Nearly all contributors were associated with the Independent Jewish Voices declaration which, when launched in Britain in 2007, opened a floodgate of responses. This book bears witness to the urgency of that continuing debate.

With articles on such topics as international law, the Holocaust, varieties of Zionism, self-hatred, the multiplicity of Jewish identities, and human rights, these essays provide powerful evidence of the vitality of independent Jewish opinion as well as demonstrating that criticism of Israel has a crucial role to play in the continuing history of a Jewish concern for social justice.

At once sober and radical, A Time To Speak Out reclaims an often intemperate debate for those both inside and outside Israel who prefer to confront uncomfortable truths.

With contributions from: Julia Bard, Geoffrey Bindman, Emma Clyne, Stan Cohen, Howard Cooper, D. D. Guttenplan, Abe Hayeem, Anthony Isaacs, Gabriel Josipovici, Anne Karpf, Brian Klug, Francesca Klug, Tony Klug, Richard Kuper, Michael Kustow, Antony Lerman, Antony Loewenstein, Mike Marqusee, Jeremy Montagu, Jacqueline Rose, Anthony Rudolf, Donald Sassoon, Lynne Segal, Richard Silverstein, Gillian Slovo, Eyal Weizman, and Sami Zubaida.

Independent Jewish Voices is a group of Jews in Britain from diverse backgrounds, occupations and affiliations who have in common a strong commitment to social justice and universal human rights. Visit the Independent Jewish Voices website at http: //www.ijv.org.uk/.

The grave situation in the Middle East threatens the future of both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the stability of the whole region. In this urgent new book, leading Jewish writers and commentators sweep aside the atmosphere of bigotry and vilification which stymies intelligent discussion at every turn, to deliver a bold and richly nuanced exploration of Israel and Zionism today. A Time To Speak Out covers the Holocaust, varieties of Zionism, self-hatred, the multiplicity of Jewish identities, human rights and anti-Zionist traditions. In doing so, it reflects the background and the complexities of the situation, as well as the range of voices, outside and within Israel, which are so rarely articulated in the mainstream media. At once sober and radical, A Time To Speak Out reclaims an often-hysterical debate for people more interested in morally defensible solutions than empty "victories."

Contributors include:

• Lisa Appignanesi

• Geoffrey Bindman

• Anne Karpf

• Brian Klug

• Jacqueline Rose

• Lynne Segal

• Gillian Slovo