading this book.

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What a Movie this would make!!
Yesterday, Today and Tommorrow
Letters from Jerusalem, 1947-1948, Home Again
history comes alive
LETTERS FROM JERUSALEM 1947-1948 BY ZIPPORAH PORATH

Letters from Jerusalem 1947-1948
Zipporah Porath
Manufacturer: Jonathan Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

Israel | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9652221104

Customer Reviews:

What a Movie this would make!!.......2003-10-02

I recently heard Zippy speak, and bought copies of her book! An incredible witness to history, she not only was in the Seige ofJerusalem, but also an eye witness in Deir Yassin and to the Altalena blast. I hope someone makes a movie of this amazing book of letters, some of the scenes would be unforgetable. Buy this book!!

p.s. I wouldn't sell mine for anything.

Yesterday, Today and Tommorrow.......2003-01-30

I am so grateful that Zipporah Porath's family saved these letters written by her to them during the struggle for the birth of Israel. This account unfolds her story as living history, preserved forever of the courage and commitment that were required to endure the long gritty struggle. What is so wonderful about this book is that the voice of the young student is so clear, the writing so intimate and the insights so personal. My late parents in law came over from South Africa to fight in the War of Independance. I was fortunate that my Mom in law shared a lot of their stories with me. However it is several years since their passing and in reading this book , not only could I hear the voice of my mom in law, but I learnt more details about what their daily lives had been like. As this generation of pioneers leaves us, it is so important to hear the voice of this passionate, young zionist, to teach, to inspire and to guide us back to the moment of our rebirth in our land, to connect us to our past, to understand the present and to launch us into our future!

Letters from Jerusalem, 1947-1948, Home Again.......2002-09-29

Deja Vu
This wonderful first hand account of the unfolding events of the rebirth of a nation provides a magnified view into the past and the current repeating of historical events. "Never again" seems hollow when one realizes the homicide bombings of today are the calculated genocide of a people and a nation. Today Israel, but tomorrow the world. With one billion people in violent and direct opposition to the continuation of the only democracy in the middle east, one becomes frightened at the realization that it can happen again. It would take less than 1 million "martyrs," as called by Arafat and the Saudi Telthon, to exterminate Israel and turn that region back into a desert. The ratio of homicidal bomber to numbers of dead and numbers of the living dead injured in the blasts is chilling. With 9/11 demonstrating mass murder can be had by a few fanatics, will Europe be next or the United States, or perhaps Chinese Buddhists. 12 people killed more than 3500 in New York. Will the master race philosophy of the past give way to the master faith philosophy of the present. This time it won't just be the annihilation of the Jews, but the annihilation of anyone that isn't Arab or Muslim. Ironically, Arabs and Muslims died in New York as well, demonstrating that a vicious dog can bite anyone, not just the "enemy." Ms. Porath provides an insight into our human nature eliciting laughter and tears as one reads on and on hoping for the enduring light that will speak to peace and the end of humanity's cruelty against humanity. Her description of events that unfolded as Israel becomes a nation after "The War to End All Wars" provides an incredible spring board into an open view of current events. Everyone Jew, Arab, Muslim, Christian, and Non-Arab, and any other faith should read this book to find answers deep within for the sole purpose of finally ending today's war and permanently end all wars. On the eve of yet another "World War" with Iraq, on the backdrop of the "War against terrorism" this book is a must read. Unity in diversity and Peace can only come from understanding and tolerance of each other and our differences. Ms. Porath's book provides a cornerstone in the search for that understanding. If you care about peace, read this book, and let it move you.

history comes alive.......2001-10-23

Letters From Jerusalem conveys directly and powerfully the events of 1948, as seen through the eyes of a young American student in Jerusalem. Today more than ever, when Israel occupies a central place in international headlines, it is vital that every young - and not so young - person read this book in order to put current events in their proper perspective. The writing is direct, colorful and insightful. Letters from Jerusalem is a personal document of immense value, sharing the author's thoughts, fears and hopes and sweeping the reader along on a fascinating historical journey. Never before have the facts of Israel's War of Independence been so vividly fleshed out. I read the book at one sitting, alternating between tears and laughter. Make up an excuse, if necessary, to give your friends and family a copy of Zipporah Porath's wonderful book.

LETTERS FROM JERUSALEM 1947-1948 BY ZIPPORAH PORATH.......2001-09-04

Zipporah Porath's book tells of an American returning to her homeland from which maurading armies evicted her ancestors.
The author's style is incredible; the "scenes" jump off the page. The book is like a visual program that the reader can rewind many times in order to absorb all the nuances.
The insightful detail, the pathos, the humor, the nitty gritty of daily life in a war for survival make this book compelling reading.
It is like going to a movie of historical drama. It is full of little vignettes that give the problems and accomplishments of those emotionally packed days.
Watching someone who is reading this book is an experience. At one point the reader chuckles and the next moment tears come streaming down his face. In one example she paints a charming picture of her visit to a kibbutz, and how pleasant it was. Then, in a quick footnote, she tell how the Arabs subsequently massacred her newly met friends from the kibbutz.
In another tale, she tells of the excitement of a crowd of students listening to the faint voices on a short wave radio to the UN vote establishing independence from the British (no cable TV then). Beautiful is the description of the ecstasy when the state was established.
Good for all ages not only for adults but early teens as well.
Highly recommended, never to be forgotten.

