News at Eleven: [Rachel Tzvia Back] soon realized that

the publishers’ reluctance stemmed from what was, to the American ear, the shockingly harsh nature of the poets’ critique. Dissent is perceived differently in Israel than it is abroad, she learned, because the audiences bring different cards to the table. Outside Israel, specific issues like settlements, checkpoints, and occupation are often used to undermine the larger issue of Israel’s right to exist. To Back and other left-wing Israelis, however, Israel’s existence is not a part of the debate. “Israel exists and needs to exist,” she said. “I’m passionate about Israel, and I’m fierce in my critique of it. [The question is] how do we make it a better, more ethical Israel.”

from Tablet: Protest Poetry

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