JVL SEMINARS | Marilyn Garson discusses her new book, Jewish not Zionist

Marilyn Garson, from Aotearoa/New Zealand, is an observant Jew.  She worked in Cambodia and Afghanistan before spending four years in Gaza. Her time there included the 2014 bombardment of the Strip—the most deadly and devastating attack prior to October 2023. On her return, her attempts to tell the story of the community of Gaza were met with hostility in her synagogue, where she was a full participant. This experience is shared by many of JVL’s observant members. Eventually, with a fellow congregant Marilyn set up Alternative Jewish Voices to preserve Jewish pluralism, and to stand alongside Palestinian and Māori people in their struggles for liberation and justice.

On March 30, she was in conversation with JVL co-chair Leah Levane at an online seminar organised by our education group, discussing her new book Jewish Not Zionist.

You can watch a video recording below.

The book will resonate with Palestinian solidarity activists in the UK where the Chief Rabbi says there is nothing to separate Judaism and Zionism.  The situation is similar in most countries and now we have Steve Bannon telling the world that pro Palestinian Jews are “the enemy inside the wire”!

The UK edition of Jewish Not Zionist, with an introduction written by JVL Co Chair, Leah Levane, can be ordered here.

A review by Hilary Wainwright (founder of Red Pepper magazine) said: “Marilyn Garson’s powerful and accessible book is of immense political importance. Not only is it essential reading for Jews and non-Jews alike, but its message of Jewish support for the human rights of Palestinians needs to be spread far and wide as an antidote to the falsehoods of the dominant media.”

You may be interested to read this review of the book or Marilyn’s own explanation of her reason for writing it now.

JVL’s monthly seminars are organised by the Education group for JVL members and friends. Please follow this link if you would like to become a member