Now They Call Me Infidel

NOW THEY CALL MY INFIDEL: Nonie Darwish: Sentinel (Penguin): Biography: 258 pages.

As head of Arabs for Israel, Nonie Darwish has certainly taken an unusual and difficult position for a Muslim woman. Daughter of a high-ranking military officer under Nasser, Nonie’s father was killed by a bomb delivered to his office while serving in Gaza in 1956. Deprived of her father at a young age, Nonie grew up questioning and wondering why her father had to die, why it was glorious to die as a “shahid” as her father had, why dying could be considered better than living? The answers weren’t easy to find in a culture that glorifies jihad against Israel, teaches hate for Jews, and rigidly controls and censors the actions of women. She eventually came to the United States in 1978 but after September 11, 2007, realized she had to speak out about the origins of terrorism in the teachings of Islamic fundamentalists and the propaganda of Middle Eastern dictators.

This is a very readable book. She offers personal and important insights into Middle Eastern and Islamic culture. Along with Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Irshad Manji she asks Muslims to closely examine the teachings of their faith and their national cultures and take a stand for tolerance and peace with other religions and nations.

SH