Paul, Moses and the History of Israel: The Letter/Spirit Contrast and the Argument from Scripture on 2 Corinthians 3 (Paternoster Biblical Monographs) (Paternoster Biblical Monographs)

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Interesting, but dry and dangerous
Highly Insightful!

Paul, Moses and the History of Israel: The Letter/Spirit Contrast and the Argument from Scripture on 2 Corinthians 3 (Paternoster Biblical Monographs) (Paternoster Biblical Monographs)
Scott Hafemann
Manufacturer: Paternoster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1842273175

Book Description

An exegetical study of the call of Moses, the second giving of the Law, the new covenant, Paul's self-understanding as an apostle, and the prophetic understanding of the history of Israel.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting, but dry and dangerous.......2005-04-20

This book is an interesting and original way of looking at Paul's view of the Law, Israel, and Redemption through 2 Corinthians 3. Hafemann's thesis is that contrary to the traditional Protestant understanding of 2 Cor. 3 or the "law/grace" dichotomy, Paul wrote 2 Cor. 3 to tell the Corinthians that Israel could not obey the Mosaic Law and obtain salvation because their hearts were "veiled" or hardened. According to Hafemann, Paul did not oppose the Law, but opposed the Law without the Spirit. The reason why many Israelites throughout history were unregenerate is because they lack the Spirit to obey the law as it was meant to be. Many reject Christ and stumble because they want to pursue righteousness through the Law outside of Christ. However, the New Covenant doesn't go against the Law or change it, but provides the Spirit to New Covenant believers so that they can fulfill the demands of the Law and be saved on the Last Judgment. The practical implications of the author's thesis is alarming. This view downgrades the sacrificial work of Christ and undermines justification by faith alone. It is not surprising that Hafemann follows suit with his predecessor Peter Stuhlmacher. Stuhlmacher (who was taught by E. Kasemann) follows the "forensic/transformative" view of righteousness (as does Hafemann), rather than the purely forensic view held by Luther, Calvin and the Reformers. The view held by Kasemann, Stuhlmacher, and Hafemann is a compromise between traditional Protestant and Roman Catholic soteriology. This is very dangerous and can undermine the Reformation. In many places throughout the book, Hafemann does indeed say that we must obey the Law in order to be saved on the Last Judgment. Traditional Protestants say that we are already justified in Christ and that our stand at the Last Judgment is for that truth to be ratified apart from our works (however, works do define what degree of glory we will possess in the future kingdom as in 1 Cor. 3:10-15). Unfortunately, many within the "Protestant/Evangelical" tradition have been snared into this new view on Paul and justification. Recent works by Fuller and Garlington reveal where modern evangelicals are plummeting towards. Sola Fide is losing out these days because of these new trends. Also, Hafemann's work is hard to read. Many people will have to pay close attention to every word the author uses to understand what he is trying to say. This book is more geared towards seminarians doing their doctoral thesis. Finally, I would also suggest that people learn Biblical Greek and modern German before reading this book.

Highly Insightful!.......2001-02-25

Scott Hafemann has done an excellent job in presenting a correct understanding of the Spirit/letter contrast in 2 Corinthians 3. The conclusion that he reaches has implications for a whole understanding of the Old Testament and the its relation to the New Testament. The essential message is this... The law was not inherently "bad" or oppression to the people of Israel. The problem resided with the people themselves. Only a remnant were true followers of Yahweh. For this faithful remnant, who had the Spirit operating in their lives, the law was good (cf. Psalm 119, et al). But for those without the Spirit (the majority of Israel), the law was simply "letter", and a burden. They did not want to keep it, nor could they. Seeing this helps us to understand both "good" and "bad" statements about the law in the NT writings.

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating package on a fascinating myth.......2002-05-09

The myth of the ten lost tribes has found its way into many cultures around the world. This fascinating package covers the myth from different angles. The book has a great introduction on the topic, and includes original essays by a cast of strange and wonderful characters who describe their encounters with the ten tribes.

The CD-ROM is a beautiful enthnographic/historical exposition based on an exhibition of the same name at Beth Hatefutsoth - the Jewish Diaspora museum in Tel Aviv.

As a bonus there is are some music tracks on the CD which give full renditions of some of the haunting music found on the CD-ROM

A great bar/bat mitva gift or just a fun gift for historical buffs or anyone who likes the exotic.

Book Description

Hans Keller wrote the Jerusalem Diary in 1977 and 1979 during two visits to the Mishkenot Sha'ananim, a residence for writers and artists. As a senior figure at the BBC and as a shrewd and witty polymath steeped in music, sociology and psychoanalysis, he was better placed than most to record the artistic, social and political life of Israel at a crucial juncture in its history. The Diary, which he described as an `anti-journal', was in the first place a reaction to Saul Bellow's To Jerusalem and Back. But the result is far more than a topical riposte: at a time of renewed turbulence in the Middle East, with another dramatic shift in favour of the right-wing Likud party, it is as sharp and relevant now as it was then. Milein Cosman has selected her own, remarkable drawings.

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