On Vengeance, The Final Solution, and a Soldier of Peace
On Vengeance, The Final Solution, and a Soldier of Peace
Books that changed my thinking, my behaviors, and my life
Hello all!
Here is your weekly dose of goodness:
1. History
Vengeance
Summary
At the 1972 Olympics in Germany, Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) terrorists killed 11 Israelis (six coaches and five athletes). Unbelievable, yet, sadly true. Athletes were targeted and slaughtered at the Olympics–an event that is supposed to unite the world. Vengeance is the true story of Israel’s mission to hunt down and kill the PLO terrorists responsible for the massacre of the eleven Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics. The leader of this revenge unit was “Avner”, hand-picked by Golda Meir. Avner and his team set out to systematically find and kill the central figures of the PLO's Munich operation. While they are successful in killing most of the terrorists responsible for the Olympic killings, they also begin to question their purpose and their mission. This self-reflection and search for greater meaning by “Avner” moved me so much that my son’s middle name is “Avner”.
Quote: Thus saith the Lord God; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred. Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold I will stretch out my hand upon the Philistines; And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them. -God (Ezekiel 25: 15-16-17)
Insight: The tragic fact is that the maps of the world are drawn in blood.
Movies made from this book: Sword of Gideon, Munich
Author: George Jonas
Themes: History, Israel
My personal notes from the book
2. History
The House On Garibaldi Street
Summary
Adolf Eichmann was the Nazi architect of the Final Solution–the plan that killed more than six million Jews during World War II. The House On Garibaldi Street is the incredible story of how the Israeli Mossad locates (Eichmann was “hiding” in Buenos Aires, Argentina living a normal life), tracks down, and brings Adolf Eichmann back to Israel to stand trial for crimes against humanity. There have been a few movies made about this audacious capture: The House on Garibaldi Street (the original) and the more recent Operation Finale. Read the book or watch the movie, or do both.
Author: Isser Harel
Themes: History, Israel
3. Biography
Soldier of Peace: The Life of Yitzhak Rabin
Summary
You could not find a more courageous leader than Yitzhak Rabin. A hawk who came the closest of all Israeli leaders to bring peace to the Middle East. This book traces Rabin's life from his youth as a member of an elite commando unit to his rise as Prime Minister of Israel, and the account of his brutal assassination at the hands of a right-wing Jewish extremist.
Insight: Peace is not made with friends. Peace is made with enemies.
Insight: If you have the same problem for a long time, maybe it’s not a problem. Maybe it’s a fact.
Quote: No Arab ruler will consider the peace process seriously so long as he is able to toy with the idea of achieving more by the way of violence. -Yitzhak Rabin
Quote: We can continue to fight. We can continue to kill – and continue to be killed. But we can also try to put a stop to this never-ending cycle of blood. We can also give peace a chance. -Yitzhak Rabin
Quote: We do not celebrate the death of our enemies. -Yitzhak Rabin
Quote: We’ll fight terror like there’s no peace, and make peace like there’s no terror. -Yitzhak Rabin
Authors: Dan Kurzman
Themes: Biography, Israel
My personal notes from the book
That’s a wrap. Thanks for reading!
Please continue to share with me the books that changed your life!
Best,
Adam
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