What was the pivotal event that marks the beginning of the Arab-Jewish conflict that has come to define the contemporary middle east? Was it the birth of Zionism? Or in the British world war I strategy of promising the Arabs their own nation state while also issuing the Balfour Declaration promising a national home for the Jewish people? In Palestine 1936 journalist Oren Kessler argues for the Arab revolt, referred to here as the Great Revolt that began in 1936 as the key formative event. It began as grass roots movement seeking independence from British rule but it rapidly gave way to score settling violence, killings and destruction.

Kessler provides some background, but focuses much of the book on key figures and decision makers from the Jewish, Arab and British sides during the 1930s. Due to global events in the lead up to World War II, Jews were seeking a safer place to live, forced out of Nazi Germany by restrictive laws and dwindling opportunities, for many Palestine was a place of promise. However, the Arabs who at first had welcomed (or at least tolerated) the settlers and willingly sold them land reversed these practices seeing as the Jewish population was rising and were arming. The British mandate control of Palestine was shaky with many favoring the Arab perspective, but wit a few important leaders backing and allowing for the Zionist fueled immigration. The British worked to find a workable solution including a proposed two state solution that was found impossible by both Arabs and Jews.

Kessler importantly notes that this book is the first popular account of this revolt (at least at the time of it's being written he notes two works were published while it was in press). The revolt has a long shadow, the names of some of the featured figures have since been taken up by armed forces. 1936 shows the pivotal event that led to the militarization of both sides to fight for control and establishments of brutal anti insurrection strategies such as detainment without charge, checkpoints or razing buildings or whole communities.

Recommended reading for historians, political policy makers, peace activist and anyone looking to learn more about Palestine and factors in the formation of Israel.

This is a well-written examination of the revolt and violence from 1936-39 in Palestine. Kessler recounts the history of Palestine in the early 20th century preceding the Great Arab Revolt, introducing readers to the major players from all sides, British, Arabs and Jews. Essential reader for anyone interested in the history of the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict.