Nonfiction
Exodus, Leon Uris, 1958
Uris details one of the defining moments of the 20th century, the institution of the State of Israel, in astounding fashion; at its publication in 1958, it sold the second-most copies of any book in the United States.
In the Land of Israel, Amoz Oz, 1993
For this eye-opening book, Oz interviewed Israelis of all kinds, resulting in a compilation of views on Israel’s past, present and future.
A Tale of Love and Darkness, Amos Oz, 2002
This autobiographical story follows Oz from his turbulent youth in Jerusalem to his adult life and decision the change his surname to a Hebrew one as a way of affirming his Israeli identity.
Walking Israel: A Personal Search for the Soul of a Nation, Martin Fletcher, 2010
Martin Fletcher, longtime chief of NBC News’s Tel Aviv outpost, endearingly recounts his 100-mile walk from Lebanon to Gaza and the things he learned along the way.
From Beirut to Jerusalem, Thomas Friedman, 2012
Friedman recounts his time as an American journalist in Jerusalem during a Palestinian uprising with insight and care.
My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel, Ari Shavit, 2013
Shavit’s latest read offers realistic and semi-autobiographical depiction of Israel’s current state and the future that lies ahead.
Films
Exodus, Otto Preminger, 1960
Paul Newman stars as a young Jewish advocate fighting for the creation of an Israeli state in the wake of World War II.
Masada, Boris Sagal, 1981
This miniseries offers a fictionalized but entertaining depiction of the Roman siege of Masada.
The Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson, 2004
This epic and controversial drama directed by Mel Gisbon chronicles Christ’s last hours before his crucifixion.
Walk on Water, Eytan Fox, 2004
This multidimensional film tackles suicide, the Israeli secret service and the Nazi legacy with deftness and insight.
Paradise Now, Hany Abu-Assad, 2005
This insightful Oscar-nominated film features two Palestinian boys recruited for a suicide attack in Israel.
World War Z, Marc Forster, 2013
Brad Pitt’s apocalyptic zombie film is thrilling and surprisingly moving. Plus, it features a spectacularly-shot scene of the undead overwhelming the Old City walls.
The Gatekeepers, Dror Moreh, 2013
A shockingly honest documentary starring five former heads of the highly regarded Israeli Secret Service. It is both jarring and eye opening, and a must-watch.
