"There is a wall encircling Bethlehem. It is both a reality (made of cement and nine meters high) and a symbol for the life of Palestinian Christians and Muslims: walled, occupied, segregated. In this remarkable book, Munther Isaac takes us behind that wall and offers us a glimpse into things that are generally kept from view. He tells a story that is as compelling as it is heart wrenching, a story that every Christian needs to understand to grasp one seemingly endless conflict in the Middle East."
Gary M. Burge, professor of New Testament and dean of the faculty at Calvin Theological Seminary, author of Whose Land? Whose Promise? What Christians Are Not Being Told About Israel and the Palestinians
"Munther Isaac's book is a heart-rending cry for truth and justice on behalf of the Palestinian church. He tackles head-on the disinformation, ignorance, and terrible misuse of biblical texts that have led to the widespread American evangelical support for the occupation of Palestinian territories and the ongoing oppression of its people. This book should be compulsory reading in all theological seminaries and Bible colleges. Will it disrupt and halt the self-justifying narrative of Christian Zionism? One can only pray that, in God's mercy, it will."
Vinoth Ramachandra, secretary for dialogue and social engagement, International Fellowship of Evangelical Students
"Dr. Isaac claims that he is sharing his life journey, but actually it is a journey of humanity in pursuit of dignity, justice, and peace. In a skillful and passionate manner, the author opens a wide window in the 'wall' so the reader will see both sides. I do hope that this timely book contributes to the bringing together of the three neighbors-Muslims, Christians, and Jews-to build bridges of just peace rather than walls of hatred."
Riad Kassis, director of the Langham Scholars ministry, Langham Partnership
"Munther Isaac is a Palestinian Christian and as such an heir to the unbroken Christian presence in the land of Jesus going back to the early church. In this provocative book, he writes with the passion and urgency of an Old Testament prophet, offering a direct challenge to theologies from the West that have been weaponized against him and others like him in the Holy Land. His words will surely challenge and discomfort many American Christians, but if we are ever to become the makers of peace and the agents of God's kingdom we are called to be, we must learn to listen to prophetic voices outside our own culture and traditions, and especially to the vulnerable, the powerless, and those who seek justice and peace."
Todd Deatherage, cofounder and executive director of the Telos Group
"Munther Isaac's deeply moving The Other Side of the Wall tells his story as a Christian growing up in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem over decades of violence, war, and occupation. The reading of Isaac's Palestinian narrative in no way negates Jewish ties to the land but rather tells an often-unheard side of the story. Isaac's experiences of dehumanization and wrestling with God's purpose for the Palestinian people is one with which Christians around the world must contend. Not only that, Christians often contribute further to the suffering of the Palestinian people by elevating one people group over another. The Other Side of the Wall is a must-read, that even in the midst of great suffering and loss and decades of ongoing occupation, Isaac continues to hold on to hope in Christ. He reminds us that our faith can move mountains, elevate justice, and prepare a path to a better world for Palestinians and all people in the Middle East and the world."
Mae Elise Cannon, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace, author of Social Justice Handbook and Beyond Hashtag Activism
