Borders and Belonging: A Memoir

For all who want to understand the complex politics around Jewish support for Israel, Mira Sucharov’s book is required reading. As she reveals in her lively, moving, and passionate account, the personal is political, for Jews in North America as well as in Israel.’

—Deborah Dash Moore, Frederick G. L. Huetwell Professor of History and

Professor of Judaic Studies, University of Michigan, US

‘Mira Sucharov’s provocative essays on Israel/Palestine have made her a well-known public intellectual.  In this engaging memoir, she describes her personal journey as a Canadian Jew in confronting the dilemmas, challenges and tragedies of Jews and Palestinians.’ 

—David Biale, Emanuel Ringelblum Distinguished Professor, University of

California, Davis, US

 ‘Mira Sucharov’s memoir is a beautiful glimpse into a Jewish woman’s coming of age in Canada, offering powerful insights into how identities and emotions are formed in relationship to Judaism and to Israel.’

—Danae Elon, documentary filmmaker; director of P.S. Jerusalem

'...a fascinating blend of a sometimes difficult personal history and a set of evolving views of Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Sucharov's self-doubt, ideological struggles and insights are all well worth exploring.'  

 — Jon Allen, Senior Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto, and Former Canadian Ambassador to Israel

 In this gripping and honest memoir, Mira Sucharov shows what a search for political and emotional home looks like. Sucharov suffered from childhood phobias triggered by her parents’ divorce, and she sought emotional refuge in Jewish summer camp. But three years spent living in Israel in her twenties shook her to her core. Ultimately, encounters with colleagues, students, friends and lovers force her to confront what it means to be ableto write, advocate and teach about Israel/Palestine in a way that balances affirmation with authenticity.

Mira Sucharov is Professor of Political Science and University Chair of Teaching Innovation at Carleton University, Canada.