Unpacking Israeli History

Live with Rachel Goldberg-Polin: Grief, Faith and Hersh

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0000

When Rachel Goldberg-Polin buried her son Hersh, she heard part of herself go into the ground with him. Recorded live before nearly 1,000 people at Temple Judea in Miami, Rachel joins host Noam Weissman to discuss her new memoir, sharing how writing became a way to survive unbearable grief and asking what it means to keep going when the person who was your whole world is gone. Drawing on Jewish theology, Viktor Frankl, and a prophetic journal entry Hersh wrote as a teenager, Rachel wrestles with how hope and despair can coexist.

When We See You Again, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Jon Polin

https://whenweseeyouagainbook.com/

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
https://www.beacon.org/Mans-Search-for-Meaning-P602.aspx

A Fine Line Searching for Balance Among Mountains by Graham Zimmerman

https://www.mountaineers.org/books/books/a-fine-line-searching-for-balance-among-mountains

This episode was sponsored by Neil and Pam Weissman. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Check out this episode on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast is brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Live from London with Scott Galloway: Why the Jewish People Need Better Storytellers

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0000

Scott Galloway is one of the most influential voices in the world. He's a professor, bestselling author, and podcaster with millions of followers. What most people don't know: he's also proudly Jewish. Recorded live in London, Noam sits down with Galloway for a rare, unfiltered conversation about his Jewish awakening after October 7th, why Israel keeps losing the story war, and why he's no longer staying quiet.

Notes on Being a Man by Scott Galloway:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Notes-on-Being-a-Man/Scott-Galloway/9781668084359

No Mercy/No Malice Newsletter, May 2023

https://www.profgalloway.com/storytelling/

How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen, by David Brooks

https://www.amazon.com/How-Know-Person-Seeing-Others/dp/059323006X

This episode was sponsored by Carol and Adam Reich. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What Hasan Piker Got Wrong About Einstein and Zionism

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0000

Hasan Piker weaponized Albert Einstein on Pod Save America to condemn Zionism. But he left out most of the story. Noam addresses Piker's troubling statements about Einstein by tracing his full relationship with Zionism, exposing how a confident but incomplete portrait collapses under the weight of the full historical record.

The Problem with Hasan Piker's Einstein Story, by Yair Rosenberg:

https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/deep-shtetl/

Check out our past episodes of Unpacking Israeli History on topics including Deir Yassin, Hamas, Sabra and Shatila and the Right of Return.

https://unpacked.media/podcast-series/unpacking-israeli-history/

For more on the topic, listen to Jewish History Nerds' recent episode Albert Einstein: Was he a Zionist?

https://unpacked.media/albert-einstein-was-he-a-zionist-part-2/

This episode was sponsored by Travis Terry and Cathy and Barbara Malamut. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Visit jewishlives.org to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.

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For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Israel's Greatest Paradox with Micah Goodman

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0000

Why did Israel's enemies, Sinwar, Khamenei and Nasrallah, all believe Israel was on the verge of collapse? Israeli philosopher Micah Goodman joins Noam to reveal the deep misreading of Israeli society at the heart of that miscalculation. They unpack why Israel's hybrid of radical individualism and fierce collectivism is its greatest strategic asset, and why the world keeps getting it wrong.

Here is a link to Micah Goodman's work:

https://micahgoodman.com/en/books/

Note: This episode was recorded on April 7, 2026, one day before the region reached a fragile ceasefire.

This episode was sponsored by Barbara Sommer & Alan Fisher and Andrea & Larry Gill. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Visit jewishlives.org to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Is Israeli-Palestinian Peace Still Possible? Ittay Flescher Says Yes

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0000

Host Noam Weissman sits down with Ittay Flescher, educator and education director at Seeds of Peace in Jerusalem, for an honest conversation about whether Israeli Palestinian peace is still possible after October 7th. Ittay, author of The Holy and the Broken, walks Noam through the major frameworks for resolving the conflict, from the two state solution to his preferred model, a confederation. Noam presses on trust, polling trends, and the enormous risks any peace proposal carries. Ultimately, this is a conversation that grapples with whether hope, in the face of devastating loss on both sides, is naive or necessary.

Resources for readers of The Holy and the Broken, including where to purchase the book, how to read news from multiple sources, and build communities of dialogue and empathy, are available on Ittay's website at:https://www.ittay.au/what-can-i-do

This episode is dedicated in memory of Armand Lindenbaum, the grandson of Rav Avigdor Amiel, by his wife, Jean, and children, Felice, Amiel, and Ariel Lindenbaum-Sebag.

To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Visit jewishlives.org to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.

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For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Revisiting Osirak: The Airstrike That Shocked the World

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0000

We're revisiting one of our most important episodes: the story of Operation Opera, Israel's 1981 surprise airstrike on Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor, because the questions it raises feel more urgent than ever. As Israel confronts Iran, what do you do about a threat that isn't fully here yet but you believe is coming? Begin faced that exact dilemma, defied the entire world, and established the Begin Doctrine in the process. With Passover approaching, a holiday about the courage to act before it's too late, this one hits differently right now.

Ronen Bergman's Rise and Kill First

Israel’s 2007 submission to the Eurovision competition: Push the Button

Visit jewishlives.org to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.

To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Holy Wars and Sacred Ground: Live from Atlanta with Yardena Schwartz

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:30:00 -0000

In this special live episode from Atlanta, Noam Weissman sits down with journalist and author Yardena Schwartz to explore two of the most contested places on earth: Al-Aqsa and Hebron. Drawing on Yardena's book Ghosts of a Holy War, they unpack six pivotal but underknown moments in the conflict's history, from the 1903 Kishinev pogrom to the 1977 Mahapach. Along the way, they trace how disinformation, religious identity, and competing claims to sacred ground shaped the crisis we see today.

Please follow Yardena Schwartz's website and learn more about Ghosts of a Holy War.

https://www.yardenaschwartz.com/

https://www.instagram.com/yardenas

Filmed live at The Dupree: www.thedupree.org

Visit jewishlives.org to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.

To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media. Check out this episode on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast is brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand

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For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Israel Open Mic: What Does the Shekel Reveal About Israel?

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:30:00 -0000

A listener question about Israel's currency sends Noam on a fascinating journey through Jewish history. From secretly printing Israel's first bills in New York to battling hyperinflation to the surprising decision to put poets on today's shekel. Four currencies, 78 years, and one remarkable story about what a country's money says about its soul.

Here is a link to Jewish History Nerds: The Roman Coins that Celebrated the Fall of Judea

https://unpacked.media/juda-capta-the-roman-coins-that-celebrated-the-fall-of-judea/

Here is a link to the sources used in this episode:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fNCJv2670mWNDgHz5JbLEbgT1MqH4v9yr_CgEH2SxDQ/edit?usp=sharing

This episode was generously sponsored by the Zalik Foundation Junior Board. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Visit jewishlives.org to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.

Check out this episode on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast is brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand

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For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Kibbutz Movement : From Frontier Defense to Modern Israel (Part 2)

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:30:00 -0000

In Part 2 of our series on the history of the kibbutz, Noam Weissman explores how these communal villages helped shape Israel’s borders, identity, and culture. From frontier defense and the battles of 1948 to privatization and change, the kibbutz movement evolved dramatically, yet its core ethos of community and collective responsibility still endures.

Here is the link to learn more about Kibbutzim:

https://kibbutzvolunteers.org.il/program

Here is a link to sources used in the episode:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iROxgkVz-65IRT_DVfmBNEfmxaZLh4V4EbDLXHlPeOg/edit?usp=sharing

This episode was generously sponsored by Friedkin Philanthropies and the Koret Foundation, and is inspired by ISRAEL 21c.

To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Visit jewishlives.org to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.

.-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Iran War Explained with Haviv Rettig Gur

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:30:00 -0000

As war between Israel and Iran intensifies, Noam Weissman sits down with journalist Haviv Rettig Gur to unpack what’s really driving the conflict. Is this about stopping Iran’s nuclear program, American strategy, or Israeli politics? Using a “Pick Your Theory” framework, they examine the biggest explanations, and what this historic moment means for Israel and the Middle East.

This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored in memory of Leo Bernstein and also by Andrea and Larry Gill. If you want to sponsor an episode of Unpacking Israeli History or just say hey, be in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

Visit jewishlives.org to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.

.-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Kibbutz Movement: Israel’s Radical Social Experiment (Part 1)

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:30:00 -0000

What is a kibbutz, and why did it play such an outsized role in Israeli history? In Part 1 of this two-part series, Noam Weissman traces the origins of the kibbutz movement back to Degania, the first kibbutz, founded in 1910 by young Jewish pioneers of the Second Aliyah. He explores the ideals that shaped early kibbutz life—socialism, egalitarianism, collective labor, and a deep connection to the land—along with radical experiments in communal living. This episode examines how the kibbutz helped forge the Zionist “New Jew” and why its legacy still resonates today.

This episode was generously sponsored by Friedkin Philanthropies and the Koret Foundation, and is inspired by ISRAEL 21c.

To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Here is a link to sources used in the episode:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iROxgkVz-65IRT_DVfmBNEfmxaZLh4V4EbDLXHlPeOg/edit?usp=sharing

Visit jewishlives.org to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.

.-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Episode: For Such a Time as This: Purim, Persia, and the Iran War

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:50:00 -0000

Missiles in the sky. Purim on the calendar.

As Israel confronts Iran, Noam steps back from the headlines and turns to the Book of Esther, a story of genocide threatened, courage summoned, and history reversed at just the right moment.

From ancient Persia to October 7th, Jewish history has followed a pattern: catastrophe, response, rebuilding. This episode is not a news update. It is a reflection on timing, resilience, unity, and what it means to live through history.

Do we respond with sackcloth, or with action?

For such a time as this.

To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Visit jewishlives.org to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.

.-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What Became of Zionism?: The History of Israel (Part 5 of 5)

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:30:00 -0000

In the finale of our five-part series on the Jewish people’s ancient relationship to the Land of Israel, we move into the modern era, when Israel’s deepest challenges emerged not only from its borders but from within its own society. Noam traces the political, social, and moral upheavals that reshaped the country, carrying the story into the tensions of recent decades and the trauma and solidarity of October 7th.

Noam reflects on Zionism as an unfinished project; one that calls for renewed purpose, shared responsibility, and the courage to begin again.

Note: This episode was created before the start of the current conflict with Iran.

This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Debra and Avi Naider and Jody and Ari Storch. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Visit jewishlives.org to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.

.-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emergency Episode: Inside the Attack on Iran with Avi Melamed

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 21:28:00 -0000

In this special episode, Noam Weissman sits down with Middle East expert and former Israeli intelligence official Avi Melamed to unpack the forces driving the Israel–Iran–U.S. confrontation. From the Sunni–Shiite split to Iran’s 1979 Islamic takeover, Avi explains how theology, grievance, and ideology shaped the Islamic Republic. He explores how Tehran’s proxy network, from Hezbollah to the Houthis, turned the Israeli–Palestinian conflict into a driver of regional escalation. They also confront the urgent question: What happens next?

The New York Times article:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/02/25/opinion/iran-protests-doctors.html

Inside the Middle East:

https://insidethemiddle-east.com/intelligence-experiences-meet-avi-melamed/

This episode is dedicated in memory of Armand Lindenbaum, the grandson of Rav Avigdor Amiel, by his wife, Jean, and children, Felice, Amiel, and Ariel Lindenbaum-Sebag

Visit jewishlives.org to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.

.-------------------

Visit ⁠jewishlives.org/⁠ to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

When Zionism Became a State: The History of Israel (Part 4 of 5)

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:30:00 -0000

The dream came true. And then reality arrived.

In the 4th episode of our epic series tracing the Jewish relationship to the Land of Israel, Zionism shifts from vision to governance as Israel fights to survive. Noam Weissman explores the country’s turbulent early decades, absorbing waves of immigrants, forging a new national identity, and confronting wars that reshaped the region and tested the dream.

This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Debra and Avi Naider and Jody and Ari Storch. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Visit jewishlives.org to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.

.-------------------

Visit jewishlives.org/ to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Formation of "Modern" Zionism: The History of Israel (Part 3 of 5)

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:30:00 -0000

As the modern world takes shape, the Jewish longing for Zion turns political. In Part 3 of this five-part series on the history of Israel, Noam Weissman explores how Zionism becomes a bold answer to an ancient question: what would it mean to go home? By 1948, that question becomes a state, reshaping history.

This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Debra and Avi Naider and Jody and Ari Storch. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

.-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

When Zionism Went Into Exile: The History of Israel (Part 2 of 5)

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:30:00 -0000

After the Second Temple falls in 70 CE, the Jewish story shifts from sovereignty to survival--and Zion becomes a memory carried through exile. In Part 2 of this five-part series on the history of Israel, Noam Weissman traces the path from the Bar Kokhba revolt and Rome’s crushing response to the rise of rabbinic Judaism, the Talmud, and the rituals that kept Jerusalem alive in daily Jewish life. From Jewish life under early Islam through the trauma of the Crusades and centuries of persecution, a radical idea quietly takes hold: Zion is not only a direction of prayer, but a destination—first imagined by mystics and dreamers

This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Debra and Avi Naider and Jody and Ari Storch. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

.-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Before Zionism Had A Name: The History of Israel (Part 1 of 5)

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:30:00 -0000

Zionism didn’t begin in the 19th century. It didn’t start with pamphlets, politics, or Theodor Herzl. In Episode 1 of a five-part series, Noam Weissman goes back—way back—to uncover the prehistory of an idea, tracing how Zion became more than geography or borders. Long before modern ideology, it was a promise, a memory, and a direction Jews faced even when they were nowhere near it. This isn’t a political argument—it’s the opening chapter of a much older story. And it’s only the beginning.

This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Debra and Avi Naider and Jody and Ari Storch. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

.-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IsraAid After October 7: An Unprecedented Humanitarian Mission in Israel and Gaza (Part 2)

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:30:00 -0000

In Part 2 of this two-part Unpacking Israeli History series on Israeli humanitarian aid, Noam Weissman follows IsraAid as it responds to the trauma and displacement inside Israel after October 7—building emergency schools, delivering psychological first aid, and supporting devastated communities. Then the story turns to an unprecedented chapter: IsraAid quietly helping facilitate aid and essential services for civilians in Gaza, navigating Israeli security concerns, international NGO bureaucracy, and the moral complexity of war. It’s a revealing look at Israeli civil society at work—and what it means to try to save lives when politics can’t.

Here are sources used for this episode:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zx3FMR5-i_LU68qikZXnhU-8lOkV2jAspDU5Fyix2PE/edit?tab=t.byua9hckht

This episode was generously sponsored by Friedkin Philanthropies and the Koret Foundation, and is inspired by ISRAEL 21c.

To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Why Does Israel Rush into Disaster Zones? IsraAid and Soft Diplomacy (Part 1)

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:30:00 -0000

After October 7, stories about Israeli humanitarian aid can sound like hasbara—a Hebrew term for public diplomacy or advocacy meant to improve Israel’s image. So in Part 1 of this two-part series, Noam Weissman asks a harder question: why does Israel keep rushing into disaster zones, often at real risk and with little strategic payoff? The episode traces Israel’s early “soft diplomacy” under Ben-Gurion and Golda Meir, then turns to IsraAid, Israel’s leading humanitarian NGO, through its work in drought-stricken Kenya and a daring evacuation during Afghanistan’s 2021 collapse. Next week, the story continues when Noam explores what happens when Israeli aid enters Gaza—and the moral and societal tensions that follow.

Here are sources used for this episode:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zx3FMR5-i_LU68qikZXnhU-8lOkV2jAspDU5Fyix2PE/edit?tab=t.byua9hckht

This episode was generously sponsored by Friedkin Philanthropies and the Koret Foundation, and is inspired by ISRAEL 21c.

To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hard Conversations About Israel: 4 Real-Life Case Studies with Toba Hellerstein (Part 2)

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:30:00 -0000

In this follow-up conversation, Noam Weissman and emotional attunement expert Toba Hellerstein move from theory to practice—using real-world case studies to explore how people are actually talking about Israel right now. Drawing on listener emails and educator questions, they tackle common scenarios like responding to social media posts about “ending the occupation,” navigating influential podcasts, addressing concerns about Gaza without triggering antisemitic labels, and supporting Jewish students under campus pressure. The focus isn’t on winning arguments, but on emotional regulation, trust, and creating space for nuance in conversations where people are really asking: am I safe, do I belong, and do I matter?

Here's a link to Part 1:

Facts vs. Feelings: Rethinking how we talk about Israel with Toba Hellerstein

https://sapirjournal.org/authors/toba-hellerstein/

This episode is in memory of Leo Bernstein. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Israel Open Mic: What Does “Israel’s Right to Exist” Mean?

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:30:00 -0000

In this Open Mic episode, Noam responds to a listener, Aviva's question: what does it even mean to say “Israel has a right to exist”—and who gets to decide that “right”? Noam argues that the debate is really about Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. He makes the case that the more urgent conversation is about how Israel exists, not whether it exists. The episode uses the 2025 NYC mayoral debate as a jumping-off point to explore Jewish peoplehood, modern self-determination, and double standards.

This episode is generously sponsored by Debra and Avi Naider and Andrea & Larry Gill.

