Why Israel (and its Future) Matters

Presented in the form of letters from a rabbi to his sons, Why Israel (and its Future) Matters argues that young Jews need Israel as a source of pride, connection, and Jewish renewal, and Israel needs them for the liberal values that they can bring to the Zionist enterprise.

Exploring the roots and the occasionally antisemitic branches of the campaign against Israel, Rabbi Rosove demonstrates why it’s wrong to characterize Israel as an “oppressor state” and damn it with blanket condemnations.

A 15-page appendix features a timeline/mini-history of Zionism and Israel from the 19th century through October 2023.

“A must-read!”

—Isaac Herzog, President of Israel

“This thoughtful and passionate book reminds us that commitment to Israel and to social justice are essential components of a healthy Jewish identity.”

—Yossi Klein Halevi, author, Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor

“In its call for ‘aspirational Zionism,’ the book is honest and tough about Israel’s flaws, but optimistic about the country’s direction and filled with practical strategies for promoting change. This is a no-nonsense, straight-talking work, intellectually rigorous but deeply personal.”

—Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, President Emeritus, Union for Reform Judaism

“A moving love letter to Israel from a rabbinic leader who refuses to give into despair, but instead recommits to building a democratic Israel that lives up to the vision of its founders.”

—Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Executive Director, T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights

“Rabbi Rosove grapples with modern Israel, Jewish identity, relations between Israelis and Diaspora Jews, and perhaps most significantly whether ‘you can maintain your ethical and moral values while at the same time being supporters of the Jewish state despite its flaws and imperfections.’ It is a book that many of us wish we had written for our own children.”

—Daniel Kurtzer, Former U.S. Ambassador to Egypt (1997-2001) and to Israel (2001-2005)