by Sim Kern
First published 2025
Sim Kern examines the personal journey that transformed them into an anti-Zionist Jewish activist following October 7th, 2023. Through ten essays that blend memoir with historical analysis, Kern traces connections from Biblical narratives to contemporary conflicts, from medieval Jewish persecution to modern Palestinian displacement. The former teacher and journalist reflects on their viral social media campaign that encouraged millions to read Palestinian literature and question Western media coverage of Gaza. Kern chronicles facing death threats and community exile while raising over $500,000 for Palestinian families, all during pregnancy and early parenthood. The book weaves together Jewish and Palestinian histories to challenge Zionist narratives, drawing on extensive research delivered with humor and cultural references. Kern argues that understanding imperial patterns across centuries reveals pathways toward collective freedom. Despite confronting historical and ongoing genocides directly, the work maintains optimism rooted in documented acts of courage and resistance that point toward liberation.
Genres: historical-fiction, biography-memoir, activism, antisemitism, cultural-studies, jewish
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, social-change
Setting: Gaza, Palestine
Period: 2023
241 pages · Paperback · Interlink Books
Content warnings: death, racism, violence