To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ma'alot Revisited: When Terrorists Came for the Children

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:30:00 -0000

Noam revisits one of the most devastating episodes in Israeli history—the 1974 Ma’alot school hostage massacre—and explains why, after October 7, this story feels more urgent and unbearable than ever. What began as a joyful field trip marking Israel’s 26th birthday—over a hundred religious high school students exploring northern Israel—turned into a nightmare when three Palestinian terrorists crossed in from Lebanon. This episode tells the story of Ma’alot in all its horror and bloodshed, but also in its defiance and resilience—a reminder that even in the darkest moments, every hour of life matters.

This episode was generously sponsored by Pam and Neil Weissman. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast is brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Intelligence Operations that Shaped Israel’s Story with Ronen Bergman, LIVE in LA

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:56:00 -0000

How do you get people who don’t talk to talk? In this special live Unpacking Israeli History, Noam Weissman sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and Israeli intelligence expert Ronen Bergman (author of Rise and Kill First) for a smart, funny, and deeply human look at the Mossad, Shin Bet, and Israel’s security establishment. Recorded in front of a packed audience at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, Bergman explains how he persuaded hundreds of operatives to open up, why secrecy and ego can be dangerous, and why he believes Israel’s real “secret weapon” is democracy and accountability. Then, the discussion turns to the hardest question of all—how October 7 happened—through the lens of misread signals, misallocated attention, and hubris. It's a conversation that’s messy, meaningful, and genuinely accessible.

Ronen Bermgan writes for the New York Times and Yedioth Ahronoth.

He is the author of Rise and Kill First The Secret History of Israel's Targeted Assassinations

To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Check out this episode on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Bondi Beach Massacre and the Meaning of Peoplehood

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Complete our 2025 survey: ⁠⁠https://unpacked.bio/uihsurvey⁠⁠

Help us take Unpacked podcasts further by supporting our crowdfunding campaign: ⁠⁠https://unpacked.bio/podgift2025

In the wake of the Bondi Beach massacre, Noam tells three Hanukkah stories about Jews choosing light anyway, a menorah in Bergen-Belsen, hostages lighting candles in captivity, and a defiant window in Nazi Germany.
Then an epilogue from Billings, Montana, when a community answered antisemitism with thousands of menorahs in their windows. Noam’s request is simple: light a candle, take a picture, send it in, and help push back the dark.

To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

When Sadat Came to Jerusalem (re-release)

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:30:00 -0000

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Book for the Jerusalem Marathon "Return, Reconnect, and Run for Resilience" tour: sababatravel.com

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In a moment when debates feel existential, it’s worth remembering that history can still turn sharply. That’s why we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes: the story of the weekend Anwar Sadat came to Jerusalem.

November 19, 1977. It was perhaps the most unusual Shabbat in Israel’s history. Because after the havdala service, Israeli families glued themselves to their TVs or radios, waiting anxiously for a visitor they never dreamed would arrive. Anwar Sadat, President of Egypt, had come to Jerusalem to speak of peace. What happened next changed the Middle East forever.

Here are the sources used in this episode:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VLl6H1mbapNkhWq8aNnMFylTQ9w__9WDxIsqvlniORs/edit?usp=sharing

This episode is generously sponsored by Barbara Sommer and Alan Fisher.

To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Hebron Massacre and the Myths Fueling Today’s Conflict — with Yardena Schwartz (Part 2)

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:30:00 -0000

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Noam Weissman talks with journalist and author Yardena Schwartz about her book Ghosts of a Holy War and how the 1929 Hebron massacre helped ignite the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They trace the century-long thread of the cry “Al-Aqsa is in danger”—how Grand Mufti Hajj Amin al-Husseini weaponized it in 1929, tied it to his alliance with Nazi Germany, and how those myths continue to fuel violence from the Hebron riots to the Second Intifada to Hamas’s “Al-Aqsa Flood.” Along the way, they explore Hebron’s sacred place in Jewish history, the trauma of 1929, the rise of the settlement movement, the Jewish underground’s plan to bomb the Dome of the Rock, and Baruch Goldstein’s 1994 attack. They end in present-day Hebron—H1 and H2—meeting Palestinians and Israelis who still believe a different future is possible.

Here is a link to Ghosts of a Holy War, The 1929 Massacre in Palestine That Ignited the Arab-Israeli Conflict, by Yardena Schwarz.

This episode is in memory of Leo M. Bernstein. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Revisiting the Hebron Massacre: Myths and Their Deadly Repercussions (Part 1)

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:30:00 -0000

This week, we’re revisiting one of the most overlooked yet consequential chapters in the Arab–Israeli conflict: the 1929 Hebron Massacre. In just two days, 67 Jews were murdered and an ancient community was destroyed—all sparked by a lie about Jewish plans to take over Al-Aqsa, a false rumor whose fear and fury have echoed for generations. Understanding this story is essential to understanding the region itself.

We’re re-releasing this episode now because next week, Noam sits down with journalist and author Yardena Schwartz, author of Ghosts of a Holy War, to explore Hebron’s past and present, and how the mythology surrounding Al-Aqsa continues to shape the conflict in profound ways.

This episode, first released in Season 3, is generously sponsored by Liz and Moshe Neiman. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

Here are links to the sources used in this episode:

Unpacking Israeli History about Black Saturday: https://jewishunpacked.com/black-saturday-how-far-would-you-go-for-a-homeland/

Unpacking Israeli History about UN Resolution 3379: https://jewishunpacked.com/is-zionism-racism-un-resolution-3379/

Once Upon a Country: A Palestinian Life, Sari Nusseibeh

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Amin-al-Husayni

https://www.britannica.com/topic/mufti

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/hajj-amin-al-husayni-the-mufti-of-jerusalem

A History of Israel, From the Rise of Zionism to Our Time, Howard Sachar

Righteous Victims: A History of the Zionist-Arab Conflict, 1881-1998, Benny Morris

One Palestine, Complete: Jews and Arabs Under the British Mandate, Tom Segev

Reapproaching Borders: New Perspectives on the Study of Israel-Palestine, Sandy Sufian and Mark Levine

https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/1929-hebron-massacre-begins-1.5427655

https://www.jpost.com/features/in-thespotlight/this-week-in-history-the-1929-hebron-massacre

Israel: A History, Martin Gilbert

The Claim of Dispossession, Aryeh Avneri

Year after the Riots: American Responses to the Palestine Crisis of 1929-30, Naomi Cohen

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015066430987&view=1up&seq=7&skin=2021, The Shaw Report

https://www.jta.org/archive/testimony-of-orphaned-jewish-children-moves-hebron-court

Year Zero of the Arab-Israeli Conflict 1929, Hillel Cohen

http://en.jabotinsky.org/media/9747/the-iron-wall.pdf

https://www.sefaria.org/topics/mashiach?tab=sources

https://hebronfund.org/the-return-to-hebron-1967/

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

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Israel Open Mic: Understanding the Green Line and Israel’s Presidency

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:30:00 -0000

In this Israel Open Mic episode, Noam answers two listener questions: What is the Green Line, really? And why does Israel have a President if the Prime Minister holds the power? He breaks down the history behind Israel’s 1949 Armistice Line, its role before and after 1967, and why it still shapes debates today. Then he explains the surprisingly limited—but symbolically important—role of Israel’s President. Clear, concise, and driven by your questions.

Click here for the source used in this episode.

This episode is generously sponsored in honor of Dr. Andrew and Marci Spitzer.

To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email

noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

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30 Years After Rabin with Haviv Rettig Gur (Part 2)

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:30:00 -0000

Thirty years after Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination, Noam Weissman sits with Journalist Haviv Rettig Gur to unpack what changed on November 4, 1995—and what didn’t. Was Oslo doomed, or did Rabin’s murder briefly revive it? How did incitement shape the 1990s—and how is Rabin taught (or not) in Israeli schools today? We revisit Rabin the general and statesman, the rise of Netanyahu-era politics, and why Left/Right labels no longer map cleanly onto Israeli life.

This episode was sponsored by Debra and Avi Nader and in memory of Leo M. Bernstein.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

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Remembering Yitzhak Rabin on the 30th Anniversary of His Assassination (re-release ) Part 1

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:30:00 -0000

Thirty years after Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated at a peace rally in Tel Aviv, we revisit one of the most defining moments in Israeli history. Originally released in Season 1, this episode now features new reflections from host Noam Weissman. It traces Rabin’s journey from Palmach fighter to Oslo peace architect, explores the divisions and extremism that led to his murder, and asks: did the assassination kill the peace process—or was it already doomed?
This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Next week, Noam sits down with journalist Haviv Rettig Gur to explore how Israel has changed, and stayed the same in the thirty years since Rabin’s assassination.

This episode is generously sponsored by Dr. Neil and Pam Weissman.

Note: This episode was originally produced by Rachel Kastner with research and writing by Avi Pozen, Akiva Potok and Yitz Brilliant. Edited by Rob Pera.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

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Eli Sharabi: Surviving Hamas and Choosing Life

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:30:00 -0000

In one of the most powerful episodes of Unpacking Israeli History, host Noam Weissman sits down with Eli Sharabi, survivor of 491 days as a Hamas hostage, to share his story of faith, endurance, and unimaginable loss. In his bestselling memoir Hostage, Eli recounts life 50 meters underground—facing starvation and terror while clinging to small acts of hope.

He speaks about refusing to abandon his Jewish identity, finding strength through prayer, and rebuilding life after learning his wife and two daughters were murdered on October 7 and burying his brother, murdered in Hamas captivity. Eli’s message—for Jews and non-Jews alike—is clear: stand united against terror, confront ignorance with truth, and never let despair win.

Hostage, by Eli Sharabi

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

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How It Feels to be Israeli Right Now: A Conversation with Sarah Tuttle-Singer

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 20:30:00 -0000

So much of what we read about Israel is politics and war. But this episode explores a different angle: what does it feel like to live through this moment? Noam sits down with writer and Times of Israel editor Sarah Tuttle-Singer, author of Jerusalem Drawn and Quartered, for a raw, empathetic conversation about daily life in Jerusalem after October 7. They talk about euphoria and grief around hostage returns, the “toxic resilience” many Israelis carry, and the small acts of kindness that still break through. Sarah describes how she vacillates between hope and rage and urges American Jews to come visit Israel to talk a wide-range of people and experience what life is really like.

This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Debra and Avi Naider.

BREAKING: Deep Concern Grows for Susan Sarandon, Mark Ruffalo, and Roger Waters

https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/author/sarah-tuttle-singer/

Jerusalem, Drawn and Quartered: One Woman's Year in the Heart of the Christian, Muslim, Armenian, and Jewish Quarters of Old Jerusalem

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

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An Empty Chair for 251 Hostages: Two Years After October 7

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Two years after October 7, 2023, host Noam Weissman reflects on how Israel—and he himself—have been haunted by absence and by loss. Now the last living hostages are home and a ceasefire begins. Noam shares the story of an empty chair at his family’s Shabbat table. The chair began as a symbol of hope for the 251 hostages. It became a mirror of a nation’s grief, endurance, and faith that “a new day will rise.”

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

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Two Years Since October 7th: A Conversation with Amir Tibon (Re-release)

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:30:00 -0000

It's been two years since October 7, 2023—the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. To commemorate, Noam revisits a powerful conversation (originally aired on Wondering Jews) with award-winning journalist Amir Tibon, author of The Gates of Gaza and a survivor of the attack on Kibbutz Nahal Oz. They discuss the day itself, Noam Tibon’s rescue, the ongoing hostage crisis, and what heroism, memory, and rebuilding means for Israel and the Jewish world.

The Gates of Gaza⁠

⁠One Day in October

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

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Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib: Palestinian Statehood and the Power of Recognition

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Gaza-born activist Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib joins Noam Weissman for the series finale and a fierce, heartfelt debate on Palestinian statehood. While they grapple with the meaning and limits of Palestinian statehood, Ahmed shares his vision of “radical pragmatism,” shifting from resistance to nation-building. Ahmed and Noam take a look back at the history and possible transitional paths forward in a conversation grounded in friendship and a shared hope for dignity and security for both peoples.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

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Einat Wilf: Palestinian Statehood and Why Peace Failed

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Noam Weissman sits down with Dr. Einat Wilf — former Knesset member, public intellectual, and one of Israel’s sharpest voices — for a provocative conversation about Palestinian statehood. Once a passionate believer in Oslo’s “land for peace,” Wilf’s experiences led her from optimism to skepticism about whether a two-state solution is possible. She argues the conflict is rooted not in borders or land swaps but in the refusal to accept Jewish sovereignty.

Noam presses Einat on Gaza disengagement, partition, competing ideas of justice in a conversation that challenges simple assumptions and forces listeners to rethink what peace, recognition, and sovereignty really mean.

This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously in honor of Dr. Andrew and Marci Spitzer.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Samer Sinijlawi: Building Palestinian Statehood from the Ground Up

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:30:00 -0000

In our two-part series on Palestinian statehood, we traced the history and politics behind decades of failed attempts. But for Palestinian activist and political leader Samer Sinijlawi, the real story isn’t just about UN votes or diplomatic resolutions. It’s about whether Palestinians and Israelis can build a shared future with their own hands. In this candid conversation, Noam and Samer explore why lasting peace must be created from within, and why he still believes it’s possible.

This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously in honor of Dr. Andrew and Marci Spitzer. If you want to sponsor an episode of Unpacking Israel History or even just say what's up, be in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Michael Koplow: The Broken History and Fragile Future of Palestinian Statehood

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:30:00 -0000

In this bonus episode, Noam talks with Michael Koplow, chief policy officer at the Israel Policy Forum. Michael traces the history of Palestinian statehood efforts, explains why each one failed, and shares why he doubts the UN’s recent recognition vote will change realities on the ground. Still, he hasn’t given up on two states, and he has devoted his career to making it happen.

This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored in honor of Andrea and Larry Gill. If you want to sponsor an episode of Unpacking Israel History or even just say what's up, be in touch at ⁠noam@unpacked.media⁠.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Palestinian Statehood: Why Peace Failed (1967 to 2025) Part 2

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:30:00 -0000

In Part 2 in a series on Palestinian statehood, Noam Weissman picks up in 1967, showing how the Six Day War reset borders and assumptions—sparking debates over land, security, and sovereignty. From Oslo to the Second Intifada, Gaza disengagement to October 7, 2023, the episode traces failed peace efforts, missed opportunities, and deepening mistrust.

With a growing number of countries now pushing recognition of Palestine at the UN General Assembly, the conversation turns to what truly defines a state—and what recognition would (or wouldn’t) change.

Featuring Einat Wilf, Samer Sinijlawi, Ahmed Fouad Al-Khatib, and Michael Koplow, it explores past offers, critical mistakes, and the conditions needed for a real two-state solution.

⁠Here⁠ is link to the sources used in this episode.

This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored in honor of Dr. Andrew and Marci Spitzer. If you want to sponsor an episode of Unpacking Israel History or even just say what's up, be in touch at ⁠noam@unpacked.media⁠.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Palestinian Statehood: Why It Never Happened (1918 to 1967) Part 1

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Why did Israel become a state but Palestine didn’t? Now that a rising number of nations, including Britain and France, have announced that they plan to recognize Palestinian Statehood at the United Nations General Assembly, that question feels more urgent than ever.

In Part One of this two-part series, Noam Weissman takes a look back at the decades from WWI to 1967. The episodes explores how the Yishuv built the foundations of a Jewish state, why Palestinian leadership faltered, and how Egypt and Jordan sidelined Palestinian statehood.

Featuring insights from Einat Wilf, Samer Sinijlawi, Ahmed Fouad Al-Khatib, and Michael Koplow, this episode unpacks the roots of a struggle still dominating today’s headlines.

Here is link to the sources used in this episode.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Live from New York with Dan Senor: The Pursuit of Peace

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:30:00 -0000

BOOK NOW FOR OUR LA SHOW - Nov 12 at Sinai Temple with special guest Ronen Bergman. Last stop for 2025! Use the coupon code UIH20 to get a discount on your tickets: ⁠https://unpacked.bio/UIHLA25⁠

Host Noam Weissman sits down with Call Me Back host Dan Senor in a special live episode recorded before a sold-out crowd of nearly 1,000 at New York’s iconic 92NY. Two of today’s leading voices on Israel come together for a fast-paced, four-part conversation—revisiting the peace process, highlighting unsung heroes, and wrestling with the toughest questions facing Israel nearly two years after October 7.

https://www.dansenor.com/callmeback

This very special live episode is generously sponsored by our friends at the Natan Fund, Andrea and Larry Gill, Jody and Ari Storch, and the Lindenbaum family.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Reflections on Charlie Kirk

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Noam Weissman reflects on the Charlie Kirk assassination and what Israeli history—from Rabin to Gaza—teaches about polarization, sacred listening, and building a culture of principled, nonviolent disagreement.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media. Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Is it Genocide? The Gaza War Debate with Historian Gil Troy

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Is Israel committing genocide in Gaza? Host Noam Weissman and historian Gil Troy dive into the explosive debate in an important and difficult conversation. They break down the legal definition of genocide, the role of intent, and how this differs from war crimes. From the IDF’s principle of purity of arms to heated political rhetoric, Gil and Noam explore whether Israel is living up to its ideals while fighting for survival.

Here is a link to Gil Troy's website and work: https://giltroy.com/ including The Essential Guide to October 7th and its Aftermath: Facts, Figures and History.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Neturei Karta: Haredi Jews who reject the State of Israel

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Who are the Neturei Karta? A recent Humans of New York article brought the fringe sect of ultra-Orthodox, anti-Zionist Jews into the spotlight. Now Noam Weissman explains the history of this tiny movement, which rejects the State of Israel and ally with its worst enemies. Noam explores why he and so many Jews are enraged by the Neturei Karta, who engage in anti-Jewish hatemongering. The Neturei Karta continue to grab outsized attention. But their story is one that touches on questions of Jewish unity, identity, and betrayal.

Here are the sources used in this episode.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facts vs. Feelings: Rethinking How We Talk About Israel with Toba Hellerstein

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:30:00 -0000

What wins hearts and minds — facts, or feelings? This week, Noam Weissman sits down with Toba Hellerstein, author of American Perceptions of Jews and Israel and a leading expert on antisemitism, diplomacy, and narrative strategy. Together, they unpack why Israel advocacy so often falls flat. From the meaning of Zionism to the archetypes of “king,” “victim,” and “antihero,” this conversation reframes how Jews (and their allies) should talk about Israel in a world flooded with images, emotions, and outrage.

Here is a link to Toba Hellertsein's article in the Sapir Journal that inspired this episode: Actually, Feelings Don’t Care About Your Facts.

Go to Attunenow.org to download the full study on Perceptions of Jews and Israel.

Here is a link to Unpacking Israeli History: Sabra and Shatila: What happened and why it matters.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media. Your questions might be included in part 2 of this episode.

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Hilltop Youth and Settler Violence with Yirmiyahu Danzig (Part 2)

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:30:00 -0000

In Part 2 of a series on settler violence, Noam Weissman talks with Yirmiyahu Danzig (@that_semite) about the Hilltop Youth, Palestinian life in Area C, and the narratives behind the headlines. From Gaza disengagement trauma to price tag attacks, this episode explores why this “fringe of a fringe” matters for Israel’s future.

You can watch Yirmiyahu's videos on Unpacked's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube channel⁠.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Settler Violence: Hard Truths with Haviv Rettig Gur (Part 1)

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Noam Weissman sits down with journalist Haviv Rettig Gur to tackle one of the most heated topics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: settler violence. Who are the “Hilltop Youth,” the fringe group accused of a kind of terrorism targeting Palestinian civilians? And is settler violence a widespread threat or a statistically small — but politically explosive — phenomenon? Noam and Haviv break down the history, the impact, the numbers and the narratives, offering context you won’t find in the headlines.

Credit for the quote from Rabbi Soloveitchik goes to Rabbi Bernie Fox in his book, Chidushim on Sefer Bamidbar.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media. Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fallout: How the Suez Crisis Rewired the Middle East Forever (Part 3)

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:30:00 -0000

In the explosive finale of our 3-part series on the Suez Crisis, Noam Weissman unpacks the hidden aftershocks of Israel’s most underrated war. This episode reveals how the 1956 Sinai Campaign reshaped global alliances and Middle East power dynamics; from a swift IDF victory to a humiliating Anglo-French retreat, from Soviet nuclear threats to America’s diplomatic power play. Listen to first-hand accounts of the brutal expulsion of Egyptian Jews triggered by the Suez Crisis. This is not just a war story—it’s a turning point in Jewish, Israeli, and world history.

Here's a link to Jean Naggar's memoir ⁠Sipping from the Nile: My Exodus from Egypt.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media. Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Combustion: The Secret Pact that Ignited the Suez War (Part 2)

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:30:00 -0000

This week, Part 2 of our Suez Crisis trilogy dives into the explosive events of 1956: Nasser nationalizes the Suez Canal, enraging Britain and France. Behind closed doors, the three powers—Israel, Britain, and France—draft a secret plan to launch a war on Egypt. From daring Israeli paratrooper raids in the Sinai to the storming of Sharm el-Sheikh, this episode unpacks the bold, complex, and controversial campaign that reshaped the region. Featuring secret diplomacy, battlefield drama, and the high-stakes politics of empire, "Combustion" is a story you won’t forget.

Click ⁠here⁠ for the sources used in this episode.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media. Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Israel’s Forgotten War: The Suez Crisis (Part I)

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Unpacking Israeli History kicks off a gripping 3-part series on the 1956 Suez Crisis—Israel’s most overlooked war. In Part I, Noam Weissman unpacks the roots of this conflict: from Nasser’s pan-Arabism and fedayeen attacks to Israel’s bold doctrine of “escalation dominance.” But this isn’t just a Cold War drama. It’s the war that set the stage for the Six-Day War and forged the stormy yet defining alliance between Israel and the United States; a turning point in Israeli and Middle Eastern history that still echoes today.

Here is a link to Arabs and Israelis: Conflict and Peacekeeping in the Middle East.

Click here for all the sources used in this episode.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media. Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Live from Chicago with Michael Oren: Reimagining Israel’s Story

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Unpacking Israeli History goes live in Chicago! Join host Noam Weissman and historian, statesman, and bestselling author Michael Oren for an extraordinary conversation on Israel’s Rubicon moments, missed opportunities, and the decisions that shaped the Jewish state. From 1948 to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, discover the pivotal stories behind Israeli history—recorded live with a packed audience.

Click here to check out our latest merch.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media. Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠

1948 Exodus: The Birth of Israel and the Refugee Crisis (Part 2)

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:30:00 -0000

This week, host Noam Weissman explores the heated debate over the right of return in part 2 in a series on the origins of the Palestinian refugee crisis. Noam traces how the 1948 War of Independence created a massive exodus that still fuels conflict today. The episode covers key historical events and examines the moral and historical complexities Israelis and Palestinians rarely confront. Discover why six million Palestinians are still considered refugees—and why this unresolved chapter shapes the struggle over Israel’s identity and survival.

Click ⁠here ⁠for sources used in the episode.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠

Who Has the Right to Return? The History of Palestinian Refugees (Part 1)

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:15:00 -0000

Host Noam Weissman dives into one of the most emotionally and politically charged topics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: the Right of Return. Noam breaks down key historical events and grapples with tough questions: Was the Palestinian exodus of 1947–1948 a planned expulsion or a tragic byproduct of war? The first installment in this two-part series on the rise of Palestinian refugees explores the power of language, national narratives, and competing historical traumas with both facts and nuance.

Click here for sources used in the episode.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠

Dreaming of Iran: A Conversation with Writer Roya Hakakian

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Host Noam Weissman sits down with acclaimed Iranian-American writer Roya Hakakian to trace the complex and often misunderstood history of Persian Jewry. Roya shares her personal story growing up Jewish in Iran before and after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, explores why the country shifted from relative tolerance to theocratic repression, and reflects on why millions of Iranians today remain deeply secular despite their fundamentalist regime. Noam and Roya discuss why Iranian society feels poised for change—and why history teaches us that no regime lasts forever.

Here is a link to Roya Hakakian's homepage, bio and work.

Here is a link to Roya Hakakian's memoir, Journey from the Land of No: A Girlhood Caught in Revolutionary Iran.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Israel vs. Iran: A War of Ideas with Dr. Tal Becker

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 09:30:00 -0000

As a ceasefire takes tentative hold, host Noam Weissman sits down with Dr. Tal Becker — former Israeli peace negotiator and legal advisor — to unpack the complex war between Israel and Iran. Dr. Becker offers critical insight into Iran’s theology, the distinction between preemptive and preventive strikes, and why this war is less about bombs and more about values, narratives, and identity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the deeper stakes of the Israel-Iran conflict.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dimona: Israel’s “Secret” Nuclear Option [Updated]

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:30:00 -0000

As tensions erupt between Israel and Iran, we revisit one of our most powerful episodes: the secret story of Dimona, Israel’s nuclear program. In this updated re-release, Noam Weissman explores how Israel became a covert nuclear power, the role of France and the U.S., and the enduring policy of amimut—nuclear ambiguity. Why has Israel never officially confirmed it has the bomb? And how does that decision shape today's existential threat from Iran? This episode offers vital context for understanding the current war, Zionism’s survival logic, and the ethical and strategic dilemmas that come with nuclear power in the Middle East.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Living Through History: Zionism, War, and Jewish Destiny

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:30:00 -0000

In this special episode of Unpacking Israeli History, Noam Weissman breaks from the usual format to reflect on what it means to live through history as a Jew, a Zionist, and an Israeli ally. With biblical insight, historical depth, and cultural clarity, he unpacks the meaning of Zionism amidst war with Iran, rising global antisemitism, and media distortion. From Operation Am K’Lavi (“Rising Lion”) to the legacy of Jewish resilience, this episode is a meditation on Jewish survival, pride, and the sacred responsibility to write—not just endure—our own history.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

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For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠

Israel Under Fire: Rivky’s Dispatch & The Birth of the Begin Doctrine (updated)

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:30:00 -0000

In this special episode of Unpacking Israeli History, host Noam Weissman shares a conversation with producer Rivky Stern, who unexpectedly finds herself in Israel with her young family as war with Iran breaks out. Rivky reflects on the emotional and psychological toll of daily life under rocket threat, offering a raw and deeply personal perspective from inside a conflict zone. Then, Noam revisits the legendary 1981 Israeli strike on Iraq’s nuclear reactor—Operation Osirak—and explores the moral dilemmas, strategic brilliance, and long-lasting impact of what became known as the Begin Doctrine. Together, these two stories—one unfolding in real time, the other historic—highlight the enduring challenges and guiding principles behind Israel’s defense of its people.

Ronen Bergman's Rise and Kill First

Israel’s 2007 submission to the Eurovision competition: Push the Button

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facing an Existential Threat: Why Israel Struck Iran Now with Yaakov Katz

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 18:45:00 -0000

In this urgent crossover episode of Unpacking Israeli History and Wondering Jews, host Noam Weissman is joined by military analyst and author Yaakov Katz to break down Israel’s unprecedented airstrike on Iranian nuclear and military targets. As events unfold in real time, they explore the historical roots, strategic timing, and existential stakes of the operation—drawing connections to Israel’s past strikes in Iraq (1981) and Syria (2007). From Mossad tactics to regional geopolitics, this episode offers crucial insight into a defining moment for Israel, Zionism, and Jewish survival.

Update: War with Iran is ongoing, including a wave of ballistic missiles launched at Israel following this recording.

Click here to read more about Yaakov Katz and his work.

Yaakov Katz is the author of books, including: Shadow Strike, Inside Israel's Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power and While Israel Slept with Amir Bohbot.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

Correction: Ayatollah Khomeini was the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠

Truth vs. Myth in Israeli History with Haviv Rettig Gur (Part 2)

Tue, 27 May 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Unpacking Israeli History is coming to Chicago on June 8 for its first ever LIVE event! ⁠⁠⁠Buy your tickets now. ⁠⁠DISCOUNT: Get 20% off your tickets using the discount code UIHCHI. NB: Click "Unlock" and enter the discount code before selecting your tickets.

Host Noam Weissman is joined once again by journalist and analyst Haviv Rettig Gur to unpack not just myths about Israeli security—but the deeper, more existential myths about Israeli identity, morality, and nationhood. In part 2, Haviv and Noam explore two foundational narratives: The IDF as the "Most Moral Army in the World" and the line "A Land Without a People for a People Without a Land." This is not an episode about “myth-busting”—it’s about myth-exploring: asking hard questions, wrestling with uncomfortable truths, and embracing the interplay between facts, feelings, and national narratives.

Click ⁠here⁠ to read Haviv Rettig Gur's analysis on Times of Israel.

Click ⁠here⁠ to subscribe to the podcast "Ask Haviv Anything."

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠

Truth vs. Myth in Israeli History with Haviv Rettig Gur (Part 1)

Tue, 20 May 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Unpacking Israeli History is coming to Chicago on June 8 for its first ever LIVE event! ⁠Buy your tickets now⁠
DISCOUNT: Get 20% off your tickets using the discount code UIHCHI. NB: Click "Unlock" and enter the discount code before selecting your tickets.

Host Noam Weissman is joined by journalist and analyst Haviv Rettig Gur to unpack three of the most enduring and controversial myths surrounding Israeli history and identity. In the first installment of a two-part series, Haviv and Noam explore so-called myths including: There is no occupation in the West Bank, Yigal Amir ended the peace process and the The IDF will always protect Israeli citizens. You don't want to miss this episode aimed to educate, question, and reframe the conversation with complexity and nuance in a post-October 7th reality.

Click here to read Haviv Rettig Gur's analysis on Times of Israel.

Click here to subscribe to the podcast "Ask Haviv Anything."

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠

⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠

⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠

⁠⁠Wondering Jews

Torah Dome: Why Don't the Haredim Serve in the IDF? (Re-release)

Tue, 13 May 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Unpacking Israeli History is coming to Chicago on June 8 for its first ever LIVE event! Buy Your Tickets Now

DISCOUNT: Get 20% off your tickets using the discount code UIHCHI. NB: Click "Unlock" and enter the discount code before selecting your tickets.

This week, host Noam Weissman revisits one of Israel’s most explosive debates, why don’t most Haredim—often referred to as the ultra-Orthodox—serve in the IDF? As Israel endures one of the longest wars in its history, this deeply divisive question has returned to the forefront. Noam first tackled the issue in Season 3 and now it has been reignited by the ongoing war that has touched nearly every family in the country. This episode unpacks the roots of the draft exemption granted to yeshiva students by David Ben Gurion, the philosophy behind the "Torah Dome," and the fierce cultural battle between Haredi and non-Haredi Israelis.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠

⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠

⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠

⁠⁠Wondering Jews

How a Secret Treaty Redrew the Middle East: Sykes-Picot, San Remo, and the Birth of Israel (re-release)

Tue, 06 May 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Unpacking Israeli History is coming to Chicago on June 8 for its first ever LIVE event! Buy your tickets now

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Get your tickets before May 19 using the discount code UIHCHI for a 20% discount on your tickets. Click "Unlock" and enter the discount code before selecting your tickets.

Feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of today's world? Host Noam Weissman turns to history for grounding—specifically, the overlooked story that helped shape the modern Middle East. In this episode, Noam revisits the pivotal but often misunderstood 1916 Sykes-Picot Agreement and the far more important 1920 San Remo Conference. Through conversations with experts and reflections on conversations with friends like Ahmed Fouad Alkatib, Noam explores why Sykes-Picot became a popular scapegoat—and why San Remo is the real foundation for Israel's existence today.

Click here for the sources used for this episode.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on ⁠Instagram⁠ and check us out on ⁠youtube⁠.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠

⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠

⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠

⁠Wondering Jews

Inside the Mossad: Unbelievable Missions That Shaped Israel's Destiny (re-released)

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:30:00 -0000

This year has tested Israel and the Jewish people like never before. Amid devastating war, political chaos, and a global surge in antisemitism, Noam Weissman reflects on an astonishing truth: it could have been even worse. In this episode of Unpacking Israeli History, Noam revisits a few breathtaking stories of Israel’s legendary intelligence agency, the Mossad, whose secret missions have saved countless lives. From the brilliant sabotage of Hezbollah's communications network in 2024 to the dramatic 1973 "Operation Spring of Youth" where Israeli commandos disguised themselves in drag to eliminate top PLO leaders, these missions are the stuff of spy thrillers—except they're real.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on ⁠Instagram⁠ and check us out on ⁠youtube⁠.

Unpacking Israeli History: Black Saturday:

Bibliography

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠

⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠

⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠

⁠Wondering Jews

Yom HaShoah: Remembering the Holocaust, Redefining Jewish Heroism

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Host Noam Weissman explores the powerful origins and evolving meaning of Yom HaShoah ve HaGevurah, Israel’s official Holocaust Remembrance Day. Why doesn’t Israel observe Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27th like the rest of the world? The answer lies in a gripping story of resistance, memory, politics, and identity. This episode confronts painful truths, honors acts of defiance, and ultimately asks: how do we remember the Holocaust in a way that affirms Jewish resilience and identity?

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

Special Crossover: The Star of David (Jewish History Nerds)

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 09:30:00 -0000

This week, Unpacking Israeli History is sharing an episode from another great podcast produced by Unpacked: Jewish History Nerds. We hope you'll listen to the premier of season 4: The Star of David-A Symbol That Means Everything—and Nothing. Hosts Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab explore the history of the Star of David, also known as the Magen David or hexagram. What does the Star of David really mean—and how did it become the symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity? From decorative motif to mystical symbol, from Jewish pride to Nazi persecution, this iconic six-pointed star carries a complex, and at times contradictory, legacy and story.

If you like Unpacking Israeli History, then please give Jewish History Nerds a listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode.

Click here to subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Click here to subscribe on Spotify.

Click here for a recap of the information discussed in the episode.

Click here to watch Unpacked's YouTube video "The Surprising History of the Star of David."

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

Meir Kahane: Jewish Defender or Jewish Supremacist?

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:30:00 -0000

Host Noam Weissman explores the controversial ideas, and long-lasting influence of Meir Kahane—American-born rabbi, founder of the Jewish Defense League, and pioneer of the far-right ideology known as Kahanism. Once dismissed as a fringe figure, Kahane's ideas are making a troubling comeback, echoed in memes, political platforms, and even Israeli policy debates. Noam goes beyond the headlines to ask: Who was Meir Kahane--really? What did he believe? Why do some Jews say he was “right”—while others see him as a terrorist and racist? Featuring insights from historian Gil Troy, Orthodox thinkers, and voices across the political spectrum, this episode examines Kahane’s life, legacy, and the resurgence of Jewish extremism in the wake of October 7.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

Hamas, Israel, and the Future of Gaza: A Conversation with Ahmed Fouad Alkatib (Part 2)

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Host Noam Weissman continues a powerful conversation with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Palestinian voice offering deep, honest insights into Gaza’s past, present, and future. In part 2, Ahmed shares personal stories, critiques both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, and offers a compelling vision for a post-Hamas Gaza. From the rise of Hamas, the failure of Palestinian governance, and the missed opportunity to build a thriving Palestinian state, to the devastating impact of October 7th, this episode explores the complexities behind one of the world’s most misunderstood regions.

Ahmed Fouad Alkatib is the director of Realign for Palestine. Ahmed is also on Instagram and X.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

A Palestinian Voice: Gaza, History, and Hope - A Conversation with Ahmed Fouad Alkatib (Part 1)

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:30:00 -0000

What happens when a proud American, native Gazan, and pro-peace advocate joins Unpacking Israeli History? In this groundbreaking episode, Noam Weissman sits down with Ahmed Fouad Alkatib for a deeply honest and nuanced conversation about Palestinian history, identity, and lived experience. From Gaza in the 1990s to the legacy of Hajj Amin al-Husseini, Sykes-Picot, and the Nakba, Ahmed offers a powerful, personal perspective. In part 1 of a two part series, Ahmed and Noam discuss everything from the failures of pan-Arabism and missed opportunities for peace, to the challenges of anti-normalization, Zionism, and the road ahead.

Ahmed Fouad Alkatib is the director of Realign for Palestine. Ahmed is also on Instagram and X.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

More Than a Game: Maccabi Tel Aviv, Zionism, and Israeli Identity

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:30:00 -0000

Host and avid basketball fan, Noam Weissman takes us courtside to one of the most iconic moments in Israeli sports history — Maccabi Tel Aviv’s historic 2004 Euroleague championship win. This isn’t just a story about basketball. It’s a deep dive into how a game became a symbol of Zionism, Israeli resilience, national pride, and cultural identity during one of the country’s darkest chapters — the Second Intifada. From Tal Brody’s legendary "We’re on the map!" speech to Anthony Parker’s dominance on the court, this episode unpacks sports, politics, and identity in Tel Aviv and beyond.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A 30-Minute Guide

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:30:00 -0000

Host Noam Weissman tackles one of the most complex and debated topics in modern history: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In this 30-minute crash course, Noam distills over a century of history, including the origins of Zionism, the Balfour Declaration, wars, peace efforts, and the tragic events of October 7. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a clear, no-frills summary, this episode provides the context, nuance, and key turning points that shaped the conflict.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

Bibas Family Tragedy and the Human Cost of Conflict

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:30:00 -0000

Host Noam Weissman reflects on one of the most devastating periods since October 7, 2023-- the past week, which brought us the deaths of Oded Lifshitz and 3/4 of the Bibas family. From the abduction of Yarden, Shiri, and their young sons Ariel and Kfir at Kibbutz Nir Oz to the deceptive handling of their remains, the brutal murders have left an indelible scar on Israel. The episode draws parallels with iconic historical images like Anne Frank and Napalm Girl and honors the legacy of peace activist Oded Lifshitz, whose life work exemplified hope amid violence. Join us as we reflect on these harrowing events, expose media manipulation, and call for a future where human dignity prevails over terror.

IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari's televised statement.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

The King David Hotel Bombing: Terrorism or Resistance? Part 2

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:30:00 -0000

Dive into the story of the 1946 King David Hotel bombing with part two in a gripping series on an event that re-shaped British policy in Mandate Palestine and influenced the future of Israel. Host Noam Weissman unpacks the Irgun’s daring operation, the sequence of warnings and events that led to the tragic loss of 91 lives, and the political fallout. Listen to survivor testimony about the bombing and hear how this historic act of resistance —and its moral complexities—laid the groundwork for Menachem Begin’s controversial legacy.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

The King David Hotel Bombing: Terrorism or Resistance? Part 1

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 10:30:00 -0000

UIH wants to hear from you. Please fill out this survey to share your thoughts and ideas about the show. Find the survey here.

In the first episode of a gripping two-part series, host Noam Weissman explores one of the most controversial events in Israel’s past: the 1946 bombing of the King David Hotel by the Irgun. Was it an act of terrorism or a necessary step in the fight for Jewish sovereignty? Through historical context, firsthand accounts, and deep analysis, we unravel the complexities of British rule in Mandate Palestine, the Jewish paramilitary response, and the ongoing debate over the moral and strategic implications of the attack.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

Israeli Settlers: Obstacle or Path to Peace? Part 2

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:30:00 -0000

Host Noam Weissman explores the complex and often controversial history of Israeli settlements in the second episode in a two-part series. Noam unravels the strategic, religious, and political motivations behind the settlement movement, from the aftermath of the 1967 Six-Day War to today. Featuring firsthand accounts, expert analysis, and surprising perspectives from settlers and Palestinians, this episode challenges assumptions with an an in-depth look at one of Israel's most debated issues.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Check out the past episodes discussed in the podcast.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

Israeli Settlers: Obstacle or Path to Peace? Part 1

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 10:30:00 -0000

Join host Noam Weissman as he dives into the complex history and heated debates surrounding Israeli settlements. The first installment of a special two-part series explores the immediate aftermath of the Six Day War in 1967 to the ideological motivations of the Gush Emunim movement. Noam discusses how the terms “occupied,” “disputed,” and “liberated” each carry profound political and historical weight. Learn about key players who shaped the settlement enterprise, including religious visionaries inspired by the belief that Judea and Samaria are integral to the Jewish destiny. Whether you view these areas as ancestral homelands or illegally occupied territories, this conversation offers a detailed, balanced approach to one of the most contentious topics in the Middle East.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

Follow @jewishunpacked on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

Open Mic: The USS Liberty, Conspiracies, and Antisemitism

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:30:00 -0000

This week, host Noam Weissman addresses listeners' questions and dives deep into the controversy surrounding the USS Liberty incident during the Six-Day War. He dissects the facts, debunks conspiracy theories, and explores how these narratives intersect with age-old antisemitic tropes. From historical context to contemporary debates fueled by figures like Candace Owens, this episode highlights the importance of distinguishing between legitimate inquiries and harmful conspiracies.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

Unpacking Israeli History is taking a short break

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 10:30:00 -0000

Unpacking Israeli History is taking a short break. But we are continuing to work on new episodes, including some based your questions, so keep your ideas coming and get in touch at noam@jewishunpacked.com. We will be back in a few weeks. See you in 2025. Thanks for listening.

This podcast is brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

The Complex Identity of Arab Citizens of Israel: Part 2

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:30:00 -0000

This week, we continue our two-part series on the complex story of Arab citizens of Israel, from 1967 to October 7, 2023. We explore the evolving identity of Israeli Arabs, focusing not only on challenges of the past, but also looking ahead at paths to peace, equality, and mutual understanding.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

The Complex Identity of Arab Citizens of Israel: Part 1

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 10:30:00 -0000

Host Noam Weissman explores the intricate, often misunderstood story of Arab citizens of Israel in the first episode of a two-part series. Noam delves into their journey from the Ottoman Empire to 1967 with honesty and nuance, grappling with themes of identity, nationality, and integration. Please tune in next week for Part 2, focusing on 1967 to today. The series invites listeners to consider the compromises and efforts needed to build a truly inclusive and equitable society.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

Is Israel an Apartheid State? Part 2

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 11:30:00 -0000

This week, we continue our two-part series on one of the most the challenging questions about Israel today: Is Israel an Apartheid state? In the second-part of the series, we’ll dig deeper into East Jerusalem and address the broader historical, political, and social context of this fraught and heated topic.

Click here for the sources we used in this episode.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

-------------------

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

Is Israel an Apartheid State? Part 1

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 11:30:00 -0000

This week, we’re diving into one of the most heated and challenging questions about Israel today: Is it an apartheid state? Yeah, it’s uncomfortable—and complicated. In this first part of a two-part series, Noam Weissman unpacks the history of apartheid, walks us through the situation in the West Bank, and lays out the daily realities for both Israelis and Palestinians.

No slogans, no “talking points,” just an honest look at the facts—and the feelings—that shape this conversation. Whether you’re yelling “of course not!” or “absolutely yes!” (or somewhere in between), this episode will challenge what you think you know.

Stick around for Part 2 next week, where we’ll dig even deeper into East Jerusalem and what this debate means for Israelis, Palestinians, and the rest of us.

Click here for the sources we used in this episode.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

-------------------

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

Special Crossover: Navigating Israel, Identity, and Empathy—How to Talk to Kids About Israel

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 11:30:00 -0000

In this special crossover episode, Noam Weissman shares an insightful conversation from his other podcast, Wondering Jews With Mijal and Noam, co-hosted with Dr. Mijal Bitton. Together, they tackle one of the toughest questions Jewish parents face today: how to approach the complex topic of Israel and antisemitism with children. Noam and Mijal dive into the nuances of Israel education, offering reflections on how their perspectives have evolved over the past year and practical ways to discuss difficult subjects. Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone deeply engaged with Jewish issues, this episode offers thoughtful guidance for fostering understanding and resilience in the next generation.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam for more thought-provoking conversations!

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

Israel Open Mic: Anti-Zionism, Iran-Contra, and Why Empathy Matters

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 11:37:00 -0000

In this special Israel Open Mic episode of Unpacking Israeli History, host Noam Weissman is answering your questions! Noam dives into some of the most fascinating and tricky topics in Israeli history—like why some Jews are anti-Zionist, how Israel got tangled up in the Iran-Contra affair, and what the deal is with Jerusalem. He also takes on conspiracy theories, gives a shout-out to Palestinian peace advocates, and shows why empathy can go a long way in understanding tough issues.

This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Marci and Andrew Spitzer.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email noam@unpacked.media.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

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For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

What is Zionism? Part 2: Challenges, Education, and What’s Next

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:30:00 -0000

In part two, Noam and Haviv tackle the tough questions about Zionism today. They dig into how Zionism is viewed around the world, how it’s taught, and what this means for Israelis, Palestinians, and people everywhere. Noam and Haviv consider whether Zionism has achieved its original goals and how understanding stories of the Other can help build a bridge between communities.

Book recommendations:

A History Of Zionism, Walter Lacquer

The Zionist Ideas, Gil Troy

Europe Against The Jews, Gotz Aly

Israel, A History, Anita Shapira

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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

What is Zionism? Part 1: Origins and Big Ideas

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 10:30:00 -0000

In part one of this two-part series, Noam Weissman and Haviv Rettig Gur dive into the origins and big ideas behind Zionism. They break down what Zionism actually means, where it came from, and why it’s been so central to the Jewish story. Along the way, Noam and Haviv explore common myths, misunderstandings, and the early hopes of Zionist thinkers.

Book recommendations:

A History Of Zionism, Walter Lacquer

The Zionist Ideas, Gil Troy

Europe Against The Jews, Gotz Aly

Israel, A History, Anita Shapira

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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

Oslo: The Peace that Wasn't [Rerelease]

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 10:30:00 -0000

In this re-release, we delve into the Oslo Accords, a pivotal moment in Israeli-Palestinian history that promised peace but now feels more elusive than ever. Amidst the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional instability, we explore the complexities, missed opportunities, and enduring challenges that continue to shape the quest for peace in the Middle East. Can we still dare to hope for a resolution?

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R1WuODAcUUbYGMBnTfD2Yj4N_VRBZZVSLG4nTOdISiM/edit?usp=sharing

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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

Part 3: The Aftermath of October 7

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 12:41:00 -0000

In the immediate aftermath of October 7, 2023, Israel grappled with overwhelming loss and destruction. As Hamas terrorists ravaged border communities, Israel counted its dead, sought its hostages, and began its retaliation. One year later, Israelis are divided on how to confront Hamas while grappling with their internal fractures. From the initial surge of unity bound by grief, a nation now faces both external and internal threats, with Israeli society at a crossroads. As emotions run high, one must ask: How can Israelis rebuild their shattered society while grappling with the weight of their own collective trauma?

Click here for the sources we used in this episode.

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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

Part 2: The Nightmare of October 7, 2023

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 10:30:00 -0000

On October 7, 2023, Israel witnessed a nightmare unfold as Hamas militants stormed the southern border communities, committing acts of unimaginable brutality. In a ruthless attack, Hamas fighters from Gaza unleashed horror on innocent civilians—horrific s*xual a**ault, the slaughtering of 1,300 Israelis, and the kidnapping of over 200 hostages into Gaza. Through the voices of survivors and grieving families of those killed or abducted, this episode brings the unimaginable suffering - graphic, explicit, and deeply unsettling - into sharp, heart-wrenching focus.

This episode is the second part of a three-part series that will delve into Gaza’s history, the events of October 7, and the ongoing aftermath we continue to witness today.

Click here for the sources we used in this episode.

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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

The End of Nasrallah

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 10:30:00 -0000

In this special episode of Unpacking Israeli History, we break down the unprecedented Operation New Order (Mivtza Seder Hadash), a decisive moment that may reshape the Middle East. As Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, is eliminated in an Israeli airstrike, we explore the impact of this historic assassination and its broader implications for Israel, the region, and the world. With insights from Israeli voices and reflections on the moral questions behind targeted killings, this episode dives deep into the tension between deterrence and legitimacy. Join us as we unpack the complexities of power, security, and justice.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

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For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

Part 1: Behind October 7: Gaza's History from 1967 to Oct. 7, 2023

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 10:30:00 -0000

Since October 7, 2023, Gaza has been at the heart of a brutal war between Israel and Hamas. But this tiny 25-mile strip's troubled history started long before the current hostilities. Since Israel's capture of Gaza in the 1967 Six-Day War, the strip has been caught in a cycle of conflict, shifting power, and shattered hopes. From occupation to Hamas’ rise to power, Gaza’s turbulent past set the stage for October 7, 2023, when the conflict reached a horrifying peak.

This episode kicks off a three-part series that will delve into Gaza’s history, the events of October 7, and the ongoing aftermath we continue to witness today.

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Click here for the sources we used in this episode.

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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

The Second Intifada: Trauma and Tragedy [Rerelease]

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 10:30:00 -0000

To appreciate the current Israeli and Palestinian psyches, it’s vital to understand the first five years of the 21st century — the period of the Second Intifada. Noam Weissman gets to the heart of the issue and asks why this serious attempt at peace between Israel and the Palestinians ended in one of the bloodiest periods in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and how the effects of those defining years are still felt to this day.

We’re re-releasing this episode due to its continued relevance. Whether you’re revisiting or listening for the first time, this episode offers important insights into the conflict’s ongoing impact.

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The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea and Larry Gill. This episode is sponsored by Dr. Neil and Pam Weissman.

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Sources Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GrFFYEgduJUjpFrK7xN8lXV4_3t6kzzdtLjZlTc-HDw/edit?usp=sharing

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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Wondering Jews

Soulful Jewish Living

Sabra and Shatila: What Happened And Why It Matters [Rerelease]

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 10:30:00 -0000

In this re-released episode, we examine the 1982 Sabra and Shatila massacre, a tragic and controversial event that continues to shape perceptions of Israeli history and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We explore Israel's complex involvement, the role of the Lebanese paramilitary, and the lasting implications of this event. By re-examining these historical facts with empathy and nuance, we aim to promote deeper, more informed conversations about this and other difficult moments in Israeli history.

The story of Sabra and Shatila is a horrifying one. A paramilitary Lebanese group massacres between 800 and 2,000 refugees, many in horrifying ways. And oddly...Israel is blamed for this awful, awful crime? This week, Noam will break down the confusing and upsetting story of Sabra and Shatila, and in doing so, will ask, how does a nation deal with power and responsibility? ~~~~ Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Alan Fisher and Barbara Sommer, and Jon and Rachie Teller, and this episode is generously sponsored by Yoni & Lisa Wintner.

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Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Unpacking Israeli History about the Munich Olympics: https://jewishunpacked.com/munich-olympics-when-terrorism-won/

Unpacking Israeli History about the disengagement from Gaza: https://jewishunpacked.com/gush-katif-when-jews-expelled-jews/

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ySAfsPqfQXy0ZSZa65BGjg0DqggACzw0ut7ukMYIMAA/edit?usp=sharing

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

From Hostage Tragedy to Be'eri's Loss, Strength and a Special Conversation

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:30:00 -0000

Eleven months after Oct.7, Israel and the Jewish people are still grieving. Last week we received the terrible news that six hostages were murdered, after surviving for nearly a year. Navigating grief and hope during ongoing heartache and war is extremely complicated to navigate, especially in the wake of such tragic news. In this episode of Unpacking Israeli History, Noam pays tribute to the six beautiful lives taken too soon: Carmel, Almog, Eden, Alexander, Ori, and Hersh. He then shares an interview with Kibbutz Beeri resident Yarden Tzemach about his family’s experience on Oct.7 and its aftermath. Yarden and Noam discuss Kibbutz Beeri’s history and future while reflecting on what it means to rebuild.

