Unpacking Israeli History

Latest Episodes:

What is Zionism? Part 2: Challenges, Education, and What’s Next Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

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

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

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 Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

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

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

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] Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

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?

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

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

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

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 Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

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.

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

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 Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

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.

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

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 Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

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.

-----------

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 Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

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.

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

Click here for the sources we used in this episode.

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

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] Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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] Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

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.

~~~~

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

~~~~

Unpacked is a division of OpenDor Media

From Hostage Tragedy to Be'eri's Loss, Strength and a Special Conversation Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected