Provoking howls of rage even before it was published, this is a passionate account of how one determined lobby shapes politics and stifles debate in this country. Its come just in time.
David Marr
What most Australians should do is go out and buy the book and read it, so they can hear both sides of the debate about how Israel treats the Palestinians.
John Mearsheimer, Senior Professor of Politics, University of Chicago
Loewenstein shines a spotlight on Israel and its uncritical supporters. That will make them uncomfortable. For that reason alone, My Israel Question deserves a strong readership.
Peter Rodgers, former Australian Ambassador to Israel and author of Herzls Nightmare: One Land, Two Peoples
My Israel Question still deserves a strong readership, precisely because it makes us uncomfortable.
Weekend Australian
I can think of few books about Israel and Palestine, written by an Australian, as important as Antony Loewensteins brave jaccuse.
John Pilger
My Israel Question will serve as an essential guide for those who dare to criticise Zionist wrongdoing in the past and Israeli policies in the present, without being deterred by false allegations of antisemitism.
Dr Ilan Pappe, Chair, Department of History, University of Exeter, England, and author of A History of Modern Palestine
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Writing a book of this scope is a collaborative affair. The idea of the lone writer issuing pages of perfect copy may be romantic, but its hopelessly inaccurate.
Over the last two years, Ive spoken to any number of people in Australia, the USA, Israel and Lebanon, all keen to challenge the accepted narrative of the IsraelPalestine conflict. Thank you especially to the following people for graciously giving their time and enthusiasm: Mohammed Alawi, Tariq Ali, Uri Avnery, David Bernstein, Barbara Bloch, Gidon Bromberg, Scott Burchill, the late Richard Carleton, Matthew Carney, Chantal Chalier, Noam Chomsky, Fadia and Said Daibes-Murad, Shraga Elam, Dror Etkes, Norman Finkelstein, Amira Hass, Jonathan Holmes, Jane Hutcheon, Gideon Levy, Robert Manne, David Marr, Chris McGreal, Alex Mitchell, Ed OLoughlin, Jon Henley, Matan Kaminer, Ali Kazak, Randa Kattan, Ron Pundak, Stuart Rees, Tanya Reinhart, Craig Roberts, Mumammed Rodaina, Peter Rodgers, Amin Saikal, Chris Sidoti, Guy Spiegelman, Rod Webb, and Mara and Sam Wisel.
There are some whose names I am unable to mention subject to personal and professional threatsbut I thank them for standing up and being heard when it is much easier to remain silent.
Robert Fisk has been a constant source of inspiration, and his personal and public encouragement has given me much-needed strength.
John Pilger and Phillip Knightley have both supported my work from the beginning and continue to believe in the importance of dissent. I thank them for their wise words.
Margo Kingston took me under her wing and showed me the possibilities of courageous and campaigning journalism. If only more journalists shared her belief.
Cath James was my invaluable transcriber and part-time researcher. I thank her for her patience and word-perfect skills.
The late Andrew Vincent from Macquarie University bravely offered me a position on the board of Macquarie Universitys Centre for Middle East and North African Studies. Andrew knew a thing or two about not accepting the dominant narrative of history.
Any number of friends have offered words of advice, encouragement, criticism and challenges, and I dearly hope they never stop. I would like especially to thank Tanveer Ahmed, Rory Buck, Marni Cordell, Peter Cronau, Sharon De Silva, Clinton Fernandes, Iain Giblin, Edwina Hanlon, Emily Howie, Mark Jeanes, Karen Middleton, Mariesa Nicholas, Rachel Nicolson, Emma Schneider, Jack Robertson, Selena Papps, Peter Slezak and Helga Svendsen.
Israels finest historian, Ilan Pappe, agreed to read the history of Zionism chapter and offered expert advice.
Thanks to the various experts, readers and advisers who have provided invaluable assistance on the manuscript, ironing out bugs and improving clarity.
My agent Lyn Tranter has been with me since (nearly) the beginning and always provides a no-nonsense approach. I thank her for standing by me in recent years.
Melbourne University Publishing director Louise Adler has been a strong supporter since the very beginning. I knew she would get the material. She has provided that, and more. Publishing a dissenting book on the IsraelPalestine conflict guarantees an abusive and vitriolic response, so I thank Louise for understanding the importance of doing so.
My invaluable editor, Sybil Nolan, helped to reshape and restructure the book in your hands. Her patience and insights have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Thanks to copy editor Lucy Davison and project coordinator Wendy Skilbeck for their care during the vitally important last stages of the book. The MUP team have also been invaluable in ensuring a smooth birth.
Liz Wise was a great support during the writing of the book and provided love and encouragement during many dark days. To the Wise family and Ibolya Stark: thank you for your generosity and encouragement.
My parents, Violet and Jeffrey, have given more than any only child could ever hope for. Their strength, in the face of irrational personal setbacks, has shown me that there is a price to pay for speaking uncomfortable truths. Their personal journeys have taken them further than anyone else I know. I couldnt have done this book without them.
Finally, to the hundreds of people who have written to me in recent years, read my articles and blog, and challenged and provoked me, I hope this conversation is only just beginning.
Acknowledgements for the third edition
In the years since this book was first published, countless writers, bloggers, activists and concerned citizens have written to me with information, thoughts, criticisms and support. Thank you to them all. Phil Weiss and Adam Horowitz of the wonderful blog Mondoweiss have offered invaluable insights into the rise of global Jewish dissent. Mike Otterman is a wonderful friend and partner in crime. Brami Jegan is a girl like no other: kind, insightful, loving and passionate. Elisa Berg has been a thoughtful editor.