Munich Olympics: When Terrorism Won (Re-release)

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 10:30:00 -0000

The 1972 Munich Olympics massacre was a tragic event that deeply impacted Israeli history and global perceptions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As we draw parallels to recent events in a new introduction, we explore the enduring struggle for Israel's security and the haunting resonance of this history in today's volatile Middle East. This episode sheds light on the complexities of the Israeli experience, past and present.

The 1972 Munich Olympics was supposed to showcase the face of the new Germany. Instead, the horrific death of 11 Israeli athletes — slaughtered as the world watched — marked a watershed moment in the Palestinian struggle and raises important questions about the power and effectiveness of terrorism. Join Noam Weissman in this re-release as he explains the details of that day and what followed, and why the massacre at Munich was not just another 1970’s terrorist attack.

~~~~ The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea and Larry Gill

This episode is sponsored by Jack and Ellen Kahan Zager in honor of Ala and Yoske (z”l) Brosh

~~~~

Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Teaching about this topic? Check out our relevant educator resources here: https://unpacked.education/video/1972-olympics-the-munich-massacre-does-terrorism-work/

New season of Unpacking Israeli History coming soon!

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 10:30:00 -0000

Unpacking Israeli History is back this fall, and we’re bigger than ever! Dive deep into Israel’s rich and complex history with Noam as we explore the stories that shaped the nation. This season, we’re kicking off with must-listen re-releases and a timely mini-series on the events of October 7th—because understanding Israel's past means engaging with its present.

But that’s not all—Unpacking Israeli History is evolving. Expect more interviews, exclusive content, and even a tour where you can engage with Noam live! Plus, we’ve got brand new swag to celebrate our growing community. Whether you're a longtime listener or just discovering us, this season offers more ways to connect and dive into the history that matters.

Have questions or feedback? Reach out at noam@jewishunpacked.com—we can’t wait to hear from you!

Re-release: Who Are the Israeli Druze? The Loyal Minority at a Crossroads

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 13:15:00 -0000

Following the attack the Druze city of Majdal Shams, we are re-releasing our episode about the Israeli Druze community.

They serve in the army. They fly the Israeli flag. They call themselves proud Israelis. So why did a 2018 Israeli law leave the Druze community feeling abandoned? In this episode, we unpack the complex story of the Israeli Druze: their history, their identity, their “blood covenant” with the Jewish state—and the moment that made them question it all.

As tensions rise in Syria and the Golan Heights, their story matters more than ever.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h-BJIIJXiWHalkCO0f1YRs15P1upVNr1plM-r0H04PA/edit

Behind the scenes of Unpacking Israeli History

Tue, 28 May 2024 10:30:00 -0000

In this special episode of Unpacking Israeli History, Noam Weissman and producer Rivky Stern switch things up by engaging in an in-depth conversation about the podcast's creation, philosophy, and approach to telling the story of Israeli history.

P3: The Aftermath - Six Days That Changed Israel Forever

Mon, 20 May 2024 10:30:00 -0000

The 1967 War happened more than 50 years ago. And yet, the legacy of the Six Day War still reverberates throughout the world. Israelis were convinced they were facing another Holocaust. Instead, they achieved one of the most unlikely – and legendary – military victories in history. This miniseries explores the lead-up and legacy of the 6 Day War.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YAwi1kDnHEJfFp3A5FzmclHv0-f82zMvbt9Qp9ziKrY/edit

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Episode 3 of this Six Day War mini-series is generously sponsored by Michael Staenberg, and The Marcus Family Foundation, and Pam and Neil Weissman.

P2: The Middle East At War - Six Days That Changed Israel Forever

Mon, 13 May 2024 10:30:00 -0000

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YAwi1kDnHEJfFp3A5FzmclHv0-f82zMvbt9Qp9ziKrY/edit

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Episode 2 of this Six Day War mini-series is generously sponsored by Jane & John August, Michael Staenberg, and The Marcus Family Foundation.

P1: Lead-Up To War - Six Days That Changed Israel Forever

Mon, 06 May 2024 10:30:00 -0000

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YAwi1kDnHEJfFp3A5FzmclHv0-f82zMvbt9Qp9ziKrY/edit

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Episode 1 of this Six Day War mini-series is generously sponsored by Kim and Perry Shwachman, Michael Staenberg, and The Marcus Family Foundation.

Iran's Surprise Attack on Israel: History and Reflections

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 10:30:00 -0000

Less than 48 hours ago, Iran launched an unprecedented military attack on Israel, its first direct attack on Israel after a decades-long “shadow” war. Iran sent hundreds of drones and missiles towards the Jewish state. So, why did Iran attack Israel, and what does all of this mean?

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jawT_GTJtdmIxtA3FRlO0GDg-wfipSsCUdLjkTAzV80/edit?usp=sharing

P3: Did Palestine's Great Revolt (1936-1939) Set the Stage for Oct 7?

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 10:30:00 -0000

Got questions about the current situation in Israel/Palestine? Almost all the answers lie in the Great Arab Revolt of 1936. How is that possible, when the modern state of Israel wasn’t even established until 1948?!

This three-part series explores the roots of a seemingly intractable conflict, highlighting unknown figures and outlining what might have been.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PaLZ4afLCh_f6NOFzbZz8izhX1j6FZREiJUS2uLtejw/edit

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This mini series of Unpacking Israeli History is dedicated in memory of Armand Lindenbaum, the grandson of Rav Amiel, by his wife, Jean, and children, Felice, Amiel, and Ariel Lindenbaum-Sebag.

P2: Did Palestine's Great Revolt (1936-1939) Set the Stage for Oct 7?

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 10:30:00 -0000

This three-part series explores the roots of a seemingly intractable conflict, highlighting unknown figures and outlining what might have been.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PaLZ4afLCh_f6NOFzbZz8izhX1j6FZREiJUS2uLtejw/edit

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This mini series of Unpacking Israeli History is dedicated in memory of Armand Lindenbaum, the grandson of Rav Amiel, by his wife, Jean, and children, Felice, Amiel, and Ariel Lindenbaum-Sebag.

P1: Did Palestine's Great Revolt (1936-1939) Set the Stage for Oct 7?

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 10:30:00 -0000

This three-part series explores the roots of a seemingly intractable conflict, highlighting unknown figures and outlining what might have been.

~~~~

Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PaLZ4afLCh_f6NOFzbZz8izhX1j6FZREiJUS2uLtejw/edit

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This mini series of Unpacking Israeli History is dedicated in memory of Armand Lindenbaum, the grandson of Rav Amiel, by his wife, Jean, and children, Felice, Amiel, and Ariel Lindenbaum-Sebag.

P2: Four Obstacles To Israeli-Palestinian Peace

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 10:30:00 -0000

Welcome to the second part of our two-parter about the four seemingly-impossible obstacles that confounded Israeli and Palestinian leaders alike.

Why have Israelis and Palestinians never made peace? Despite multiple peace accords, the two peoples are still at war. In this two part episode, we’ll explore the four major obstacles preventing peace: Jerusalem, borders, security, and the refugees. You’ve heard about the “right of return”? East and West Jerusalem? Security fences/walls? Then this episode is for you.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z68Z6bbhV6lRkLYtRqRRn4bDQ2kByJcW4AtDpdy9pH0/edit?usp=sharing

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This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Barbara & Rick Silverman, The Marcus Family Foundation, and Michael Staenberg.

P1: Four Obstacles To Israeli-Palestinian Peace

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 10:30:00 -0000

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z68Z6bbhV6lRkLYtRqRRn4bDQ2kByJcW4AtDpdy9pH0/edit?usp=sharing

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This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Barbara & Rick Silverman, The Marcus Family Foundation, and Michael Staenberg.

Who Are the Israeli Druze? The Loyal Minority at a Crossroads

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 10:30:00 -0000

As tensions rise in Syria and the Golan Heights, their story matters more than ever.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h-BJIIJXiWHalkCO0f1YRs15P1upVNr1plM-r0H04PA/edit

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To make a donation to Maor please visit: https://www.charidy.com/Maorla

Who Is Hezbollah?

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 16:10:00 -0000

This is the story of Iran’s proxy in Lebanon, which has been causing trouble for Israel since its founding in 1982. As Israel’s northern border heats up and the two sides draw closer to a showdown, we investigate: who is Hezbollah, and what do they want?

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d68bkgIiKIwWRCn75DGaiWry9N3Oi_rPh6-X1fn_i8Q/edit

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This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Sarala and Danny Turkel.

Season 6, Coming Next Week!

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 11:30:00 -0000

We're back for season 6! Get ready to join Noam for a deep dive into Israeli history, shedding light on the events of today.

Have thoughts, questions, or stories to share? Drop us a line at noam@jewishunpacked.com. Your email might even become part of the conversation on the show.

So, what are you waiting for? Yalla, let's do this.

Should Israel Ransom Hostages? (Updated)

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0000

When we first released an episode on captured soldiers, back in August 2023, we had no idea that we were mere months away from the worst hostage crisis Israel had ever experienced.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas murdered 1,200 people – mostly civilians – and dragged another 240 to Gaza, plunging Israel into a nightmare. Hamas did not discriminate. They took babies as young as 9 months, elderly people well into their 80s, and everyone in between.

Some of those 240 hostages have been rescued or released. Some were murdered in captivity. Three were killed mistakenly by “friendly fire.” But as of December 2023, 129 remain in Gaza, their fates and welfare unknown. And the questions we raised back in August remain more relevant than ever.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tO4xtCQdNDbcO3THe1elsiNrvREOuG6FjD3gcq5hDnA/edit?usp=sharing

Noam on the Ground: Reflections on the Israel War

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0000

Noam reflects on his meetings with survivors, evacuees, and Jewish leaders in the wake of 10/7. (Or 7/10, for the Israelis and Europeans out there.)

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GVNSsNxr23fIzzW7TnU3p6kGC-OxoTYkDSlAXmsd34w/edit?usp=drive_link

Meta-Narratives of the Israel-Hamas War

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:30:00 -0000

The world changed on 10/7. It's too soon to know exactly how this war will play out. But in this episode, Noam offers some thoughts on how and why people choose “sides” in a conflict like this – and how to respond to the misinformation, denialism, hatred, and extremism that poisons the discourse.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sfIlw07IpRwqctUMhdJdwXiauZkgkkNZa3Ns3ZY_L1w/edit?usp=sharing

Hamas, Explained (Updated)

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 10:30:00 -0000

This episode is a re-release, with the understanding that everything has changed.

You’ve heard their name. Watched their propaganda videos. Seen their bloody handiwork up close and personal.

But how well do you really know the story of Hamas?

This episode delves into the surprising history of Israel’s charming next door neighbor. It’s a deep dive into their history, their ideology, their legacy. Because if we want to truly understand Israeli history, we’ve got to face the parallel history that has developed alongside it.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DBe4s5ArwlF7ACLUoztotb9EarUYqK7nd1Z0pCXyMR4/edit?usp=sharing

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Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Marci and Andrew Spitzer, and this week’s episode is sponsored by Adam Neuman.

P3: War Ends, Scars Remain - Yom Kippur War

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000

October 6, 2023 marks the 50-year anniversary of the first day of the Yom Kippur War – perhaps Israel’s most traumatic war. This miniseries unpacks that trauma, guiding our listeners through the lead-up to the war, the battles, the behind-the-scenes geopolitical maneuvering, and the painful aftermath. The final episode of our series explores wider geopolitical implications of the war and reflects on the war’s legacy.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1okcCstf6CJAouiWPPUjSUHA0Pmq3SbxZ-I8gnz7A2pA/edit?usp=sharing

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This Yom Kippur War mini-series is generously sponsored by Risa and Simcha Dauer.

P2: Israel Turns the Tide - Yom Kippur War

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000

October 6, 2023 marks the 50-year anniversary of the first day of the Yom Kippur War – perhaps Israel’s most traumatic war. This miniseries unpacks that trauma, guiding our listeners through the lead-up to the war, the battles, the behind-the-scenes geopolitical maneuvering, and the painful aftermath. This episode takes you onto the battlefield, exploring the tragic losses and miraculous victories of two key battles.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1okcCstf6CJAouiWPPUjSUHA0Pmq3SbxZ-I8gnz7A2pA/edit?usp=sharing

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This Yom Kippur War mini-series is generously sponsored by Risa and Simcha Dauer.

P1: Israel's Military Power Breakdown - Yom Kippur War

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000

October 6, 2023 marks the 50-year anniversary of the first day of the Yom Kippur War – perhaps Israel’s most traumatic war. This miniseries unpacks that trauma, guiding our listeners through the lead-up to the war, the battles, the behind-the-scenes geopolitical maneuvering, and the painful aftermath. This episode explores why the war began, and describes Israel’s shock and fear on the first day of the assault.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1okcCstf6CJAouiWPPUjSUHA0Pmq3SbxZ-I8gnz7A2pA/edit?usp=sharing

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This Yom Kippur War mini-series is generously sponsored by Risa and Simcha Dauer.

Yom Kippur War: An Overview (Replay)

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

After the victory of the Six-Day War in 1967, it seemed like Israel was invincible. Less than a decade later, the country was taken by surprise by the outbreak of war on Yom Kippur 1973. Noam Weissman explores why — despite warnings — Israel’s leadership seemed so unprepared, why America urged Israel not to attack first and why this national catastrophe ultimately led to a strengthening of relationships with both the U.S. and Egypt.

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This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is sponsored by Andrea and Larry Gill.

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Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Teaching about this topic? Check out our relevant educator resources here: https://unpacked.education/video/the-yom-kippur-war-when-israel-almost-fell/ https://unpacked.education/video/the-yom-kippur-war-how-israel-turned-the-tide/

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Sources:

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Prisoners of Zion: Refuseniks and the Soviet Aliyah

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

*** Don’t miss the 3-part miniseries on the YK war, starting September 6th ***

Between 1989 and 2000, over a million Jews from the former Soviet Union arrived in Israel, fundamentally changing the nature of the country. But the road from the USSR to the Middle East was long, winding, and painful. This is the story of how a group of American students and Soviet dissidents wrenched back the Iron Curtain, guaranteeing the religious freedom of over one million Jews.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VSbxCEDWZv3bs8Sm8elQELJpDysL0p4hch3SWo_gaWI/edit

Should Israel Ransom Captured Citizens?

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

*** Don’t miss the 3-part miniseries on the YK war, starting September 6th ***

Maybe you’ve heard of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier held for five years by the terrorist group Hamas. And maybe you’ve heard about the lengths that Israel went to to get him back, like swapping over a thousand prisoners for one missing man. But Shalit isn’t the first Israeli POW to be redeemed at a high price. In this episode, Noam asks Why does Israel pay such a high price to return captured soldiers? And, even more poignantly, Is doing so good for the Jewish state?

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HbAQrIlyEX8ivxrX0CkP_CPzgVd3U1_W_UCTkBt6n-4/edit

The Battle for Sheikh Jarrah

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

*** Don’t miss the 3-part miniseries on the YK war, starting September 6th ***

It’s the world’s most famous property dispute. And among the most deadly. The residents of this sleepy East Jerusalem neighborhood have spent the past four decades in court. And their battle has set Israel on fire – literally. So who, if anyone, is right? And what’s the story of Sheikh Jarrah?

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16E0WhmIy70n3Pb35_dlZUZm0wvScmyCmtiEGSDQ7Psc/edit

Shadows of Justice: The Demjanjuk Trial

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

*** Don’t miss the 3-part miniseries on the YK war, starting September 6th ***

John Demjanjuk seemed like any other middle-aged immigrant living the American dream in the Ohio suburbs. Until the US Department of Justice accused him of being an SS guard, stripped him of his citizenship, and extradited him to Israel to stand trial for war crimes. In Israel, he stood accused of ghastly abuse. And still, doubt persisted: could this stereotypical guy-next-door really have been the infamously sadistic SS guard at Treblinka? Was this a case of mistaken identity? And what is the line between justice, vengeance, and the law?

~~~~

Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19U0j4G961PuGuFchjagiCuhrjgCWPeytkvNkcbBQfW4/edit?usp=sharing

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This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Dorit Naftalin & Harry Nelson, and Barbara Sommer & Alan Fisher.

Season 5 Coming!

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000

We’re back! Get ready...for Season 5, for more twists, turns, triumphs, and tragedies that define Israeli history. Are you ready? Yalla, let’s do this!

P3: The Hope, Finally, Independence - Israel@75

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Take the survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

It was the spring of 1948, and in just a few short weeks, the British were scheduled to ship out, leaving Palestine to the Arabs and Jews who had been waging war against each other for six months. But beyond the bombs and the bullets, another war raged behind the scenes. One that continues to this day. The war for the soul of the Jewish state.

This is the story of Israel’s declaration of independence – and of its ongoing evolution as a modern state.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10VpS6Bh1JQ-4HTxatuSJHq4y9P1HyT9KhGSiFk-TqFk/edit?usp=sharing

~~~~

This Israel@75 mini-series is generously sponsored by the Jewish Agency for Israel - North American Council, and Ari and Jody Storch.

P2: The Lamed Hey, Convoy of 35 - Israel@75

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Take the survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

Today, the Etzion bloc is home to more than 20,000 Jews. But back in 1948, roughly 500 Jews lived in the tiny parcel of land nestled between Hebron and Jerusalem. The four isolated, vulnerable kibbutzim of the bloc were an easy target for Arab attacks. But the Jews of Etzion weren’t going down without a fight. And the Palmach – the Haganah’s elite strike force – would do anything to keep these tiny communities strong and well-supplied. Like sending a convoy of 35 fighters weighed down with supplies through miles of hostile territory.

But war is hell. And the story of Gush Etzion, and the brave convoy that supplied it, is both a tragedy – and a story of brotherhood, heroism, and resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

~~~~

Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1REJt_UGndGrngPsww3Ra4PLBcKJB67xBM6Sd3TVG_nE/edit?usp=sharing

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This Israel@75 mini-series is generously sponsored by the Jewish Agency for Israel - North American Council, and Ari and Jody Storch.

