It’s critical to understand history not just through the books that will be written later, but also through the first-hand testimonies and real-time accounting of events as they occur. At Jewish Book Council, we understand the value of these written testimonials and of sharing these individual experiences. It’s more important now than ever to give space to these voices and narratives.
Over the coming days and weeks ahead, we will be sharing the accounts of Israeli authors and authors in Israel. We will also be sharing reading lists and other materials to help understand this critical moment.
We hold close our network of authors and translators in Israel, along with their families and dear ones. Their well-being is of paramount importance to us, and we stand with them and our global Jewish community in supporting Israel. As a Jewish organization, while there are no words sufficient to communicate the pain and horror we feel watching these events unfold, we also recognize the absolutely critical importance of uplifting and amplifying first-hand accounts and reflections of witnesses – our authors on the front lines. Their testimonials must be given space, now and moving forward, as our memory-keepers and record-keepers – our transmitters of truth. They are our educators who will give us at least some of the tools we need to process, learn, and act.
At Jewish Book Council, we wish to unequivocally express our solidarity with Israel as it endures the tragic acts of terrorism committed by Hamas. Our prayers are for the swift and safe return of the hostages to their loved ones, and we mourn those who have lost their lives and safety at this time of unprecedented horror for the Jewish state.
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