The General's Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine

Miko Peled was born and brought up in a Zionist family in Israel. His father Matti Peled was a war hero having fought both wars i.e. in 1948 and in 1967. His journey from the one in core Zionist family to a peace activist is illuminating. Actually, there are two stories running parallel in this book. One is that of General Matti Peled, the author's father; and second story is that of the author. Both have their own turning points that lead to peace activism. Both father and son have undergone major moral crises in their own lives. And the beauty is they both ultimately take humanist positions as reflected in their actions in later life. Matti Peled is a sensitive human being, his Zionism and his core humanism stand apart as a contradiction in his personality. The book is worth reading and discussing about in groups. In India, ideologues of far right have love for Zionist Israelis. They want Indians to emulate Israelis for their tough fights against Arabs. This book will come as an eye opener for those who love Zionist ideology and practices. The book is worth making a film about the two main characters in the story- Miko and Matti Peled and their travelogues to the destination of peace.-Ashok Rajwade, India.

Must read for people having inclination towards world politics. This book presents an opportunity to understand the conflict better and might help in arriving at a dispassionate opinion

If want to have genuine and and unbiased real life experience of Israel and Palestine conflict, read this book.Strogly recommeded.

Miko Peled is the son of a famous Israeli general, hero of the 1967 war. This is a moving story of a man who has taken the baton from his father in confronting the cost to both Israelis and the Palestinians of the brutal occupation of Palestinian lands. Miko served in the IDF himself so he is no naive peacenik. While the 'two state solution' is still theoretically on the table, Miko rigorously challenges the feasibility of such an option as Israeli settlements continue to be built to scupper any possibility of a viable Palestinian state. He demolishes the deceptions around Israel's talk of 'security' in whose name violence continues to be perpetrated. As a Jew he has reached out to 'the other' and found common cause with all those who want a just peace in this troubled land where so many continue to be humiliated and dispossessed.

This is a very well written book. I have learnt so much about the origins and history of the Israeli oppression of the Palestinians from this book.What makes reading this book so powerful & unique is the personal story of the author. His father a general in the 1967 war, his grandfather's involvement in establishing the state of Israel.Mike Peled has the courage to now speak the truth about what is really going on.It is very refreshing to find an Israel born 'proud Zionist' ( as he describes himself ) share their 1st hand account of the brutality of the state of Israel and the IDF, ( Israeli Defence Force). He served in the IDF and shares that experience as well. Tragically his niece was killed by a suicide bomber, yet his sister and his family have gone on to setup a 'bereaved families network' with Jewish and Palestinians participants.For a man who's family has been part of the ' founding fathers' now to feel compelled to stand up against the crimes of Israel gives this book a unique and powerful perspective.The style of writing is engaging, it has a wonderful easy flow and is full of richness in terms of the stories he shares. All of it is told in the 1st person. ( It should be made into a Movie)I have infinite respect and admiration for Miko Peled, for his courage, for his humanity, his dignity and his hard work and as activist.His videos are on YouTube, which is how I first came across him.After finishing this book I bought a further 5 copies from Amazon to give to friends for Xmas.I recommend this book highly.

Well worth reading.Mico Peled's personal journey from Israeli nationalism to an understanding of the injustices inflicted on the Palestinian people and a desire to do something about it. Most remarkable is his retelling of the story of his father- a senior general and war hero in the Israeli Defence Force- who, seeing the suffering of the Palestinians, worked alongside Palestinians in attempts to bring a just and lasting peace.Mico Peled comes to understand more about his late father as he learns about a massacre of Palestinian men and boys by the IDF in the '67 war which may have been a turning point for the general. General Peled had tried to investigate the massacre, to get some sort of justice for those who suffered and to prevent his beloved IDF from degenerating into a brutal and cynical army of occupation, but was stonewalled by the most senior Israeli military and politicians.Later, the general helped to bring peace talks about, only to see agreements cynically ignored by successive Israeli governments- as seems to continue to this day.There is a note of hope in the stories of Israelis who object to what their government does in their name, and have come alongside the Palestinians in the struggle to bring peace with justice to Israel/Palestine.

I found this book totally compelling, as Miko Peled, the son of one of Israel's most important generals in the Israeli army, takes one on a fascinating, albeit harrowing journey into the real situation in the Middle- East.Being born in Jerusalem, Miko himself served in the Israeli army and exposed some uncomfortable facts.Both he and his father were Peace Activists and formed very close friendships with many Palestinians. In face Miko, a Martial Arts teacher and master, set up a Martial Arts centre in The West Bank for the children there.His endeavours were at times very dangerous and he risked his life on several occasions for his cause; that of creating a peaceful solution to the problems in Palestine.Written from the heart, this book has to be read!

Miko Peled has literally taken me on a journey that has opened my mind in more ways than one; from the moments when he begins to question the actions of the IDF all the way to the enlightenment that actually there isn't much difference between Palestinians and Israelis, the author recounts the misinformation of how Palestinians were seen to be a threat to Israelis and their very existence. The loss of his niece, Smadar, sets off a catalyst that paves the way for an unexpected journey. His sister's reaction to losing her daughter in a suicide bombing is tremendously moving, however, the most touching element within the book is the power that some of his Palestinian friends have of staying rooted to the path of reconciliation even when they had suffered the unthinkable loss of life at the hands of the IDF. How determined one must be, to be able to still talk about peace when they are on the verge of losing their own child is truly a power to be able to comprehend. The non-violent means of protests are an on-going process with the backdrop of a continued onslaught of oppression by the occupying forces against the people of Palestine. Miko Peled shows us the absurdity of the how the media presents the 'conflict' if that is what one chooses to see it as; in all essence it is a forced occupation upon a deliberately weakened population.