P1: The Rift, Israel's Civil War - Israel@75

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Take the survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

You probably know the story of Israeli independence: Ben Gurion declared a Jewish state on May 14, 1948. The next day, multiple Arab armies invaded. And though the war was long and brutal, the Jewish state emerged victorious. That story is true. But it’s incomplete. Because the war for Israel didn’t start on May 15, 1948. It started back in November of 1947, the morning after the UN voted to partition Palestine into two states. And if you want to understand Israeli history, you have to understand the six bloody months that preceded its creation…

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KEyXoESRtJWiULNjtXUXMokGHKtKRIj62Fmz29cXx3I/edit?usp=sharing

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This Israel@75 mini-series is generously sponsored by the Jewish Agency for Israel - North American Council, and Ari and Jody Storch.

Heroes, Hurdles, and Early Israel's Foundations

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Take the survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

The modern state of Israel is only 75 years old. But the Israeli identity was forged long before the partition vote of 1947 or the War of Liberation in 1948, in the earliest decades of the 20th century. The three figures we’ll talk about today were not Israelis. They died before they ever saw an independent Jewish state. But their stories shaped the country we know today.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JoCjNZV__Qwpu0k9Sth16tMQ8bhlTqe_ogsFBpvLjFk/edit?usp=sharing

~~~~

Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Marci and Andrew Spitzer, and this episode is generously sponsored by Barbara Sommer and Alan Fisher.

Sadat's Leap: Israel's Historic Peace Breakthrough

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Take the survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

November 19, 1977. It was perhaps the most unusual Shabbat in Israel’s history. Because after the havdala service, Israeli families glued themselves to their TVs or radios, waiting anxiously for a visitor they never dreamed would arrive. Anwar Sadat, President of Egypt, had come to Jerusalem to speak of peace. What happened next changed the Middle East forever.

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VLl6H1mbapNkhWq8aNnMFylTQ9w__9WDxIsqvlniORs/edit?usp=sharing

~~~~

Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Marci and Andrew Spitzer, and this episode is generously sponsored by Barbara Sommer and Alan Fisher.

Hamas, Explained

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Take the survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

You’ve heard their name. Watched their propaganda videos. Seen their bloody handiwork up close and personal.

But how well do you really know the story of Hamas?

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DBe4s5ArwlF7ACLUoztotb9EarUYqK7nd1Z0pCXyMR4/edit?usp=sharing

~~~~

Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Marci and Andrew Spitzer, and this week’s episode is sponsored by Adam Neuman.

Kfar Qassem: A Wound That Still Bleeds

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Take the survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

Kfar Qassem is a small bucolic city northeast of Petach Tikva. It is also the little-known site of the first salvo of the Suez Canal Crisis. On October 29, 1956 – as Israel prepared for war with Egypt – an IDF commander made a decision that would permanently scar Israel’s Arab community. Today, we tell the story of the 49 Israeli citizens murdered at Kfar Qassem. This episode is dedicated to them.

Ibrahim Abdalhadi Himad Isaa, 35

Abed Muhammad Abdalhadi Isaa, 9

Abdallah Ahmad Himad Isaa, 15

Talal Shaker Abdallah Isaa, 8

Abdallah Sliman Isaa, 90

Ahmad Muhammad Sous Freij, 35

Ali Uthman Ali Tah, 30

Muhammad Abed Samaha Asi, AKA Abu Samaha, 50

Ghazi Mahmoud Darweesh Isaa, 20

Muhammad Abdalraheem Isaa, 50

Fathi Uthman Abed Isaa, 12

Uthman Abed Himad Isaa, 30

Saleh Mahmoud Naser Amer (age unknown)

Mahmoud Abdalghafer Rayan, 35

Mahmoud Abdalrazeq Sarsour, 16

Ali Nimer Nuwwara Freij, 17

Saleh Salameh Ahmad Amer, 40

Salim Ahmad Basheer Budeir, 50

Abdallah Abdalghafer Budeir (age unknown)

Abed Salim Saleh Isaa (age unknown)

Atta Yacoub Abed Sarsour, 26

Riyad Raja Hamdan Dahoud, 8

Jamal Salim Muhammad Tah, 11

Jumma Muhammad Abed Sarsour, 17

Mousa Thiab Abed Freij, 18

Abdalkarim Salim Nuwwara Freij, 14

Saleh Mustafa Ahmad Isaa, 17

Abdalraheem Ismir Budeir, 25

Ahmad Muhammad Jouda Amer, 17

Jumma Tawfik Ahmad Isaa, 16

Mahmoud Khader Jaber Sarsour, 27

Yousef Muhammad Ismail Sarsour, 52

Muhammad Salim Khader Sarsour, 15

Muhammad Ali Thiab Sarsour, 35

Abdallah Muhammad Abed Sarsour, 14

Safa Abdallah Usus Sarsour, 45

Amne Qasem Tah, 50

Khamise Faraj Muhammad Amer, 50

Zaghlouleh Ahmad Basheer Isaa, 45

Hilwe Muhammad Odeh Budeir, 65

Fatme Dahoud Sarsour, 30 (nine months pregnant)

Unborn child of Fatme Dahoud Sarsour

Fatme Mustafa Khamran Isaa, 18

Fatme Mahmoud Budeir (Age unknown)

Fatme Saleh Ahmad Sarsour, 14

Rashika Faek Ibrahim Budeir, 14

Zeinab Abdalrahman Ahmad Tah, 45

Latife Dahoud Khamran Isaa, 12

Bakriya Mahmoud Ismail Tah, 14

Mahmoud Muhammad Habib Masarwa, 25

~~~~

Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y38W4EVV9CKKwHNHSC_nV6T1DNXSM-NeFZ3WMG1XZkA/edit?usp=sharing

~~~~

This season of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Marci & Andrew Spitzer.

Ma'alot: When Terrorists Came For The Children

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Take the survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

It was supposed to be a fun field trip. A little celebration in honor of Israel’s 26th birthday. Over a hundred religious high school students, exploring northern Israel and sleeping under the stars. But the three Palestinian terrorists who sneaked in from Lebanon had other plans. This is the story of the Ma’alot massacre. It’s a story of horror and blood. But it’s also a story of hope and resistance. A reminder that every hour of our lives matters.

~~~~

Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Marci and Andrew Spitzer and this episode is generously sponsored by Neil and Pam Weissman.

~~~~

This episode is dedicated to the memory of the victims:

Hasibah Shala, 27

Yosef (Jojo) Cohen, 45

Fortuna Cohen, 38 (7 months pregnant)

Unborn child of Fortuna Cohen

Moshe Eliahu Cohen, 4

Sylvan Zerach, 27

Ilana Turgeman, 15

Zvia Mor-Yoseph, 15

Rachel Aputa, 16

Yocheved Mazoz, 15

Sarah Ben-Shim’on, 15

Yona Sabag, 15

Yafa Cohen, 17

Shoshana Cohen, 17

Michal Sitrok, 16

Malka Amrosy, 15

Aviva Saada, 15

Yocheved Deri (age unknown)

Yakov Levi, 17

Yakov Kabla, 17

Rina Cohen, 15

Sarah Madar, 15

Tamar Dahan, 16

Sarah Sofer, 15

Lilly Morad, 16

David Madar, 17

Yehudit Madar, 16

Sources and Citations: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KMKO3YYqYpzceUaJuZ9pEXpTfnzVqLdh7fAFseqHovU/edit?usp=sharing

Season 4 Coming!

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000

We’re back!

By popular demand, Unpacking Israeli History is back for another season. Get ready for the twists, turns, triumphs, and tragedies that define Israeli history. So strap in. Because for the next 8 weeks, we’re going to shine a light on some of the wildest stories you can imagine. Are you ready?

Yalla, let’s do this!

Introducing Jewish History Unpacked

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Unpacking Israeli History introduces another podcast from Unpacked: Jewish History Unpacked. Whoever said history was boring clearly never heard these stories Join hosts Yael and Schwab each week as they take a dive into some deep cuts of Jewish history. From the Jewish Da Vinci Code to mass suicide pacts, explore true stories that feel larger than life.

This episode tells the story of Josephus Flavius. It's maybe one of the wildest characters in Jewish history, and that's saying something. That's largely because unlike most historians, he didn't just chronicle the story; as Yael tells Schwab in this week's episode, Josephus, or Yosef ben Matityahu, wrote himself into the story - and what a story it is. This week, we learn about Josephus and the siege of Yodfat, and they ask, what does it mean for us to write yourself into the story of Jewish history?

Osirak: The Airstrike That Shocked The World

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000

UIH survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

~~~~

On the night before Shavuot, 1981, Prime Minister Menachem Begin shocked his cabinet by announcing they would be launching a surprise attack on a nuclear reactor in Iraq, known as Osirak. It was a gamble, one that the outside world, not to mention in Israel itself, most people didn't approve of. In this episode, Noam takes us on a tour of Begin's decision, the aftermath, and how it still impacts Israel today.

~~~~ This season of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Marci & Andrew Spitzer and Barbara Sommer & Alan Fisher, and this episode, is generously sponsored by Jack Zager and Ellen Kahan, and by Pam and Neil Weissman, in memory of their parents, Mama Bashe and Saba Royal Rockman, and Safta Alice and Saba Irving Weissman.

"Torah Dome": Why Don't Haredim Serve In The IDF?

Mon, 30 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000

UIH survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

~~~~

Who should serve in the Israeli military? It doesn’t sound like a particularly spicy question, does it? Because the obvious answer is… “Israelis.” Like, duh. Case closed, next question. But in this episode, Noam breaks down why Haredim, a massive force in Israel, don't serve. He goes through the history and asks, how does this choice impact the country?

VOTE IN OUR POLL HERE:

jewishunpacked.com/israeliarmy

~~~~ This season of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Marci & Andrew Spitzer and Barbara Sommer & Alan Fisher, and this episode is generously sponsored by Lisa and Phil Baratz, and by the Center For Advancement of Jewish Education. ~~~~

Farhud: The Massacre You May Not Know About (But Should)

Mon, 23 May 2022 10:00:10 -0000

UIH survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

~~~~

The relationship between Jews and their host countries, for the past several thousand years, is complicated. And Iraq is no exception. While Jews have lived there for thousands of years, today, virtually no Jews are left in the country. This week's episode tells that story, through the lens of the Farhud, the devastating 1941 massacre in which Iraqis murdered, raped, mutilated, looted, and destroyed Baghdad’s Jewish community.

~~~~ This season of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Marci & Andrew Spitzer and Barbara Sommer & Alan Fisher, and this episode is generously sponsored by the Center For Advancement of Jewish Education. ~~~~

Desert Storm: Gas Masks in...Tel Aviv?

Mon, 16 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000

UIH survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

~~~~

You may have heard about the first Gulf War - basically the entire world vs. Saddam Hussein. But though 34 countries - 34! - entered the alliance against Iraq, Israel didn't. So why on earth did missiles begin to rain down on Israel? In this episode, Noam breaks down how the 1991 Gulf War affected ordinary Israelis, tested the US-Israel relationship, and even challenged the long-held Zionist ethos.

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This season of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Marci & Andrew Spitzer and Barbara Sommer & Alan Fisher, and this episode is generously sponsored by the Center For Advancement of Jewish Education, and The Jewish Federation of Northern NJ.

~~~~

Bibliography available at https://jewishunpacked.com/saddam-husseins-gulf-war-legacy-is-still-felt-in-israel/

Qibya: Civilian Massacre or Military Operation?

Mon, 09 May 2022 10:00:09 -0000

UIH survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

~~~~

Qibya is one of the saddest and most difficult events in Israeli history. A military unit enters a village, and when the raid is over, 43 homes had been demolished, and 69 civilians – mostly women and children – had been killed. This week, Noam asks, what happened here, and how does it impact the story we tell ourselves about Israel?

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Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Unpacking Israeli History about Black Saturday: https://jewishunpacked.com/black-saturday-how-far-would-you-go-for-a-homeland/

Unpacking Israeli History about the Mossad: https://jewishunpacked.com/the-mossad-three-tales-of-assassination/

~~~~

Bibliography:

Daniel Gordis, “Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn.”
Howard Sachar, “A History of Israel, From the Birth of Zionism to Our Time.”
Sapir Journal on power, vol 2, 2021.
Rise and Kill First, Ronen Bergman
On the Kanias family

On Israel’s GDP: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD?end=2020&locations=ZQ&most_recent_value_desc=true&start=2020&view=map
On tzenna (austerity): https://gould.usc.edu/why/students/orgs/ilj/assets/docs/18-1%20Seidman.pdf
On Israeli borders:

On Moshe Dayan:

Mordechai Bar-On, “Moshe Dayan: Israel’s Controversial Hero.”
https://jiss.org.il/en/henkin-high-price-blood-israels-security-doctrines/#:~:text=The%20Dayan%20doctrine%20was%20designed,war%20of%20attrition%20against%20Israel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzVrRStVo9k&ab_channel=ThamesTv

On Ariel Sharon:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ariel-Sharon,
“Warrior: The autobiography of Ariel Sharon,” p. 1989

Battle for Latrun: https://www.jpost.com/israel-guide/tel-aviv-and-center-tours/latrun-the-battle-for-latrun
Participant account of Qibye (note he wasn’t actually in the village, he was outside of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nQpBsvdzZ4&ab_channel=ToldotYisrael)
Letter to UN Security Council from Jordanian envoy: https://www.un.org/unispal/document/auto-insert-185828/
On the aftermath: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2538005,

Sykes-Picot and San Remo: You've Never Heard Of Them, But Did They Create Israel?

Mon, 02 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000

UIH survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

~~~~

It’s 1916 and World War I is raging. Countries are fighting for resources, land and power and the Ottoman Empire is on its deathbed. With all eyes on the Empire’s Middle Eastern territory, who will decide who gets control over what will become Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, and parts of Saudi Arabia? In this episode, Noam explores the secretive Sykes-Picot Agreement and the fallout it caused at the San Remo Conference.

~~~~

This season of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Barbara Sommer & Alan Fisher, and Marci & Andrew Spitzer, and this episode is generously sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, and the Jewish Federation of Northern NJ.

~~~~

Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Unpacking Israeli History about Black Saturday: https://jewishunpacked.com/black-saturday-how-far-would-you-go-for-a-homeland/

~~~~

Bibliography: https://jewishunpacked.com/did-a-secret-1916-treaty-between-the-u-k-and-france-create-the-state-of-israel/

Behind the Mossad: Three Stories You Won't Believe

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 16:10:00 -0000

How much do you know about the Mossad, Israel’s legendary intelligence agency? In this episode, Noam regales three wild stories about the Mossad that seem like they're straight out of a movie. Welcome to the world of international espionage.

Our deepest gratitude to Israeli journalist Ronen Bergman and his deeply researched, one of a kind book Rise and Kill First. The bulk of our research came from this book. And with that, welcome to the shadowy world of international espionage.

