Israel and the Quest for Permanence

<p> For many years the conflict between Jews and Arabs has affected Middle East politics. In their struggle to establish a Jewish state in a hostile region the founding citizens of Israel put aside their cultural and religious differences to fight as a unified nation.</p><p> Ironically it was the prospect of peace that brought these differences back into the light. Israel became challenged by deep divisions within. The founders did not envision this divided nation--but the founders are gone. Today's Israelis must decide how to carry the founding vision forward.</p><p> How will Israel's past shape its future? How will its people answer the looming questions of race religion citizenship--and nationhood itself? The answers lie in an extraordinary history--and a future only to be imagined.</p>