Israela is a novel bout Israel---her history, traditions, her neighbors and her complex social structure as seen through the determination of three women to live "the good life” despite almost constant war. The lives of these women weave around each other mirroring the story of their nation: two peoples---victims and perpetrators of a biblical curse. \tRatiba, a journalist raised for dialogue with the Arabs of Israel, lies about her Jewish heritage, marries an Israeli Arab, turns her back on her culture, and banishes her sister from her life. Over the years, Ratiba and Ibrahim hide the truth from each other, secrets that corrode their marriage. Their daughter marries a Palestinian fighter; their son joins the Israeli army. Ratiba’s sister Orit, feels betrayed by her and exacts retribution with ramifications that exceed her darkest mood. In fact, she woos Ratiba's son from her. She helps him enlist in the Israeli army. Their cousin, Elisheva, devotes her life to the wounded and the dying of the second Israeli Intifada. It is she who provides a bridge between the sisters when Hamzah is brought, lifeless, into her hospital ward. \tI am a director, actor, and teacher of theater. I have lived in Israel intermittently since childhood; have watched as parents send their children off to war, from generation to generation, with no end in sight. \t \t \t