"A Pain in Israel’s Heart" by Anis Mansour
Overview
First published in 1986, the book runs to around 198 pages (though some editions list 146). Mansour dissects Israel’s social, political, and religious structure, highlighting the deep internal contradictions that shape the state and its people.
About the Author
Known for his accessible style and ability to engage wide audiences, Mansour was close to President Anwar Sadat and even accompanied him on his historic 1977 visit to Jerusalem. He authored numerous works in literature, philosophy, and travel writing, and his command of multiple languages gave him rare access to global thought and culture.
Key Themes and Insights
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Historical Isolation of the Jews
Mansour argues that Jewish communities historically lived in voluntary isolation within separate quarters or “ghettos,” which limited their integration into the societies around them. This, he contends, fostered a distinct identity but also a lasting inability to coexist fully with others. -
Religion vs. Secularism
The book highlights Israel’s ongoing struggle between religious tradition (particularly Talmudic heritage) and the demands of a modern, secular state. Mansour portrays Israelis as “torn between faith and the world,” unwilling to abandon religion yet unable to remain in what he calls their “original ignorance.” -
Fragmentation and Internal Divisions
Drawing attention to Israel’s diverse origins—European, Yemeni, Asian—Mansour notes how this created a fractured society rife with internal racism and ethnic divides. Yet, he observes, Jewish resourcefulness and adaptability enabled them to forge a powerful state despite these tensions. -
Critique of the Zionist Project
Mansour presents the founding of Israel as Europe’s way of atoning for centuries of antisemitism—at the expense of Arabs and Palestinians. He writes: “Because of Jewish persecution in Europe, the Jews came to the East… and we are paying for a crime we did not commit.” -
The “Pain” Within Israel
The title carries a double meaning: a curse directed at Israel, but also a description of its internal agony. This “pain” manifests in perpetual fear and instability despite military and economic strength. -
Mansour’s Style
Written in his signature journalistic prose—clear, engaging, and laced with philosophical reflection—the book blends observation with narrative. His insights are grounded not only in political critique but also in his personal encounters and deep cross-cultural knowledge.
Notable Quotes
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“It is not true that Israelis want peace or coexistence. They have never known peace, nor have they coexisted with anyone in any era.”
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In later commentary inspired by Mansour’s thought, one writer noted: “Netanyahu governs the Zionist state amid unprecedented internal, regional, and global turmoil with an exceptional degree of recklessness.”
Main Issues Explored
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Historical Isolation | Jews living in closed communities, resisting integration. |
| Religious–Secular Divide | Tension between Talmudic tradition and modernity. |
| Internal Divisions | Ethnic and cultural fragmentation among Jewish groups. |
| The Zionist Project | Israel as Europe’s “atonement” for antisemitism. |
| Existential Pain | Fear and insecurity despite outward power. |
Summary
Many readers found that it opened a window onto the hidden neighborhoods and colonies of Israeli life, exposing little-known realities behind the official narratives.
Conclusion
It represents an Arab intellectual’s perspective on the philosophy of conflict with Israel, focusing on internal vulnerabilities rather than external politics.
Even decades after its publication, the book remains strikingly relevant—especially in light of ongoing events in Palestine today.
For the original summary in Arabic
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