In My Jewish State: How I was trained in pro-Israel advocacy, and how I learned to talk back to my culture, find my own humanity, and fight for peace

Dr. Elana Maryles Sztokman was raised and socialized into religious Zionism, and moved to Israel as a young mother where she devoted herself to Orthodox Judaism, education, and fighting for Israel. Until she landed in a pro-Israeli advocacy job and discovered some dark underpinnings of the ideology that she had dedicated her life to. And then everything started to unravel.

After years of seeking out the truth about the world in which she lives, Dr. Sztokman made some drastic changes in her life, becoming active in advancing shared society, peace, and a different vision for the entire region.

In this volume, Dr. Sztokman uses her professional of an rhetorical analysis cultivated from years of anthropological research, and unpacks the language and ideas that drive the pro-Israel advocacy movement and are used to justify cruel actions and attitudes. In the process, she makes some drastic personal changes, shifts her own Jewish identity, and advocates for a different vision of what it means to live in a Jewish state.

"One of the most insightful observers of contemporary Israeli culture, Elana Sztokman gives us a passionate critique of its political conflicts. With a sharp eye on the ways religion and gender are manipulated, she opens new ways of thinking about Judaism and Zionism that offer possibilities of a peaceful future."

Prof. Susannah Heschel, Eli M. Black Distinguished Professor, Dartmouth College

"A challenging and important read for those brave enough to question their beliefs to make the world a better place."

Julie Gray, author, The True Adventures of Gidon Lev, and Let's Make Things Better

"This is a must read for any American Jewish person who cares about Israel-Palestine and the people in it. It's a mirror we all need to look into."

Becca Strober, political strategist, educator, former senior director with Breaking the Silence, and Instagram influencer @becca explains the occupation

"A searingly brave look at Israel today and at what the area between the river and the sea can be, if only we can imagine a future defined by equality for everyone. Sztokman is the best kind of patriot: one who is not willing to give up on freedom, justice and compassion."

Mira Sucharov, Professor of Political Science at Carleton University, and author of Borders and Belonging: A Memoir

"Riveting! Elana Sztokman is an excellent writer, clear and illuminating. This book helped me understand my own feelings about the conflict and make some order out of everything we see and hear about it."

Reva Mann, author of The Rabbi's Daughter

"Honest, fresh, and heartfelt, Sztokman's very personal journey is a roadmap for two peoples to find their way to common ground. She teaches us that negating your adversary's story doesn't strengthen your own. An important approach to a critical subject at an inflection point for Israelis, Jews, Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims. A must-read."

A. J. Sidransky, author of Incident at San Miguel and Forgiving Maximo Rothman