Unpacking Israeli History

Apr 11 2025 107 ep. 36 mins 2.1k
Unpacking Israeli History Podcast artwork

Join self-confessed history nerd Dr. Noam Weissman on a journey through the fascinating and sometimes controversial events and personalities that have shaped Israel’s past and present. Each week, Noam explores the layers of Israeli history, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the cultural forces at play—drawing on a variety of sources and perspectives. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking to better understand this complex region, you’ll find a nuanced, authentic, and thought-provoking take on Israel—free from oversimplification and political spin.

  Religion & Spirituality  History  Society & Culture
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Special Crossover: The Star of David (Jewish History Nerds)

Apr 11 2025 37 mins  
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 St

Meir Kahane: Jewish Defender or Jewish Supremacist?

Apr 01 2025 45 mins  
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

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

Mar 25 2025 59 mins  
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, a

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

Mar 18 2025 56 mins  
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, Ah

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

Mar 11 2025 54 mins  
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’

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A 30-Minute Guide

Mar 04 2025 35 mins  
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 sum

Bibas Family Tragedy and the Human Cost of Conflict

Feb 25 2025 20 mins  
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

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

Feb 18 2025 31 mins  
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

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

Feb 11 2025 35 mins  
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

Israeli Settlers: Obstacle or Path to Peace? Part 2

Feb 04 2025 63 mins  
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 P