It is hard to see how anyone can understand contemporary extremist Islam or the Arab-Israeli conflict without some awareness of the central role played by Haj Amin al-Husseini, the mid-20th-century grand mufti of Jerusalem, in the ‘20s, ‘30s, and ‘40s — and, indeed, historians have written a fair amount about his notorious exploits. Yet, in an America where one in four 17-year-olds cannot identify Adolf Hitler on a multiple choice test, it is fair to say that the particulars of al-Husseini’s life remain largely unknown to most people, even those who proffer strong opinions on “why they hate us.” By calling attention to this truly evil man who commanded the loyalty of millions of Arabs and Muslims years before there was an Israel or Palestinian refugees, the authors of “Icon of Evil” have done an important service. The more people who read this book the better.

Rami Evar has his own personal “bucket list,” and investing in a Broadway show was always on it. Israeli-native and Closter resident Evar can now cross that accomplishment off the list of things he wants to do before he kicks the bucket. Evar, his two brothers Moshe and Kel, and other Israeli and non-Israeli friends Avi Oz, Phil Cushmaro, and Joseph Abergel, all from the area, are among the producers of “A Tale of Two Cities,” the lavish Broadway musical that opened last week. According to Evar, the experience of working to promote and market the show has been a treat for himself and his friends.