The Wall and the Gate

Israel, Palestine, and the Legal Battle for Human Rights

By: Michael Sfard

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

A farmer from a village in the occupied West Bank, cut off from his olive groves by the construction of Israel's controversial separation wall, asked Israeli human rights lawyer Michael Sfard to petition the courts to allow a gate to be built in the wall. While the gate would provide immediate relief for the farmer, would it not also confer legitimacy on the wall and on the court that deems it legal?

The defense of human rights is often marked by such ethical dilemmas, which are especially acute in Israel, where lawyers have for decades sought redress for the abuse of Palestinian rights in the country's High Court - that is, in the court of the abuser.

In The Wall and the Gate, Michael Sfard chronicles this struggle - a story that has never before been fully told - and in the process engages the core principles of human rights legal ethics. Sfard recounts the unfolding of key cases and issues, ranging from confiscation of land, deportations, the creation of settlements, punitive home demolitions, torture, and targeted killings - all actions considered violations of international law. In the process, he lays bare the reality of the occupation and the lives of the people who must contend with that reality.

©2018 Michael Sfard; translation copyright 2018 by Maya Johnston (P)2018 Tantor

A Must Read

The author is extremely knowledgeable, and the stories are enthralling and keep your attention. Each and every chapter introduces new characters, heroes, antagonists, and "decent people" who humanize the conflict in Israel and Palestine. If you want to understand the facts on the ground and how we got there, this book is for you.

Important, if dry

There is a heavy focus on legal procedure which can get daunting, but it is nevertheless fascinating, informative, and important

A necessary read for all

Thorough and inspiring. Excellent storytelling approach to some complex legal issues. Looking forward to more books on the individual cases that were tried in court.

Unique view of Mideast conflict

Intricate story line, requires close attention. Worth the effort though. A completely unique explanation of the Mideast conflict that you never heard before and need to know.

Awesome Great book

Great book and extremely detailed and in depth about human rights law. Will keep your attention all the through. Highly recommended.