Book SummaryOne Jewish State, by David Friedman

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of One Jewish State

Israel's assertion of sovereignty over Judea and Samaria is rooted in a combination of scriptural, theological, and legal reasoning.

David Friedman argues that Israel's jurisdiction over the territories often known as Judea and Samaria is not merely a matter of politics or strategy, but rather a duty derived from sacred origins, rooted in the covenantal texts of the Bible and strengthened by the traditions of Jewish jurisprudence. This section will explore the theological and legal foundations that underpin these claims.

The land of Israel is intrinsically intertwined with the identity and historical narrative of the Jewish people, as it is the birthplace of their national existence.

Friedman argues that the sacred agreements granting the Jewish people dominion over Israeli territory transcend diplomatic negotiation or global legal systems. The Jewish people's connection to the land is rooted in sacred agreements given to their forebears and confirmed by their prophets, establishing the basis of their ancestral rights, particularly in the areas traditionally known as Judea and Samaria.

Israel is the perpetual homeland of the Jewish people, as decreed in the sacred texts of the Torah and affirmed by the ancient prophets.

The author emphasizes the significance of the covenant made with Abraham and his descendants, a central theme explored in the Genesis account of the Bible. The assurance given to Abraham in Genesis 13:15, as recorded in the scriptures, was that he and his descendants would have eternal possession of the vast lands he observed. The covenant concerning the land of Israel was reaffirmed with Isaac, as noted in Genesis 26:3, and with Jacob, as described in Genesis 28:13, confirming the perpetual right of the Jewish people to this territory. Friedman argues that the enduring commitment justifies the Jewish claim to the lands traditionally referred to as Judea and Samaria, areas of historical Israel that hosted Abraham and are the burial sites of the founding ancestors in Hebron. He also underscores the foresight of Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, who together foresaw the return of the Jews to their ancestral territory after periods of diaspora, highlighting a recurring biblical theme of the Jewish reclamation of their historic land.

Practical Tips

• Explore the culinary heritage of Israel by cooking a traditional Jewish dish once a week. Look for recipes that have historical significance or are tied to specific holidays and regions within Israel. As you prepare each dish, take time to learn about its origins and the role it plays in Jewish culture. This hands-on experience can create a personal connection to the land and its traditions.
• Write a personal or family mission statement that reflects the values and commitments you hold dear, drawing inspiration from the idea of reaffirming important covenants. This exercise can help you articulate what is most important to you and ensure that your actions align with these values.
• You can explore your own heritage by creating a family tree to better understand historical claims to land or identity. Start by researching your ancestry using online genealogy platforms or by interviewing older family members. Documenting your lineage could provide a personal sense of connection to a particular land or culture, similar to the connection described.
• Engage with local history by volunteering at a nearby historical society or museum. By helping to preserve and promote the history of your area, you contribute to the collective memory and appreciation of the land's past, echoing the theme of reclamation on a community level.

Asserting sovereignty over Judea and Samaria is fundamentally tied to religious duties, rooted in sacred commands, and is essential to Jewish convictions.

Friedman argues that the connection between Jews and Israel goes beyond simple historical connections or sentimental bonds, as it is deeply rooted in spirituality, with Judaism embodying both a religious faith and a national identity. He emphasizes the significance of the mitzvot, pointing out that many of these sacred commands are inherently tied to the land of Israel and are not practicable outside its borders. He mentions the tradition where the first fleece from sheep is presented to someone from the priestly caste. He personally experienced this mitzvah when a farmer gave him sheep's wool that was later made into tassels for his prayer garment. Friedman connects these commandments and rituals, which are uniquely associated with the land of Israel, to the central idea that the Jewish faith can be completely actualized only within the boundaries of its scriptural homeland. He also underscores the significance of forming Jewish settlements in the territories as a manifestation of their faith and cultural heritage.

Other Perspectives

• The interpretation of religious texts and their application to modern statecraft can vary widely among practitioners of the same faith.
• In a pluralistic and globalized world, the notion of spirituality is often seen as inclusive and universal, challenging the idea that it must be connected to a specific geographical location.
• National identity can sometimes be conflated with citizenship or political allegiance, which may not align with the religious or cultural identity of all Jewish people.
• The concept of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world, is a central Jewish value that is practiced globally and focuses on universal ethics and social justice, which can be seen as a religious duty not confined to any single land.
• The practice of presenting the first fleece is rooted in historical and agricultural contexts that may not be applicable or practical for many Jews in contemporary, urbanized societies.
• Jewish faith has been practiced globally for centuries, suggesting that its core tenets and values transcend geographical boundaries.
• Forming Jewish...

One Jewish State Summary The proposal's deficiencies for two distinct states and the reasoning supporting a unified state solution.

Friedman argues that the unwavering focus on a two-state solution as the only path to reconciliation has invariably resulted in setbacks, exacerbating the conflict. He contends that the creation of an independent state for Palestinians might threaten the survival of Israel and not address the fundamental issues of Palestinian rejection and terrorism. David Friedman proposes a structure where Palestinians live under Israeli authority, portraying it as a more viable and humane alternative.

The bid to resolve the conflict through the creation of separate Israeli and Palestinian nations has consistently failed to bring about peace, as it incites opposition and aggression from the Palestinian side, resulting in a level of danger that Israel finds unacceptable.

Friedman delivers a comprehensive examination highlighting the historical inadequacies and fundamental flaws inherent in the proposal to divide the territory into separate states. He argues that this approach has only escalated the opposition of the Palestinians and provoked greater hostility against Israel, making the possibility of genuine peace more elusive.

Whenever land has been handed over to Palestinian...

One Jewish State Summary The pragmatic execution and related costs of Israel exerting its authority also take into account the impact of outside factors and the role of governance.

Friedman acknowledges the complex obstacles associated with extending Israeli jurisdiction over the regions commonly known as Judea and Samaria, which would require significant alterations in Israeli societal structures, strong support from the United States, and a major shift in the region's political atmosphere. This part of the discussion will explore the concrete elements and obstacles that could emerge when striving to realize this idea.

Establishing governance in Israel necessitates substantial internal transformations, including the integration of Arab and Haredi populations into the national service structure.

Friedman argues that for a single-state solution to succeed, it is essential that all sectors of Israel's populace are mandatorily involved in initiatives for national service. He believes that integrating Arab Israelis and Haredi Jews into military or national service could satisfy the growing need for defense personnel in Israel, foster unity across the nation, and contribute to reducing economic inequality.

All sectors of the Israeli populace are required to engage in military or national service to guarantee the fulfillment of the nation's security...

One Jewish State Summary The agreements, referred to in honor of Abraham, play a crucial role in addressing the regional difficulties and the threat that Iran represents.

David Friedman warns that the negative influence of Iran poses a significant obstacle to the creation of a peaceful and stable atmosphere throughout the Middle Eastern region. He contends that Iran's quest for nuclear proficiency and its backing of radical groups,

Various organizations, such as Hamas, represent a danger that extends beyond Israel's borders, impacting the United States and the international community at large. He underscores the significance of challenging Iran and its allies through both military and economic means, viewing the Abraham Accords as a pivotal move in establishing a coalition across the region to oppose these dangers.

Iran's role as the primary supporter of actions that threaten terror poses a substantial threat to Israel's safety and the region's equilibrium, necessitating measures to fully protect Israel's frontiers.

David Friedman argues that Iran, widely recognized as the primary supporter of terrorism worldwide, carried out the massacre on October 7th. David Friedman emphasizes the destabilizing effect of Iran's backing, which includes not only strategic guidance and monetary assistance to Hamas but extends to patronage for additional...