~~~~ This season of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Barbara Sommer & Alan Fisher, and Marci & Andrew Spitzer, and this episode is generously sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, and the Jewish Federation of Northern NJ. ~~~~ Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Unpacking Israeli History about Sabra and Shatila: https://jewishunpacked.com/sabra-and-shatila-what-happened-and-why-it-matters/

Unpacking Israeli History about Entebbe: https://jewishunpacked.com/operation-thunderbolt-the-raid-on-entebbe/

Unpacking Israeli History about Oslo: https://jewishunpacked.com/oslo-the-peace-that-wasnt/

~~~~

Bibliography:

Rise and Kill First
PLO Charter: https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/plocov.asp
Munich massacre refresher: https://www.britannica.com/event/Munich-Massacre
Wrath of God refresher: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Operation-Wrath-of-God
Eurovision stats: https://eurovisionworld.com/eurovision/1973
Uri Milstein interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWNEiChjXF8&ab_channel=AlexTseitlin
Popular songs of the 1970s: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_Annual_Hebrew_Song_Chart; https://www.myisraelimusic.com/episode1103
On 70s-era terror attacks in Israel: https://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/aboutisrael/maps/pages/1967-1993-%20major%20terror%20attacks.aspx
On the PFLP: https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/pflp-dflp-pflp-gc-palestinian-leftists
Haddad obit: https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1978/04/02/110820416.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0
Haddad funeral: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8bECeco57k&ab_channel=BloombergQuicktake%3ANow

Kishinev: Auschwitz Before Auschwitz

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0000

UIH survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

~~~~

Prior to the Holocaust, the 1903 pogrom in Kishinev (now Moldova) was the most infamous occurrence of Jewish suffering in the Diaspora. In this episode, Noam explores the many myths that surround the massacre and how it inspired Theodor Herzl to propose the controversial Uganda Plan. ~~~~ This season of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Barbara Sommer & Alan Fisher, and Marci & Andrew Spitzer, and this episode is generously sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, and the Tampa Jewish Federation. ~~~~ Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Unpacking Israeli History about the Uganda Plan: https://jewishunpacked.com/herzl-and-the-non-promised-land/

~~~~

Steven J Zipperstein, Pogrom: Kishinev and the Tilt of History
Edward Judge, Anatomy of a Pogrom
http://faculty.history.umd.edu/BCooperman/NewCity/Slaughter.html
Micah Goodman, The Wondering Jew: Israel and the Search for Jewish Identity
https://sci-hub.hkvisa.net/10.2307/23877915
https://sci-hub.hkvisa.net/10.1093/mj/kjh017
https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/naacp/founding-and-early-years.html
Ervin Birnbaum, In the Shadow of the Struggle
https://sci-hub.hkvisa.net/10.2307/40574565
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EAQVYv-rqw

Hebron Riots: When Tensions Erupt

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 04:00:53 -0000

UIH survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

~~~~

Welcome to Season 3 of Unpacking Israeli History! In the summer of 1929, Jews and Arabs alike found themselves caught in an unbearably bloody battle. The aftermath of a deadly riot showed the Jews of British Mandatory Palestine that the British couldn’t protect them, leading them to unite under the banner of Zionism. In this episode, Noam unpacks the 1929 Hebron Riots and considers why it may be considered “Year Zero” of the Arab-Israeli conflict. ~~~~ This season of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Barbara Sommer & Alan Fisher, and by Marci & Andrew Spitzer, and this episode is generously sponsored by Liz and Moshe Neiman. ~~~~ Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/ Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Unpacking Israeli History about Black Saturday: https://jewishunpacked.com/black-saturday-how-far-would-you-go-for-a-homeland/

Unpacking Israeli History about UN Resolution 3379: https://jewishunpacked.com/is-zionism-racism-un-resolution-3379/

~~~~

Once Upon a Country: A Palestinian Life, Sari Nusseibeh

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Amin-al-Husayni

https://www.britannica.com/topic/mufti

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/hajj-amin-al-husayni-the-mufti-of-jerusalem

A History of Israel, From the Rise of Zionism to Our Time, Howard Sachar

Righteous Victims: A History of the Zionist-Arab Conflict, 1881-1998, Benny Morris

One Palestine, Complete: Jews and Arabs Under the British Mandate, Tom Segev

Reapproaching Borders: New Perspectives on the Study of Israel-Palestine, Sandy Sufian and Mark Levine

https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/1929-hebron-massacre-begins-1.5427655

https://www.jpost.com/features/in-thespotlight/this-week-in-history-the-1929-hebron-massacre

City of Abraham, Edward Platt

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-hebron-massacre-of-1929

http://en.hebron.org.il/history/713

Israel: A History, Martin Gilbert

The Claim of Dispossession, Aryeh Avneri

Year after the Riots: American Responses to the Palestine Crisis of 1929-30, Naomi Cohen

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015066430987&view=1up&seq=7&skin=2021, The Shaw Report

https://www.jta.org/archive/testimony-of-orphaned-jewish-children-moves-hebron-court

Year Zero of the Arab-Israeli Conflict 1929, Hillel Cohen

http://en.jabotinsky.org/media/9747/the-iron-wall.pdf

https://www.sefaria.org/topics/mashiach?tab=sources

https://hebronfund.org/the-return-to-hebron-1967/

~~~~

Kastner Trial: The Weight of a Choice

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

UIH survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurvey

~~~~

It’s January of 1954 and the Attorney General v. Gruenwald case, AKA the Kastner trial, has begun. This was seemingly an open and shut libel case between an elderly Hungarian Jew and Israeli government official, Israel Rudolph Kastner. Yet somehow the trial caused a government fallout, brought David Ben-Gurion out of retirement and led to Israel’s first political assassination. In this episode, Noam explores what exactly Kastner was guilty of and how to grapple with the impossible choices he faced at the hands of the Nazis. ~~~~ This season of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Barbara Sommer & Alan Fisher, and Marci & Andrew Spitzer, and this episode is generously sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, and the Tampa Jewish Federation. ~~~~

Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Unpacking Israeli History about Black Saturday: https://jewishunpacked.com/black-saturday-how-far-would-you-go-for-a-homeland/

~~~~

Bibliography: https://jewishunpacked.com/the-kastner-trial-why-a-jew-who-saved-many-was-put-on-trial-for-working-with-the-nazis/

New Season Coming!

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 11:00:59 -0000

We are deep in the weeds prepping Season 3 of Unpacking Israeli History, and, dear listeners, you’re going to love it. As in past seasons, we’ll be exploring exciting, intense, and complicated topics. Stay tuned, and brush up on past episodes. Yalla, let’s do this.

Black Saturday: How Far Would You Go For A Homeland?

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 10:00:00 -0000

This is the story of the men and women who brought us our state. Who ran guns, defended settlements, defied the Mandatory Powers that Be, smuggled shell-shocked refugees into their homeland… and who disagreed with each other mightily about the best way to wrench their homeland back from a dying empire. In this episode, the last of Season 2, Noam tells the story of Black Saturday and asks, how far would we have gone to bring about the State of Israel? ~~~~

Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Alan Fisher and Barbara Sommer, and Jon and Rachie Teller, and this episode is generously sponsored by Yoni and Lisa Wintner.

~~~~

Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Unpacking Israeli History about the Altalena: https://jewishunpacked.com/the-altalena-israels-almost-civil-war/

~~~~

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsw_q5vO9hY

http://hebrewsongs.com/?song=shirhapalmach

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/quot-my-heart-is-in-the-east-quot-yehuda-halevi

https://etzel.org.il/

Sasson Sofer, Zionism and the Foundations of Israeli Diplomacy

Anita Shapira, Ben-Gurion: Father of Modern Israel

Daniel Gordis, Menachem Begin: The Battle for Israel's Soul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmYyPcEQKU4

https://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/peace/guide/pages/declaration%20of%20establishment%20of%20state%20of%20israel.aspx

Thurston Clark, By Blood and Fire

Oslo: The Peace That Wasn't

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 10:00:37 -0000

By January 1993, the Israelis and the Palestinians had opened secret negotiations, culminating in the Oslo Accords, a series of agreements between Israel and the PLO, as the representatives of the Palestinians. So, what was Oslo? What is its legacy? How did the Israeli public, including the settlement leadership, view Oslo? What about the Palestinians? And, what lessons can we learn from this haunting story? ~~~~

Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Alan Fisher and Barbara Sommer, and Jon and Rachie Teller, and this episode is generously sponsored by Yoni and Lisa Wintner, Beverly and Blake Lorenz, and Dr. Neil and Pam Weissman.

~~~~

Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Unpacking Israeli History about Baruch Goldstein: https://jewishunpacked.com/baruch-goldstein-legacy-of-a-massacre/

Unpacking Israeli History about Rabin's assassination: https://jewishunpacked.com/the-assassination-of-yitzchak-rabin/

Unpacking Israeli History about UN Resolution 3379: https://jewishunpacked.com/is-zionism-racism-un-resolution-3379/

~~~~

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8CFL6gHgxI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD0YmVwYJpA

https://history.state.gov/milestones/1989-1992/madrid-conference

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-original-palestine-national-charter-1964

Rise and Kill First, by Ronen Bergman

https://www.adl.org/education/resources/glossary-terms/the-oslo-accords-oslo-process

https://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/peace/guide/pages/declaration%20of%20principles.aspx

https://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/peace/guide/pages/the%20israeli-palestinian%20interim%20agreement%20-%20main%20p.aspx

https://iris.org.il/arafats-johannesburg-speech/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1994/05/26/arafats-loose-lips/ffd735a8-fe5f-4172-87fa-a77b4261c820/

https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/yasser-arafat-a-fake-hero-a-lord-of-corruption/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=6x25gf58ezI

https://www.smh.com.au/world/sharon-not-frightened-by-ancient-jewish-death-curse-20050728-gdlrql.html

https://www.haaretz.com/1.4853346

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-great-revolt-66-70-ce

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.MAGAZINE-they-heard-yitzhak-rabin-speak-right-before-his-murder-and-they-ll-never-forget-it-1.9291295

https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/palestineremix/the-price-of-oslo.html#/14

https://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/terrorism/palestinian/pages/suicide%20and%20other%20bombing%20attacks%20in%20israel%20since.aspx

https://sci-hub.se/https://www.jstor.org/stable/41289422

Like Dreamers, Yossi Klein Halevi

https://open.spotify.com/track/1aO1Pg9yuW6aVe6yYObjpk?si=2f2589b4f8dc479b

https://rabbisacks.org/pinchas-5781/

https://palwatch.org/page/8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhMF30VLZCA

Noa Tishby, Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj2-MMB_st0

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Sabra and Shatila: What Happened And Why It Matters

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0000

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Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Unpacking Israeli History about the Munich Olympics: https://jewishunpacked.com/munich-olympics-when-terrorism-won/

Unpacking Israeli History about the disengagement from Gaza: https://jewishunpacked.com/gush-katif-when-jews-expelled-jews/

~~~~

Sources

https://vimeo.com/548669557/description?fbclid=IwAR1NbzDCIl4kiYn8oWh64SkeGk8ABA45E2ulvx87AIz_SBM_JTuTd8vZ5M4

https://web.archive.org/web/20101130144018/http://www.un.int/wcm/content/site/palestine/pid/12363

https://www.thoughtco.com/black-september-jordanian-plo-civil-war-2353168

https://web.archive.org/web/20131019222951/http://legal.un.org/repertory/art98/english/rep_supp5_vol5-art98_e.pdf#pagemode=none

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jul/19/lebanon.israelandthepalestinians

https://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/terrorism/palestinian/pages/the%20kuntar%20file%20exposed%20-%20yediot%20aharonot%2014-jul-2008.aspx

https://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/25/world/shlomo-argov-73-ex-israeli-envoy-his-shooting-prompted-an-invasion.html

https://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/aboutisrael/history/pages/operation%20peace%20for%20galilee%20-%201982.aspx

https://www.jstor.org/stable/4284144

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicianism

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6932786.stm

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/background-and-overview-of-first-lebanon-war

https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1982/09/15/issue.html

https://sci-hub.se/https://doi.org/10.2307/2009880

https://www.theguardian.com/news/1999/oct/18/guardianobituaries https://www.firstthings.com/article/2018/05/soloveitchik-the-zionist

https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1606&context=facpubs&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com.tr%2Fscholar%3Fhl%3Den%26q%3Dmassacres%2Bin%2Blebanon%26btnG%3D%26as_sdt%3D1%252C5%26as_sdtp%3D#search=%22massacres%20lebanon%22

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Does Israel Represent All Jews?: The Great Debate

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 10:20:51 -0000

A tension between Israeli and diaspora Jewry has been obvious since the founding of the state. And nowhere was that more apparent than in the epic exchanges between philanthropist Jacob Blaustein and Prime Minister David Ben Gurion. In this episode, Noam shows how their debate both animated and clarified so much about the divide between Diaspora Jewish leadership and Israeli Jewish leadership - even today. ~~~~ Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Alan Fisher and Barbara Sommer, and Jon and Rachie Teller, and this episode is generously sponsored by Yoni & Lisa Wintner.

~~~~

Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Teaching about this topic? Check out our relevant educator resources here: https://unpacked.education/relationship-counseling-israel-and-the-diaspora/

Unpacking Israeli History about German reparations: https://jewishunpacked.com/the-great-debate-around-german-reparations/

Unpacking Israeli History about Entebbe: https://jewishunpacked.com/operation-thunderbolt-the-raid-on-entebbe/

Unpacking Israeli History about Operation Solomon: https://jewishunpacked.com/ingathering-of-exiles-from-ethiopia-to-israel/

~~~~

Sources

https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/id/f40eb209-80a3-47c3-bc0d-106f6413103a/628405.pdf

In Vigilant Brotherhood: The American Jewish Committee

My Life, Golda Meir’s autobiography

Ben-Gurion: Father of Modern Israel, Anita Shapira

~~~~

Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

The Story Of Israel's Black Panthers

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0000

The modern country of Israel is a country of immigrants, and many are Mizrahi, ie Jews from North Africa and the Middle East. They came, often running for their lives, from countries like Yemen, Morocco, Iraq, Egypt, and Syria, where they had lived -- and often, been oppressed. In this episode, Noam confronts the difficult history of the Mizrahi integration into Israel, and the formation of the Panterim Shchorim movement that emerged from that painful period. ~~~~ Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Alan Fisher and Barbara Sommer, and Jon and Rachie Teller.

~~~~

Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

See more about the Yemenite Children Affair: https://unpacked.education/the-yemenite-children-affair-unpacked/

See more on Mizrahi culture: https://unpacked.education/video/mizrachi-music/ https://unpacked.education/video/how-mizrahi-music-took-over-israeli-pop/

See the full season of Unpacking Israeli History here: https://jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/unpacking-israeli-history/

~~~~

Sources

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/immigrants-to-israel-1948-1952

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA2q9yyLlX4 https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/1.5280465 https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt21h4xqw.9?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/1.5280465 https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3316015,00.html https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-this-haifa-quarter-symbolizes-dispossession-first-of-palestinians-then-of-jews-1.8187863 https://www.jta.org/1960/01/22/archive/leader-of-haifa-riots-released-from-jail-under-presidential-amnesty https://books.google.com/books?id=YxJbEgx6X8kC&pg=PA29#v=onepage&q=Musrara&f=false https://www.pbs.org/hueypnewton/actions/actions_platform.html https://sci-hub.se/https://doi.org/10.5325/studamerjewilite.35.1.0077 https://www.jta.org/1969/02/24/archive/jerusalem-supersol-re-opens-for-business-2-young-bombing-victims-are-buried https://web.archive.org/web/20071227064213/http://news.independent.co.uk/people/obituaries/article3284869.ece https://sci-hub.se/https://doi.org/10.1080/17541320802063554 https://sci-hub.se/https://doi.org/10.1177/0044118X84016002002 https://www.nli.org.il/en/newspapers/dav/1971/03/04/01/article/20/?e=-------en-20--1--img-txIN%7ctxTI--------------1 https://reuters.screenocean.com/record/549772 https://israeled.org/israeli-black-panthers/ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PikiWiki_Israel_15327_Musrara_neighborhood_Jerusalem.jpg http://israelsdocuments.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-black-panthers-arent-nice.html https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.MAGAZINE-the-guerrilla-filmmaker-who-caught-israel-s-black-panthers-on-tape-1.5975793?lts=1624818943350 https://www.haaretz.com/1.4970675 https://electronicintifada.net/content/when-israels-black-panthers-found-common-cause-palestinians/26821 https://people.socsci.tau.ac.il/mu/noah/files/2018/07/Ethnic-origin-and-identity-in-Israel-JEMS-2018.pdf https://www.cjnews.com/perspectives/rise-mixed-ethnicity-israelis~~~~

Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

The Great Debate Around German Reparations

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 10:00:38 -0000

Begin and Ben Gurion had some epics battles, but one of the biggest ones happened in 1952, as these two Israeli giants battled about whether to take German reparations after the Holocaust. In this episode, Noam looks all the way back at this crazy story, and leaves us asking, who was right? ~~~~ Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Alan Fisher and Barbara Sommer, and Jon and Rachie Teller.

~~~~

Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

See the full season of Unpacking Israeli History here: https://jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/unpacking-israeli-history/

~~~~

Sources

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/06/the-case-for-reparations/361631/

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/19/us/ta-nehisi-coates-reparations.html

https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/67de380e-8b71-412c-8d06-70af9b31da25

https://www.ushmm.org/exhibition/displaced-persons/daily2.htm

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israel-breaks-50-year-record-for-most-rainfall-613693

tastecooking.com/truth-israeli-couscous/

https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/144226014.pdf

https://www.npr.org/2019/03/07/700356426/thousands-of-israelis-now-call-berlin-home-and-make-their-cultural-mark

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https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110255386.100/html

http://auschwitz.org/en/history/punishments-and-executions/

https://blog.nli.org.il/en/reparations-agreement/

https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/28248/1001729.pdf?sequence=1

https://www.aicgs.org/2019/11/the-september-1952-reparations-agreement-between-west-germany-and-israel-the-beginning-of-a-remarkable-friendship/

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/german-holocaust-reparations

Menachem Begin: The Battle for Israel's Soul, by Danny Gordis

Ben-Gurion: Father of Modern Israel, Anita Shapira

~~~~

Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Is Zionism…Racism?: UN Resolution 3379

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 14:58:00 -0000

On Nov 10, 1975, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 3379, determining that Zionism is "a form of racism and racial discrimination.” That’s quite a loaded description! In this episode, Noam Weissman breaks down what led to this infamous resolution, the UN’s relationship with Israel, and what it means to us, almost 50 years later. ~~~~ Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Alan Fisher and Barbara Sommer, and Jon and Rachie Teller. ~~~~

Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Teaching about this topic? Check out our relevant educator resources here: https://unpacked.education/video/un-resolution-3379-is-zionism-racism/

~~~~

Sources

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dlr1ioQIxa4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpC2HdL-95M

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https://www.haaretz.com/.premium-nostalgic-for-the-ussr-on-the-kibbutzim-1.5233153

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https://www.jta.org/1952/10/07/archive/bonn-charges-ussr-exports-nazi-anti-semitic-films-to-arabs

Sachar, A History of the Jews in the Modern World

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuJXdAvPCrU&t=252s

https://unwatch.org/moynihans-moment-the-historic-1975-u-n-speech-in-response-to-zionism-is-racism/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1991/12/17/un-repeals-resolution-linking-zionism-to-racism/70349a7c-ae07-40ea-b37d-ee711e0636eb/

~~~~

Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Dimona: Israel's "Secret" Nuclear Option

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 12:25:23 -0000

Have you heard about Israel's secret nuclear weapons in Dimona? Yeah, we haven't either. In this episode, Noam digs deep into how Israel's not-so-secret nuclear program came to be, and asks, does the nuclear program make Israel safer? ~~~~ Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Alan Fisher and Barbara Sommer, and Jon and Rachie Teller.

