People across the US watched in horror as Israel responded to the terrible acts of October 7, 2023 with a brutal war against the people of Gaza. They poured into the streets demanding Ceasefire Now--and protested the US government financing, arming, and protecting Israel's war. A key question was when to start the clock--because none of those events actually began on October 7; all had their origins in events 17, or 58, or 77 years earlier.

In straightforward, accessible language Phyllis Bennis takes on that question--and many more--providing answers to the queries so many never before had the chance to ask. What is the Balfour Declaration? What are the Occupied Territories? What is Zionism--and do all Jews support it? Does Israel have the right of self-defense? What were conditions like in Gaza before October 7?