Unpacking Israeli History

Nov 18 2024 90 ep. 35 mins 2k
Unpacking Israeli History Podcast artwork

Go behind the scenes of Israeli history with self-confessed history nerd Noam Weissman. Each week, he offers a fresh perspective on some of the most controversial and interesting events in the country’s history. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about what Israel is all about -- from multiple angles and viewpoints -- this is the podcast for you.

  Religion & Spirituality  Society & Culture
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Special Crossover: Navigating Israel, Identity, and Empathy—How to Talk to Kids About Israel

Nov 18 2024 39 mins  
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 educat

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

Nov 11 2024 41 mins  
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

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

Nov 04 2024 54 mins  
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. Boo

What is Zionism? Part 1: Origins and Big Ideas

Oct 28 2024 52 mins  
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.

Oslo: The Peace that Wasn't [Rerelease]

Oct 21 2024 45 mins  
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 d

Part 3: The Aftermath of October 7

Oct 14 2024 60 mins  
Part 3 of 3: The aftermath 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

Part 2: The Nightmare of October 7, 2023

Oct 07 2024 56 mins  
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 sur

The End of Nasrallah

Oct 01 2024 33 mins  
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. Wi

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

Sep 30 2024 62 mins  
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 turbu

The Second Intifada: Trauma and Tragedy [Rerelease]

Sep 23 2024 31 mins  
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