Amotz Asa-El's 'The Jewish March of Folly' stresses the importance of Jewish unity - interview

Amotz Asa-El's new book 'The Jewish March of Folly' argues that Jewish political leaders repeatedly made misguided decisions leading to catastrophe, citing 12 civil wars in ancient history. He challenges theological and Zionist narratives, applying Barbara Tuchman's concept of folly. The book draws parallels to contemporary Israeli divisions, emphasizing the need for unity.

In an interview with The Jerusalem Post Magazine, author Amotz Asa-El discusses his new book, 'The Jewish March of Folly', which reexamines Jewish history through the lens of political folly. Asa-El argues that Jewish political leaders repeatedly made misguided decisions that led to catastrophe, citing 12 civil wars over 12 centuries of ancient Jewish history. He challenges both theological explanations and the Zionist 'Sunday school narrative' that blames Gentiles, instead focusing on internal Jewish choices. The book draws on Barbara Tuchman's concept of folly, where a credible alternative existed but was rejected. Asa-El highlights episodes such as the civil war following the crime at Gibeah, Judah's betrayal of Samson, and the Assyrian destruction of the Northern Kingdom, which he calls a 'forgotten Holocaust'. He suggests that the rabbis' theological explanation of exile was a form of denial. The book aims to draw lessons for contemporary Israel, which faces deep internal divisions.