On Thursday 13 March Miko Paled launched his book The General’s Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine in Grahamstown. This event was part of Paled’s South African book tour during Israeli Apartheid Week.
On Thursday 13 March Miko Paled launched his book The General’s Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine in Grahamstown. This event was part of Paled’s South African book tour during Israeli Apartheid Week.
As the title of the book suggests, Paled grew up in Israel as the son of a Zionist General. He was raised on what he described as a “racist and colonialist” ideology. Both his father and grandfather were leading figures in Israel’s political military elite.
After Paled’s niece was killed by a suicide bomber, he began to re-examine many of the beliefs instilled in him as a young Israeli boy.
He became a peace activist, promoting a united Israel and Palestine.
The Paled family transitioned from being Zionists to champions of Palestine rights.
The book launch included a presentation outlining a brief history of the Israeli/Arab conflict. Paled likened the situation to apartheid and said he draws inspiration from South Africa in terms of moving forward towards a democracy.
He voiced his opinion that Israel is preventing Palestine from enjoying full human rights.
As was to be expected with such a controversial topic, heated debate followed, with some audience members aggressively challenging Paled’s views.
The General’s Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine provides personal insight into a global issue. In his book, Paled shares his optimism that he will see peace in Palestine during his lifetime. The book can be bought online from http://justworldbooks.com/the-generals-son/.
