By
– August 26, 2011
The word “settler” conjures up a romantic image of a rugged, idealistic individual. This new book by Michael Feige attempts to demystify that image. Feige is enormously critical of the settler movement, of settlements, and of settlers.
The strength of his book lies in his insightful depiction of a movement that has helped shaped Israel and impacted upon some of Israel’s most critical policies. Feige illustrates just how influential the settler movement was and still is. He shows how ideology has blended into national policy and how, while once they were seen as pioneering, today settlements are part of Israel’s suburban sprawl.
Michael Feige’s most important insight lies in a question: now that the settler movement is losing its political influence, what will fill the void for the Israeli settler?
The strength of his book lies in his insightful depiction of a movement that has helped shaped Israel and impacted upon some of Israel’s most critical policies. Feige illustrates just how influential the settler movement was and still is. He shows how ideology has blended into national policy and how, while once they were seen as pioneering, today settlements are part of Israel’s suburban sprawl.
Michael Feige’s most important insight lies in a question: now that the settler movement is losing its political influence, what will fill the void for the Israeli settler?
Micah D. Halpern is a columnist and a social and political commentator. He is the author of What You Need To Know About: Terror, and maintains The Micah Report at www.micahhalpern.com.
