“The Other”: A Middle Eastern Story by Marina Ergas, Offers a Unique Perspective on History and Humanity
Book Cover
The Author Marina Ergas
The enduring complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict have been explored in countless ways, but rarely through the deeply personal lens offered in Marina Ergas's compelling book, “The Other”: A Middle Eastern Story. This autobiographical account takes readers on a journey through fifty years of the region’s history, revealing the emotional and human dimensions of a struggle often defined by division and dehumanization.
Born in Italy in 1947 to a Sephardic Jewish family with Macedonian, Turkish, and British roots, Marina Ergas moved to Israel on June 7, 1967, just as the Six-Day War was on its third day. Her experiences as a volunteer in a kibbutz and her 40 years as a tour guide in Israel gave her unparalleled access to the complexities of the region's politics, culture, and people. Ergas’s book offers a deeply personal perspective on the conflict, capturing the essence of "the Other"—those often marginalized or dehumanized in the narrative of war and division. As she eloquently states: "Usually, in a conflict, the Other is not taken into account. The Other doesn’t exist, or if he does, he is faceless, emotionless, dehumanized, in order not to feel guilty."
The book, first published in Italian in May 2018 and later in English in October 2020, has received significant recognition for its evocative storytelling and insight. It was awarded the 2019 Lanterna Bianca in the Autobiography category and received an honorable mention in the 2021 Firenze Literary Contest for capturing “the story of a State and a soul from the Six Days War to our days.”
About the Author
Marina Ergas was born in Milan, Italy, in 1947 to a Sephardic Jewish family with a rich heritage spanning Macedonian, Turkish, and British roots. Her life has been defined by exploration, resilience, and an enduring curiosity about the human condition. On June 7, 1967, Ergas moved to Israel, arriving just as the Six-Day War was on its third day. She spent 50 years in the region, where she worked as a tour guide, immersing herself in the diverse cultures of Israel and the Palestinian areas. Fluent in multiple languages, she shared the region’s complex history and rich heritage with countless visitors.
Her professional journey also included time in New York, where she worked as a diamond sorter, and in Sydney, Australia, where she ventured into the world of movie production. On June 7, 2017, exactly 50 years after moving to Israel, Marina relocated to Europe. She now resides in the south of Spain, where she continues to reflect on her extraordinary life and write with the wisdom gained from her global experiences.
Marina Ergas has actively engaged in various promotional efforts to share the message of her book, “The Other”: A Middle Eastern Story. These include:
• YouTube Interview: Featured in an Italian-language interview on YouTube, providing insights into her book and the inspiration behind it.
• Book Presentations: Conducted presentations of the Italian version of her book in Germany, specifically for the Italian community, and in Italy at Teatro Pariente in Milan.
• Educational Outreach: Delivered talks at European high schools in Germany and high schools across Italy, including Milan, Turin, and Rome, where she discussed themes from her book with students.
• Award Recognition: Received prestigious accolades, including a literary prize in Sicily and the "Premio Firenze."
• Event Invitations: Participated in various cultural and literary events in Trento and Bolzano, further amplifying the book's reach and impact.
These activities underscore Marina’s dedication to fostering dialogue and understanding through her deeply personal and reflective narrative.
Recently, Marina Ergas participated in a Prime Seven Media Spotlight interview hosted by Logan Crawford, during which she delved into discussions about her book. (Logan Crawford TV Interview Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1HmpLU7Upc )
Marina Ergas invites readers to explore the complex narratives of the Middle East through her poignant autobiography, “THE OTHER”: A MIDDLE EASTERN STORY. This book is available for purchase at Amazon, or you may click this link https://www.amazon.com/OTHER-MIDDLE-EASTERN-STORY-Other-ebook/dp/B0C1ZX36VP/
Luna Harrington
Prime Seven Media
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WATCH NOW: The Spotlight Network on THE OTHER A MIDDLE EASTERN STORY by Marina Ergas at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1HmpLU7Upc
