First Among Nations: A Novel about Struggle and Perseverance in the Holy Land

by Ira Mosen

Overview

Zar was raised in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem. But he breaks away from this insular world to pursue his dream of playing soccer professionally. 

Egel, a kibbutznik, and Hajji, a Muslim, are young Israelis from very different backgrounds who share with Zar a passion for soccer. Their destinies intertwine as they become teammates on The Israel National Football Team, representing their tiny country in the World Cup. 

From the ancient stone walls of Jerusalem's Old City to a kibbutz set in an oasis of orange orchards, an Arab Israeli village in The Galilee and an Israeli army base in the Negev Desert, First Among Nations captures the sights, sounds, tumultuous history and modern realities of Israel. This inspiring novel will open your eyes and warm your heart. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781735374116
Publisher:	Olive Blossom Press, LLC
Publication date:	08/06/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
File size:	874 KB

About the Author

Ira Mosen, MD, is a physician who is also an avid reader. He was born and raised on the East Coast and received his medical training in an Ivy League institution. Once he completed his residency and fellowship, he joined a successful private medical practice in the Midwest. After working there for nearly 15 years, he fulfilled his lifelong dream and moved with his family to Israel in 2018. Dr. Mosen currently works at a health clinic in central Israel which provides high-quality medical care to Israelis of all backgrounds and religions at a low cost. Through his interactions with a diverse population of Israelis, he has observed an Israel that is markedly different from the one often portrayed in the media, with much grassroots desire for peaceful coexistence. These experiences inspired him to write his debut novel, First Among Nations. For more information on the book and accompanying podcast, please visit www.iramosen.com.

Editorial Reviews

02/08/2021

Mosen smoothly incorporates religious and social messages into his triumphant debut about the rise of an Israeli soccer prodigy. As a child, Elazar bristles at his restrictive upbringing and the long hours his parents make him spend studying. After seeing some kids play soccer, he becomes obsessed with the sport—despite his father’s prohibition of what he views as a frivolous diversion from studying Talmud. By sneaking out to dedicate every free moment he can find to the sport, though, Elazar becomes a gifted player, enabling him to land a spot on a youth league team. When it’s time for him to do his military service, he joins a unit whose commander is known for a love of the game and, by excelling in the Army team, Elazar miraculously puts himself in a position to represent his country at the World Cup. The outlandish yet enjoyable story branches out from the sports narrative to offer nuanced takes on Arab-Jewish friendships and ethnic prejudice, and explore the violence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Though the soccer elements can feel far-fetched, Mosen’s bildungsroman will appeal to readers who like a feel-good yarn. (Self-published)

Publishers Weekly

"An inherently compelling and thoughtful novel by an author with an impressive flair as a novelist for originality and the kind of narrative-driven storytelling that is engagingly entertaining from first page to last, First Among Nations by Ira Mosen is...extraordinary and unreservedly recommended."- Midwest Book Review

"A triumphant debut about the rise of an Israeli soccer prodigy. The ... story branches out from the sports narrative to offer nuanced takes on Arab-Jewish friendships and ethnic prejudice, and explore the violence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.... Mosen's bildungsroman will appeal to readers who like a feel-good yarn." - Publishers Weekly

"The novel presents a multifaceted Israel far more complex than often portrayed globally....First Among Nations blends sports with religion and Mideast and world politics, and the book's characters become enmeshed with each other in all three dimensions....I found myself caught up in the tension of the soccer matches and the heroism and feats of the protagonists....Those of us who like to dream of better times ahead and who like a quick, good, and ... inspirational read, will enjoy this book." - Alan Rosenbaum, The Jerusalem Post

"A wonderful and uplifting coming of age story that will resound with readers everywhere." - Heather Morris, author of the New York Times #1 bestselling book The Tattooist of Auschwitz

"First Among Nations succeeds in offering a deeper truth about the challenges of different communities in Israel. In doing so, this book also reminds us of the real story of Israel." - Dennis Ross, Former American Peace Envoy to the Middle East

"Mosen's depictions of life in Israel are vivid and captivating. First Among Nations is an excellent, thought-provoking read." - Senator Joseph Lieberman

"Ira Mosen's fabulous book expertly tells the tale of the young Zionist country with its challenges in cliffhanging fashion with plenty of surprises. You won't want to put this book down!" - Joshua Halickman, SportsRabbi.com, The Jerusalem Post

"The reader will come away with a much better understanding of the complexities of living in a true melting pot, the dangers of anti-Semitism, and the richness gained through understanding and appreciation for one another." ― Phil Markwardt, executive director, Operation Exodus USA

From the Publisher