Blick in den Abgrund

The Struggle for Israel's Democracy - Saul Friedländer's Disturbing Diary

Israel stands on the brink. The Israel we once knew. Saul Friedländer, the great historian of the Holocaust, has written a diary in which he describes and comments on current events, recounts flashbacks from the history of the country he helped build, analyzes conflicts, and contemplates solutions. It is a painful, moving read and a call to all of us to prevent Israel's descent into an authoritarian pseudo-democracy.

"You can't eat as much as you want to vomit." With this harsh comment from Max Liebermann on the "seizure of power" by the Nazis, Saul Friedländer's brief Israeli diary begins. A new government, coalition with far-right forces and led by Benjamin Netanyahu, is attempting to undermine democracy with a judicial reform and establish an authoritarian regime. Hundreds of thousands take to the streets to protest against it. Saul Friedländer, world-renowned, awarded the highest honors, and now in the 90th year of his life, can no longer participate in the demonstrations, but he gathers all his strength once more to confront this dramatic development. His diary is deeply affecting and concerns everyone who cares about Israel.

An intimate and stirring diary. Saul Friedländer helped build today's Israel. The author expresses his emotions, concern, and despair in light of the developments in Israel. A text that resonates deeply.