The Invention of the Jewish People For Sale

Discover a groundbreaking perspective on Jewish and Israeli history with *The Invention of the Jewish People*. This compelling work challenges long-held myths and taboos, offering a fresh narrative that demands both attention and critical reflection. It questions traditional beliefs such as the existence of a forced exile in the first century at the hands of the Romans and prompts readers to reconsider whether the Jewish people have always been a distinct ethnic group and a nation returned to its Biblical homeland.

Author Shlomo Sand presents a provocative thesis: most Jews today descend from converts, whose ancestors were scattered across the Middle East and Eastern Europe. He argues that the idea of a unified Jewish people and nation emerged only in response to European nationalism, shaped by a new historiography that developed alongside the rise of modern nation-states. Beneath the biblical narratives and the historical narratives of nineteenth-century historians, Sand uncovers a new story of Israel’s formation and offers a bold analysis of nationalism that challenges traditional myths.

After enjoying a long run on Israel’s bestseller list and receiving the prestigious Aujourd’hui Award in France, *The Invention of the Jewish People* is now available in English. Given the central importance of the Middle East conflict, Sand’s arguments are poised to resonate far beyond the realms of history and politics. He emphasizes that without a nuanced understanding of Israel’s past—one that transcends polarized views—diplomatic solutions will remain elusive. In this iconoclastic work, Sand provides the intellectual foundation for envisioning a new future for Israel, rooted in a critical reassessment of its origins.

• Author: Shlomo Sand
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2009
• Edition: First Edition
• Pages: 332
• Subject: General
• Brand: Verso