David Solway is a modern Renaissance man, describing himself as an essayist, songwriter, and poet, with over 30 books published in various genres like poetry, travel, education theory, translation, and politics. He also has two CDs of original songs.
He primarily identifies as an essayist, and his book Crossing the Jordan features essays on Israel’s relations with the world, Islam, and the West. Much of the material was published before a significant massacre by Hamas in Israel on Oct. 7.
Crossing the Jordan‘s first chapter commemorates Israel’s 75th anniversary, offering insights that became eerily prescient after subsequent events.
Israel, the West, and Islam
Solway highlights the tensions between Israel, Islam, and the West post-Oct. 7, noting increased toxicity and political consequences. He discusses rising antisemitism and what he terms “Hamasophilia” in the West.
In his essays, Solway unpacks the persistent antisemitism, attributing it to misconceptions about Jews’ intentions and actions. He also addresses accusations of colonialism against Israel, providing historical context to refute them.
Throughout Crossing the Jordan, Solway explores Jewish intellectual dilemmas, self-division, and critiques within the community. He expresses frustration with liberal ideologies and warns of threats to the West from Islamic influences, urging vigilance.
Solway believes Israel faces internal threats from left-leaning and assimilationist movements, emphasizing the need for defense and support. He concludes that Israel must be allowed to defend itself to survive.
Readers seeking bold opinions from a confident writer will appreciate Crossing the Jordan.
- CROSSING THE JORDAN: ON JUDAISM, ISLAM, AND THE WEST
- By David Solway
- World Encounter Institute/New English Review
- 204 pages; $39
