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THROUGH THE EYES OF MUSLIMS AND JEWS: the Muslim and Arab World
Jewish writers outside the Holy Land have always been aware of Muslims and Arabs in Palestine and Israel. They have turned a sharp eye on shared Semitic roots as represented in Genesis by Ishmael and Isaac, half-brothers. Nineteenth-century writings sometimes evince a sense of sympathy and mutual cooperation, while facing the ancient value of Jerusalem as a sacred city.
Following the Balfour Declaration (1917) and the creation of Israel, the literature is dominated by turbulent conflict, keen questionings about civil rights as well as land and heritage. The writers show a subtle complexity of vision not always permitted in political discourse.
Readings from Grace Aguilar, Marion Moss, Louis Untermeyer, Babette Deutsch, Arthur Jacobs. Elaine Fishman, Irene Klepfisz, and others.
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