And None Shall Make Them Afraid - by Rick Richman (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Americanism, with freedom and democracy at its core, and Zionism, the movement to create a free and democratic Jewish state, were the two most successful "isms" of the twentieth century. Their adversaries-communism, fascism, and antisemitism-murdered tens of millions. The stories of some of the leaders of the two triumphant movements, however, have in some cases not yet received their full recognition. This book presents eight individuals-four born or raised in Europe, four in America-whose lives and achievements illustrate the intellectual and social revolutions that Americanism and Zionism brought into the world. The stories include those of Theodor Herzl in Vienna, Ben Hecht in New York, Golda Meir in Evian, Vladimir Jabotinsky in London; Chaim Weizmann's meetings with Emir Faisal and Lawrence of Arabia in World War I; 33-year-old Abba Eban's appearance at the United Nations a week after the founding of Israel; Louis D. Brandeis' historic Zionist speech in 1915 and Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the American Congress exactly a century later, organized by Israel's American-born ambassador, Ron Dermer. These stories are not only fascinating, but also historically significant. Taken together, they illuminate the central theme of the twentieth century-the struggle between freedom and its enemies-and the continuing struggle in the twenty-first, as both Americanism and Zionism face new challenges from totalitarian opponents seeking weapons of mass destruction. The stories reflect the fact that remembering history is important both to honor the past and to shape the future"--

Book Synopsis

Finalist for the 2023 National Jewish Book Award in Biography

"An excellent book... Worth the read."

--Ben Shapiro

This is the story of how Zionism, supported by Americanism, created a modern miracle--told through the little-known stories of eight individuals who collectively changed history.

And None Shall Make Them Afraid presents eight historic figures--four from Europe (Theodor Herzl, Chaim Weizmann, Vladimir Jabotinsky, and Abba Eban) and four from America (Louis D. Brandeis, Golda Meir, Ben Hecht, and Ron Dermer)--who reflect the intellectual and social revolutions that Zionism and Americanism brought to the world.

In some cases, the stories have been forgotten; in other cases, misrepresented; in still others, not yet given their full due. But they are central to the miraculous recovery of the Jewish people in the twentieth century. Taken together, they recount both a people's return to its place among the nations and the impact on history that a single individual can make.

More than a century ago, after studying the early Zionist texts, Brandeis concluded that Jews were the "trustees" of their history, charged to "carry forward what others, in the past, have borne so well." The stories in this book--recording the extraordinary efforts of extraordinary individuals that created the modern state of Israel and then sustained it--reinforce Brandeis's observation for our own time.

The story of Zionism, and its interaction with Americanism, is a continuing one. This book is not only about the past, but the present and future as well.

Review Quotes

"An excellent book... It's a really good way to examine Israeli history and what's been happening... Worth the read."

--Ben Shapiro (transcript from The Ben Shapiro Show)

"Rick Richman has given us a tour de force which is as brilliant as it is beautiful."

--Norman Podhoretz, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and former editor of Commentary

"And None Shall Make Them Afraid is simply a wonderful book. Rick Richman's fascinating portraits of eight extraordinary individuals present a much-needed reminder of the enormity of the Jewish accomplishments in America and Israel--the two countries where Jewish peoplehood has been most dramatically reimagined."

--Daniel Gordis, author of ISRAEL: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn

"Richman's mellifluous pen turns eight biographies into a mini course on the history of modern Israel while also offering a delight to read. Learn about these very different personalities born between 1860 and 1971, come away inspired by the 'invisible baton passed from generation to generation.'"

--Daniel Pipes, president of the Middle East Forum

"Beautifully written and assiduously researched, Rick Richman's new book makes an important contribution to our understanding of the connections between Zionism and Americanism. And None Shall Make Them Afraid combines to great effect rich portraits of eight individuals pivotal in the history of the modern State of Israel. It adds new details and insights that will inform and engage serious scholars and lay readers alike."

--Dov Waxman, Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Chair in Israel Studies, University of California Los Angeles

"Isaiah Berlin, reflecting on his time with Chaim Weizmann, said to know greatness 'must permanently transform our ideas of what human beings can be or do.' Here are eight people who transform our ideas of what is possible; inspiring and thrilling, these stories ring with struggle, triumph, and truth."

--Rabbi David Wolpe, Max Webb Senior Rabbi of Sinai Temple

"In a cynical age it grows ever more important for our writers and journalists to have heroes, and it's inspiring to read Rick Richman's roster of Zionist heroes in And None Shall Make Them Afraid. Plus, too, there are some choice scoops herein that the historians missed."

--Seth Lipsky, editor of the New York Sun

"A Zionist 'Profiles in Courage' ...a briskly written reminder... at a time when much ink is being spilled over the drift of American Jews away from Israel, Mr. Richman builds the case for a fruitful and durable connection between the Land of the Free and the Jewish homeland."

--A.R. Hoffman, assistant editor of the New York Sun

"There have been plenty of books written about Zionism and its early founders and builders, like Theodor Herzl, Vladimir Jabotinsky, Golda Meir and Louis D. Brandeis. While many of these works are compelling, and help readers learn more about the history of the Jewish state, they tend to be overviews of these individuals rather than deep dives into their stories and legacies. Now, in a new book by author Rick Richman, readers can become more familiar with these legends and how they contributed to Israel."

--Kylie Ora Lobell, Jewish Journal

"Each of the eight stories, and personalities, are important in their own right, but taken together, they convey a layered, attractive, fascinating picture; not surprisingly, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. ... When you finish this timely, incisive book, you will have been educated, entertained, and perhaps even uplifted. It is exceedingly well written, thought provoking and exceptionally worthwhile."

--The Readers Exchange