Unpacking Israeli History

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. ------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠

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

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

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, 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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