Throughout history, Jews have been targeted for discrimination and violence at nearly every turn. Their frequent flights from persecution and numerous relocations have led them to establish communities in some of the most surprising places. With the founding of Israel in 1948, many of these far flung Jews emigrated, some on their own, some at gunpoint, and others as a result of Israel's  vast rescue program which located scattered Jews—particularly those in peril—and brought them “home” to Zion.

But what of those Jews who chose to stay behind? In Far from Zion, Charles London locates Jewish communities, from Tehran to Bentonville, Arkansas (home to the fastest-growing Jewish community in America), from Bosnia to the hills of Uganda, to understand why they decided to remain in the countries of their birth and what their decision means for Judaism, the Jews, and the world. In their stories he finds hope and argues that peace may lie not in congregating behind national borders, but in the promise of a global community of diverse neighbors, guided  by a unique historical mission.

Juxtaposed with this global story is the author’s own personal journey of religious and cultural discovery. London grew up as a reform Jew, but knew little of Judaism’s history and rituals, and he spent much of his teen years denying his identity. But as he explores widespread Jewish communities navigating their relationship to the larger world, he, too, is forced to grapple with his heritage and his faith and must reconcile his own connection to Zion.