Historian and journalist Annie-Paule Derczansky publishes The Project for a Jewish State and the Great Powers (1848-1948)This book is devoted to the diplomatic and political origins of the creation of the State of Israel. Through nearly a century of history, the author intends to revisit the relations between the Zionist movement and the major European powers using little-used archives and testimonies.
The book traces the evolution of the Zionist project since the mid-19th century, within a context marked by rivalries between the European, Russian, and Ottoman empires. It analyzes the role played by France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Ottoman Empire in the debates that led to the recognition of a Jewish territory, while highlighting the hesitations, promises, and diplomatic reversals of this period.
A historical analysis based on previously unpublished archives
According to Annie-Paule Derczansky, the birth of the State of Israel did not result from a project unanimously supported by Western powers, but from a process often thwarted by their strategic interests. The book also revisits several key figures, including Baron Edmond de Rothschild and Haim Arlozorov, to shed light on the political mechanisms that preceded the creation of the Jewish state.
The author advocates a historical approach based on previously unpublished archives and a desire to capture the complexity of the relationships between Zionist leaders, European chancelleries, and the Arab populations of the time. Her work covers the period from 1848 to 1948 in order to shed long-term light on one of the most debated issues in contemporary history.
A journalist specializing in the Middle East
A former journalist in Israel and at the European Parliament, Annie-Paule Derczansky is also the founding president of the association Les Bâtisseuses de paix (The Builders of Peace) and a columnist on the Arab press for Radio Shalom. Her background informs her work on relations between the Middle East, Europe, and major powers.
Published by Ressouvenances publishing house, The Project for a Jewish State and the Great Powers (1848-1948) It has 338 pages and is priced at 25 euros. The book has been available since June 2026.
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