Thank you for publishing the article, “Debut Novel by American Oleh Ira Mosen Explores Struggle and Perseverance in the Holy Land,” (October 1, 2020) by Pearl Markovitz, about the recently published work, “First Among Nations.”

As described in your article, “First Among Nations” is a beautiful work of fiction which poignantly follows the lives of three central characters in today’s Israel: the Chiloni, the charedi and the Israeli Arab. Through their own personal struggles, they profoundly affect each other in a way that we can all learn from. This book moved me in a way that I have never been touched by a book since reading Chaim Potok’s “The Chosen.” Much like “The Chosen,” this book depicts the three diverse personalities as they work through their different pasts onto a similar path, towards a common goal. On the surface, it is their love of the game of soccer that ties them together. However, as you read through the book you will see that they share so much more.

I recommend everyone to buy this book. I predict, and hope, that “First Among Nations” will be on the reading curriculum of every English student.