Freedom and Despair: Notes from the West Bank

Interweaving powerful stories and deep meditations, Freedom and Despair offers vivid first-hand reports from the occupied West Bank in Palestine as seen through the eyes of David Shulman—an experienced Israeli peace activist who has seen the Israeli occupation close up as well as its impact on the lives of all Palestinian civilians.

Alongside a handful of beautifully written and often shocking tales from the field, Shulman meditates deeply on how to understand the evils around him, what it means to persevere as an activist decade after decade, and what it truly means to be free. The violent realities of the occupation are on full display as we get to know and understand the Palestinian shepherds and farmers and Israeli volunteers who face this situation head-on with nonviolent resistance.

Inspired by these committed individuals who are not prepared to be silent or passive, Shulman suggests a model for ordinary people everywhere. Anyone prepared to take a risk and fight their oppressive political systems, he argues, can make a difference—if they strive to act with compassion and to keep hope alive