Paul Luckraft reviews ‘Zionion’ by Steve Maltz (Saffron Planet, 2017).

This is a small book on a big theme: anti-Semitism in all its various forms. Its quirky title (pronounced ‘Zi-onion’) should not detract from the seriousness of its subject matter, nor should its size belittle the importance of its topic, which has been described as ‘the longest hatred’. As Maltz explains, he wrote this book “to expose the layers of hatred, as if peeling an onion, to shed light on the variety of aspects, scenarios and environments that this hatred has infiltrated” (p7).

So, now we know the reason for the title - the unusual conflation of Zion and onion - but what about the peeling process? How does Maltz go about exposing these layers?

The Multi-Headed Hydra

The answer lies in 16 short chapters, each of which outlines one particular area in which anti-Semitism is apparent, and which collectively build up the case that here we have something of major significance - something that is worldwide and endemic - an engineered hatred powered by generations of conditioning.

Maltz starts with the British Government and its post-Balfour failings, then moves on to the Palestinians, and the United Nations with its plethora of resolutions that condemn Israel (many more than those which condemn the rest of the world combined). Maltz concludes that either “Israel is the most evil rogue nation state in the World or there is a conspiracy of nations ‘out to get them’!” (p23).

In 16 short chapters, Maltz builds up the case that anti-Semitism is of major significance – a worldwide, engineered hatred that is endemic.

Later chapters include an examination of anti-Semitic attitudes found in the media, in academia and amongst activists and boycotters. Maltz demolishes the argument that Israel is an ‘apartheid state’ by demonstrating how Arabs have it better in Israel than they would elsewhere, something that a majority of Arabs admit to when surveyed. He also memorably coins the word ‘academonising’ to describe how those with impressive strings of qualifications often unite in their mutual hatred for the Jewish state.

Jihadists and neo-Nazis inevitably each get a chapter, but Maltz also illustrates that some Jews oppose the existence of Israel - usually for theological reasons - and that many Christians also still foster anti-Semitic sentiments, perhaps also for their own faulty theological reasons.

The overall conclusion is that “this multi-headed hydra of hatred against the Jews” (p77) is capable of emerging in many contexts. It is an ancient hostility that will not die. Jews remain hated and feared simply because they are Jews.

As Maltz admits, his book “has only skimmed the surface of the seas of animosity…[but the] objective has simply been to alert people to a massive injustice without laying it on too thickly” (p77).

Web Referencing

One interesting feature of the book is that the endnotes to each chapter consist largely of references to websites and webpages, most of which are independent news sources used to back up the points he makes. By following up each reference, the reader can expand his knowledge and understanding at each point. The book can thus be described as Tardis-like - much bigger on the inside that its outer size suggests.

It may seem tedious to have to keep going to the web to access this extra reading but all the links are also listed together on Maltz’s own website, Saltshakers, making clicking through much easier (though it must be said that some links no longer work).

The quirky title should not detract from the seriousness of the subject matter.

A Note on the Title

By the end, Maltz declares that “Our onion has been well and truly peeled” (p77). However, the onion analogy is not necessary to gain an appreciation of the book and the work Maltz has done in compiling it. It may have been inspirational and helpful for the author and his creative processes, but there is no sense that each layer (chapter) is getting smaller or heading towards a ‘centre’. The book stands on its own terms, and the reader will not be aware of any peeling process, though he may well be led to shed tears at each stage.

At first sight, the title is rather obscure and its pronunciation awkward to work out. Making up a new word for the title of a book can run into difficulty, but the subtitle (‘Why does the world obsess over Israel?’) is helpful in getting us past the cover – which as we know is never the best way to assess a book!

Excellent Value

Overall this slim volume is excellent value and easy to read. It could also be passed on to others whose views need challenging or whose understanding needs stretching. Maltz is an expert in providing assistance in both cases.

In some ways this is a slight diversion from the main themes of the author’s previous books (‘Hebraic Church’, ‘Livin’ The Life’) but these will be picked up again in his next book, Into the Lion’s Den, due out March 2018.

Zionion (80pp) is available from the publisher for £5.