Unpacking Israeli History

Latest Episodes:

Israeli Settlers: Obstacle or Path to Peace? Part 2 Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

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.

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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

Israeli Settlers: Obstacle or Path to Peace? Part 1 Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

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.

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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

Open Mic: The USS Liberty, Conspiracies, and Antisemitism Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

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 Dec 24, 2024

Show notes

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 Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

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 Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

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 Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

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:

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Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

Is Israel an Apartheid State? Part 1 Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

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 Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

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 Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

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.

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

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews