The Hilltop

by Assaf Gavron

Genres: Jewish Fiction; Literary Fiction

Synopsis

On a rocky, beautiful hilltop stands Ma’aleh Hermesh C, a fledgling community flying under the radar. According to the government it doesn’t exist; according to the military it must be defended. On this contested land, Othniel Assis—under the wary gaze of the neighboring Palestinian village—installs his ever-expanding family. As Othniel manipulates government agencies, more settlers arrive and the outpost takes root.

One of the settlement’s residents is Gabi Kupper. Gabi’s new life are thrown into turmoil with the sudden arrival of Roni, his prodigal brother. To the settlement’s dismay, Roni soon hatches a plan to sell the “artisanal” olive oil from the Palestinian village to Tel Aviv yuppies. When a curious Washington Post correspondent stumbles into their midst, Ma’aleh Hermesh C becomes the focus of an international diplomatic scandal.