Israel

This book concludes Earl Redman's trilogy about 'Abdu'l-Bahá as seen through the eyes of the pilgrims and other visitors to 'Akká and Haifa and those who met Him in Europe and America. While Volume 1 of Visiting 'Abdu'l-Bahá covered the years from 1897 to 1911, 'Abdu'l-Bahá's travels between 1910 and 1913 are described in 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Their Midst. This volume begins with the Master's return to Haifa in 1913 and ends with His passing in 1921. As in volume 1, this book is based largely on the notes of pilgrims and others who visited the Master in the Holy Land. As such, they must be viewed simply as personal impressions, but impressions 'of a most precious character'. Those who had the privilege of meeting 'Abdu'l-Bahá carried these impressions with them until the end of their lives, and their pen-pictures have become an inspiration to many, both believers and the general public, in the century since His passing.Most of us here have, I think, a clear picture of . . . his dignified figure walking thoughtfully in our streets, of his courteous and gracious manner, of his kindness, of his love for little children and flowers, of his generosity and care for the poor and suffering. So gentle was he, and so simple that, in his presence, one almost forgot that he was also a great teacher and that his writings and his conversations have been a solace and an inspiration to hundreds and thousands of people in the East and in the West. The Governor of Phoenicia, January 1922

Noch ein Buch über Israel -muss das denn sein? Wo es doch unendlich viele Reiseführer, Bildbände, Erlebnisberichte und politische Analysen gibt. Aber wer weiß noch, wie dieser Staat in seinen Anfangsjahren war, voller Hoffnung und Erwartung? Dies ist die nostalgische Erinnerung an diese Zeit. Die Generation des Autors war die erste aus Deutschland, die damals unbefangen, aber durchaus im Bewusstsein einer kollektiven Mitverantwortung für geschehene Verbrechen, in das ferne unbekannte Israel fuhr und überwältigt wurde von der Herzlichkeit und dem schmerzhaft intensiven Interesse seiner Bewohner an allem, was eine neue, unbelastete Jugend aus Deutschland berichten konnte.Wenn heute aus dieser Generation Kritik geübt wird an der derzeitigen Politik der israelischen Regierung, so ist das nicht etwa "Antisemitismus", sondern Ausdruck einer tiefen Sorge, dass das Land, in das man sich damals verliebt hat, seine Zukunft verspielen könnte. Wenn auch der Traum des kürzlich verstorbenen Uri Avnery von einem friedlichen Nebeneinander zweier Staaten, eines israelischen (nicht nur jüdischen) und eines palästinensischen, geeint durch gemeinsame wirtschaftliche, geopolitische und ökologische Interessen, in immer weitere Ferne rückt und nur noch durch ein Wunder verwirklicht werden könnte, so hat doch auch einst schon der Staatsgründer und Ministerpräsident David Ben Gurion gesagt: "Wer nicht an Wunder glaubt, der ist kein Realist!"

Genghis Khan is one of history's immortals: a leader of genius, driven by an inspiring vision for peaceful world rule. Believing he was divinely protected, Genghis united warring clans to create a nation and then an empire that ran across much of Asia.<BR><BR>Under his grandson, Kublai Khan, the vision evolved into a more complex religious ideology, justifying further expansion. Kublai doubled the empire's size until, in the late 13th century, he and the rest of Genghis's 'Golden Family' controlled one fifth of the inhabited world. Along the way, he conquered all China, gave the nation the borders it has today, and then, finally, discovered the limits to growth.<BR><BR>Genghis's dream of world rule turned out to be a fantasy. And yet, in terms of the sheer scale of the conquests, never has a vision and the character of one man had such an effect on the world.<BR><BR>Charting the evolution of this vision, John Man provides a unique account of the Mongol Empire, from young Genghis to old Kublai, from a rejected teenager to the world's most powerful emperor.

No one can forget the devastating aftermath of a suicide bomber detonating in a crowded bus. But what happens to the survivors of such indiscriminate and horrific attacks? Will the physical and emotional scars overwhelm them, or will they be able to transcend the traumatic experience and lead healthy and fulfilling lives? Many of those who survive are able to grow and thrive, as described in Living Beyond Terrorism. This book shares compelling stories of hope and healing, as told by ordinary people who - while riding in buses, dining in restaurants, shopping in markets, studying at colleges, visiting hotels, or walking along the street - suddenly became the innocent victims of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in Israel and in the West Bank, primarily between 2000 and 2006. Forty-eight survivors and relatives of survivors and victims discuss their remarkable life journeys - from terrorism to hope and optimism and from grief to meaning and healing; they speak not just of moving on with life as usual, but of moving forward with new purpose, contributing to society, and turning tragedy into action. They bear witness to their experiences in order to make sense of them as best as they can, and to help others. The powerful stories in Living Beyond Terrorism are testimony to their inner strength and determination and inspire each of us as we meet the challenges in our lives.