~~~~

Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Teaching about this topic? Check out our relevant educator resources here: https://unpacked.education/unpacking-operation-solomon-30-years-later/

~~~~

Sources

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2968/066004008

https://journals.sagepub.com/na101/home/literatum/publisher/sage/journals/content/bosb/2010/bosb_66_4/066004008/20170817/images/large/10.2968_066004008-img2.jpeg

https://americanhistory.si.edu/subs/history/timeline/different/nuclear_deterrence.html

https://www.britannica.com/place/Russia/The-Khrushchev-era-1953-64

https://books.google.com/books?id=si1oUnk5N3QC&pg=PA61#v=onepage&q&f=false

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/background-and-overview-israel-war-of-independence

https://gould.usc.edu/why/students/orgs/ilj/assets/docs/18-1%20Seidman.pdf

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/israel-studies-an-anthology-israel-s-economy:

https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/first/c/cohen-israel.html

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Suez-Canal

https://books.google.com/books?id=jGtVsBne7PgC

https://www.jstor.org/stable/30245572?seq=1

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https://fas.org/nuke/guide/israel/nuke/

https://www.atomicheritage.org/history/israeli-nuclear-program

jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/jfk-in-history/nuclear-test-ban-treaty

https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/israel/documents/reveal/index.html

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.MAGAZINE-how-a-standoff-with-the-u-s-almost-blew-up-israel-s-nuclear-program-1.7193419?v=1623033435057

https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/dc.html?doc=5983539-National-Security-Archive-Doc-04-Director-of

https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10801564#:~:text=Eventually%2C%20a%20U.N.%2Dbrokered%20ceasefire,heavily%20populated%20Palestinian%20West%20Bank.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/15/truth-israels-secret-nuclear-arsenal

https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/29/world/middleeast/29nixon.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/june/7/newsid_3014000/3014623.stm

https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/21/international/middleeast/israeli-who-revealed-nuclear-secrets-is-freed.html

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/15/truth-israels-secret-nuclear-arsenal

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/09/the-point-of-no-return/308186/

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/select-quotations-of-david-ben-gurion

~~~~

Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Ingathering of Exiles: From Ethiopia to Israel

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 10:30:22 -0000

You might have heard of the Beta Israel, the community of Israel’s Ethiopian community. In this episode, Noam Weissman tells their story - not only their rich Jewish heritage and history, but also the story of how they got to Israel, in Operation Solomon, and their integration into Israeli society over the last thirty years. It’s thrilling, inspiring, but also complicated, and difficult at times. In other words, it’s a microcosm of the entire state of Israel, and the Jewish community the world over. ~~~~ Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Alan Fisher and Barbara Sommer, and Jon and Rachie Teller.

~~~~

Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Teaching about this topic? Check out our relevant educator resources here: https://unpacked.education/unpacking-operation-solomon-30-years-later/

~~~~

Sources

https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-backlash-barkan-winery-says-ethiopian-workers-to-work-as-usual/

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/05/11/10-key-findings-about-jewish-americans/ft_2021-05-11_jewishkeyfindings_01/

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32813056

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Beta-Israel

https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-history-of-ethiopian-jewry/

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/timeline-of-ethiopian-jewish-history

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/who-are-the-ethiopian-jews

https://minorityrights.org/minorities/beta-israel/

https://tamidnyc.org/passover-around-world/

https://www.timesofisrael.com/outcry-as-barkan-winery-shuns-ethiopian-workers-over-doubts-of-their-jewishness/

https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1996-07-29-1996211101-story.html

https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/ethiopian-jewry-no-longer-a-lost-tribe/

https://www.jpost.com/opinion/op-ed-contributors/rabbi-ovadia-yosef-and-the-ethiopian-jews-328178

https://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/default/files/public/halakhah/teshuvot/19861990/saltzman_ethiopian.pdf

https://www.aish.com/sp/so/My-Treacherous-Journey-across-the-Ethiopian-Desert.html

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-lifts-sweeping-ban-on-ethiopian-israeli-blood-donations-1.5483820

https://www.timesofisrael.com/ministry-lifts-ban-on-ethiopian-blood-donations/

https://www.enp.org.il/en/background.php

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kebra_Nagast

https://www.torahmusings.com/2017/12/rav-ovadya-yosef-whether-ethiopian-jews-need-reconvert/

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/05/11/10-key-findings-about-jewish-americans/ft_2021-05-11_jewishkeyfindings_01/

Lewin-Epstein, Noah; Cohen, Yinon (18 August 2019). "Ethnic origin and identity in the Jewish population of Israel". Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies. 45 (11): 2118–2137.

Steven Kaplan, "A Brief History of the Beta Israel", in The Jews of Ethiopia: A People in Transition

~~~~

Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Operation Thunderbolt: The Raid on Entebbe

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 10:30:11 -0000

When Air France Flight 139 took off from Tel Aviv on the morning of June 27th, 1976, no one could have suspected that the soon-to-be-hijacked flight was about to lead to one of the world's most daring and risky rescue missions. In the first episode of season two, Noam Weissman unpacked Operation Thunderbolt, Israel's successful secret operation to rescue the passengers, and asks, does this story have enduring lessons for us today? ~~~~ Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Alan Fisher and Barbara Sommer, and Jon and Rachie Teller.

This episode is generously sponsored by Marci and Alex S. Kaufman.

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Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/ Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked Teaching about this topic? Check out our relevant educator resources here: https://unpacked.education/video/operation-thunderbolt-entebbe/

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Sources

https://www.amazon.com/Skies-Belong-Us-Terror-Hijacking/dp/0307886115
https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/sept11/2001/10/01/elal-usat.htm#more
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1578183.stm
https://www.npr.org/2019/03/30/708229313/opinion-remembering-pilot-michel-bacos-hero-of-the-1976-entebbe-hijacking
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-lod-massacre
https://www.haaretz.com/1.5353488
https://www.amazon.com/Entebbe-Balfour-Books-Iddo-Netanyahu-ebook/dp/B003ZUYQG6/ https://www.amazon.com/Operation-Thunderbolt-Entebbe-Airport-Audacious/dp/0316245399/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/july/7/newsid_2496000/2496095.stm)
http://web.stanford.edu/group/tomzgroup/pmwiki/uploads/1377-1976-08-KS-a-RCW.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3qkquLvk6g
https://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Analysis-Israel-and-Kenya-blood-ties-326880
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/11701064/Israels-raid-on-Entebbe-was-almost-a-disaster.html
https://www.airforcemag.com/PDF/MagazineArchive/Documents/2010/December%202010/1210entebbe.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vycaXjr7vhQ
https://archive.jewishagency.org/secret-service/content/25326 tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/entebbes-forgotten-dead
https://www.haaretz.com/1.5353488 https://www.amazon.com/Memoirs-Expanded-Speeches-Photographs-Afterword/dp/0520207661
https://www.amazon.com/Operation-Thunderbolt-Entebbe-Airport-Audacious/dp/0316245399/

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Introducing: This Week Unpacked

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 11:00:00 -0000

Presenting: This Week Unpacked.

Unpacking Israeli History is all about excavating the past, but my colleagues at Unpacked have been working on a new podcast, one that I think will really complement this one. Each week, my colleagues Sara and Avi will be diving deep into something going on in the contemporary Jewish and Israeli world (and in only 15 minutes!).

In a world that is hyper polarized and partisan, we take a different approach, and frankly, I hope it’s refreshing. Have a listen to last week’s episode, which is all about understanding the coalition that Bennett and Lapid put together this week. And make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea and Larry Gill

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Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

What The Heck Is Going On In Israel?

Mon, 24 May 2021 20:35:50 -0000

The news coming out of Israel is scaring and confusing all of us. Is Sheikh Jarrah a housing dispute, or something bigger? Who is responsible for the protests and riots all over the country? Why are thousands of rockets being launched, and what does it mean for the region? What is going on??

Here at Unpacking Israeli History, we’re here to make sense of the present by exploring the past. Our goal is always to explore the questions of Israeli history — to really get to know the stories, including the confusing grey areas, and to make meaning of the present. To be transparent, and give the real context to the complicated, messy world of Israel, which has a few warts perhaps, but is also full of wonders. Only with that nuanced approach will we really understand Israeli history, and only when we understand that history will we be able to understand the very textured Israeli present.

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The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea and Larry Gill

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Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Gaza Strip and Gush Katif: When Jews Expelled Jews

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

In the final episode of the season, Noam Weissman delves into one of the most divisive events in Israel’s history — the disengagement from the Gaza Strip. He looks at the historical context, the political and religious debate leading up to the pull-out, the trauma it caused for Israelis, the effect that the disengagement had on the peace process and whether the results were worth the suffering it caused. ~~~~ The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea and Larry Gill

This episode is sponsored by Dr. Neil and Pam Weissman

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Sources

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

The Second Intifada: Trauma and Tragedy

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

The assassination of Yitzchak Rabin

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

The assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin on November 4th, 1995 remains one of the most difficult moments in Israeli history and in modern Jewish history. Join Noam Weissman as he dives into Rabin’s life and legacy and unpacks how the assassination and its aftermath continues to affect Israeli society. ~~~~

The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea and Larry Gill

This episode is sponsored by Dr. Neil and Pam Weissman

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Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Teaching about this topic? Check out our relevant educator resources here: https://unpacked.education/video/the-life-and-assassination-of-yitzhak-rabin/

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Sources

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Baruch Goldstein: Legacy of a Massacre

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

On the festival of Purim in 1994, Israeli-American doctor Baruch Goldstein opened fire in the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, killing 29 Muslim worshippers. Condemnation was swift and decisive, but among the voices of dismay and repulsion were those who supported Goldstein’s actions and honored him after his death. Noam Weissman explores the background of the massacre, the events that followed and asks important questions about Jewish terrorism. ~~~~ The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea and Larry Gill

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Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Teaching about this topic? Check out our relevant educator resources here: https://unpacked.education/video/jewish-terrorism/

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Sources

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

The First Intifada: A Grassroots Movement

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

The First Intifada, or uprising, differed greatly from the intense violence and bloodshed seen in the Second Intifada. Even without the same level of violence, the events from 1987-1993 completely altered Israeli history. Noam Weissman asks what caused the Intifada, how it shifted the Arab-Israeli relationship and why it changed Israel’s reputation on the global stage forever. ~~~~ The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea & Larry Gill

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

The Yom Kippur War: A National Catastrophe

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea and Larry Gill

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Sources:

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Munich Olympics: When Terrorism Won

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

The 1972 Munich Olympics was supposed to showcase the face of the new Germany. Instead, the horrific death of 11 Israeli athletes — slaughtered as the world watched — marked a watershed moment in the Palestinian struggle and raises important questions about the power and effectiveness of terrorism. Join Noam Weissman as he explains the details of that day and what followed, and why the massacre at Munich was not just another 1970’s terrorist attack. ~~~~ The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea and Larry Gill

This episode is sponsored by Jack and Ellen Kahan Zager in honor of Ala and Yoske (z”l) Brosh

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Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Teaching about this topic? Check out our relevant educator resources here: https://unpacked.education/video/1972-olympics-the-munich-massacre-does-terrorism-work/

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Eichmann: The Controversy of Justice

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

You would have thought that bringing Nazis to justice would have been something the world could agree on, but the Mossad’s capture of the infamous Nazi Adolf Eichmann prompted a fiery international debate that proved otherwise. Noam Weissman explores the truth about the stranger-than-fiction capture of one of the architects of the Final Solution and debates the ethical and moral questions raised by Eichmann’s trial and subsequent execution by the State of Israel. ~~~~ The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea and Larry Gill

This episode is sponsored by Liz and Moshe Naiman

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Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Teaching about this topic? Check out our relevant educator resources here https://unpacked.education/video/the-full-story-behind-operation-finale/

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Sources:

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Hatikvah: The Story Behind the Anthem

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem, predates the establishment of the Jewish state by decades. Zionist leader Theodor Herzl hated it and many of Israel’s citizens refuse to sing it. So, how did this unlikely song take the national anthem top spot? What were the alternatives? And are there any plans to change it? Join Noam Weissman as he deconstructs the music, melody and meaning behind Hatikvah. ~~~~ The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea and Larry GillThis episode is sponsored by Jack and Ellen Kahan Zager in honor of Ala and Yoske (z”l) Brosh

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Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Teaching about this topic? Check out our relevant educator resources here: https://unpacked.education/video/history-of-israels-national-anthem-does-hatikvah-mean-hope-for-all/

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Sources:

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

The Altalena: Israel’s (Almost) Civil War

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Just a month after its establishment, the State of Israel was on the brink of civil war, with two of its greatest leaders — David Ben Gurion and Menachem Begin — facing off in the ultimate power struggle. Noam Weissman unpacks an event that continues to reverberate through Israeli society to this day. Join him as he asks how the Zionist dream nearly imploded and who deserves the credit for ending one of the biggest crises in Israeli history. ~~~~ The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea and Larry GillThis episode is sponsored by Jack and Ellen Kahan Zager in honor of Ala and Yoske (z”l) Brosh

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Sources:

Daniel Gordis, Menachem Begin, The Battle For Israel’s Soul
Anita Shapira, Israel: A History
Itamar Rabinovitch, Yitzchak Rabin
Dan Ephron, Killing a King

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Deir Yassin: The Battle for Truth

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

No incident in Israeli history has been more hotly contested than that of April 9, 1948, in the small Arab village of Deir Yassin. Noam Weissman tries to uncover what really happened on that fateful day and asks why, with so many battles, so much war and so many disputes, this event will haunt Israel forever. ~~~~ The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea and Larry Gill

This episode is sponsored by Maytal and David Shainberg

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Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/

Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Teaching about this topic? Check out our relevant educator resources here: https://unpacked.education/video/what-is-deir-yassin/

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Source Links

https://mfa.gov.il/mfa/aboutisrael/history/pages/israels%20war%20of%20independence%20-%201947%20-%201949.aspx
https://erenow.net/modern/israel-concise-history-nation-reborn/8.php
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-capture-of-deir-yassin
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/MAGAZINE-testimonies-from-the-censored-massacre-at-deir-yassin-1.5494094
https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/04/201249125656342960.html
https://besacenter.org/perspectives-papers/deir-yassin-nakba-war-crimes/
https://erenow.net/modern/israel-concise-history-nation-reborn/8.php
Nihad Zeitawi, edited by: Sharif Kana’a, Destroyed Palestinian villages, Series No. (4): Deir Yassin, Bir Zeit University – Documents and Research center, 1987, p.57

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Hebrew: A Dead Language Revived

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

If you’ve learned anything about the spread of Modern Hebrew, you probably heard that it’s all thanks to one man - Eliezer Ben Yehuda - that Israel’s national language is Hebrew and not Yiddish (or even German!). Not to spoil a good story with fact, but that’s not exactly how the rebirth of Hebrew went down. Far from being a crusade of one, it took an entire nation to revive a language that had been close to death for millennia. ~~~~ The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea and Larry GillThis episode is sponsored by Jack and Ellen Kahan Zager in honor of Ala and Yoske (z”l) Brosh.

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

The Balfour Declaration: 67 Words That Changed the World

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0000

In a bizarre twist of history, the humble chestnut played a big role in the ultimate creation of the State of Israel. To understand why, Noam Weissman examines the curious origins of the Balfour Declaration and asks why the 67-word letter from a British foreign minister continues to get people riled up more than 100 years after it was published. ~~~~~ The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea & Larry Gill ~~~~~

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Source links

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Herzl and the Non-Promised Land

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

After over 70 years of existence, it’s impossible to imagine the Jewish State being located anywhere other than Israel. But in the early days of Zionism, there was a push to establish a homeland in a non-Promised Land in East Africa. This week, Noam Weissman gets to the heart of the Uganda Plan and discusses why the movement’s leaders felt they needed to come up with a solution — any solution — to combat the rampant antisemitism of the day. ~~~~~ The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea & Larry Gill

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Dreyfus: An Affair to Remember

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

How is it possible that an espionage trial in France in the mid-1890s set into motion events that (tangentially) led to the rebirth of the State of Israel after 2,000 years? Noam Weissman demystifies the oft-repeated but often misunderstood story of the Dreyfus Affair. He also explains why this extraordinary — but also ordinary — example of antisemitism cuts to the heart of questions surrounding Jewish identity that are still being asked today. ~~~~~

The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea & Larry Gill

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Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked Teaching about this topic? Check out our relevant educator resources here: https://unpacked.education/video/the-dreyfus-affair/

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Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

Introducing Unpacking Israeli History

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 19:18:32 -0000

Explore the controversial, fascinating and confusing moments of Israeli history with host Noam Weissman. Join him each week as he unpacks another captivating story that you may have missed in history class.

The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea & Larry Gill

Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/ Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked

Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media