How does the author use symbolism in the novel, The Netanyahus?

One example of symbolism in the novel can be found in Netanyahu's shoes, which serve as a symbol of suffering. When Ruben first asks the Netanyahu family to remove their shoes in the house, he immediately notices that Netanyahu is not wearing boots. He also notes that Netanyahu has holes in his socks. Later, while giving Netanyahu a tour, Ruben offers to loan him a pair of galoshes so his feet do not get wet. Netanyahu gets angry, insisting that the Jews walked through snow with rags on their feet during the war. His shoes, therefore, are a sign of the suffering he imposes upon himself.