📖 Overview
Hillel Cohen is an Israeli historian who specializes in Palestinian-Israeli relations and the modern history of the Middle East. He teaches at Hebrew University of Jerusalem and focuses his research on Arab-Jewish relations in Palestine and Israel during the 20th century.
Cohen's work examines complex and controversial topics, particularly Palestinian collaboration with Zionist forces during the British Mandate period. His book "Army of Shadows" documents instances of Palestinians who worked with or supported Zionist organizations between 1917 and 1948.
He has written extensively about Arab Jerusalem and the transformation of Palestinian society under British rule and during the early years of Israeli statehood. His research draws from Hebrew, Arabic, and English archival sources to present detailed accounts of political and social dynamics in historical Palestine.
Cohen's scholarship addresses sensitive subjects within Israeli and Palestinian narratives. His books examine the 1929 riots, the decline of Arab Jerusalem, and the experiences of Palestinians who remained in Israel after 1948.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Cohen's use of primary sources and archival research in documenting historical events. Many note his access to previously unexplored Arabic and Hebrew documents that provide new perspectives on Palestinian-Israeli history. Readers find his detailed accounts of collaboration between Palestinians and Zionist forces informative and well-documented.
Some readers praise Cohen's objective approach to controversial subjects. They note his willingness to challenge both Israeli and Palestinian historical narratives by presenting evidence that complicates simplified versions of events.
Critics argue that Cohen's focus on Palestinian collaboration reinforces negative stereotypes and serves Israeli political interests. Some readers question his interpretation of sources and suggest his work lacks sufficient context for understanding why Palestinians made certain choices during periods of upheaval.
Palestinian readers express concern that Cohen's research portrays Palestinians as disloyal or opportunistic without adequate consideration of the pressures and constraints they faced under British rule and during the establishment of Israel.