Are West Bank Settlers the Most Dangerous Jews in Israel? Unpacking Israeli History 2025-08-12 | Noam Weissman joins journalist and analyst Haviv Rettig Gur for a candid, wide-angle look at one of Israel’s most contentious issues: settler v!olence.They trace the history of West Bank settlement, unpack the diverse currents within the movement, and examine the rise of the Hilltop Youth as a rebellious fringe. Along the way, they challenge inflated statistics, explore starkly different Israeli and Palestinian perceptions, and confront the outsized impact of a small but combustible phenomenon on politics, security, and identity.Chapters00:00 Intro03:28 What is a settler?11:52 Hebrew words for settler12:34 History of the settler movement17:20 Where in the West Bank do settlers live?30:07 Who are the hilltop youth?35:51 Are the hilltop youth vigilante pioneers?42:40 Statistics on settler v!olence46:43 Is settler v!olence actually a problem?56:41 The disengagement from Gaza & settler v!olence1:02:16 Should we air our dirty laundry?1:07:12 OutroThe History & Controversy of Israeli Settlementsyoutube.com/watch?v=rid8igG8HVk&list=PLa8FPSywS7X-FVZQ6FT9Uz1AxL3yK5ZV2&index=14--------------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OWLlijjix8R2yUfUhPGXfbyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OPEEzj7qIyHDCL3ojnlARgyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5Ml5_nykyeyleIqIewT80F6#israel #palestine #westbank
Palestinian Statehood: Between Corruption and Catastrophe Unpacking Israeli History 2025-10-01 | “There is no Gaza now. This is what Hamas has contributed to the Palestinian people.”Why did many Palestinians once vote for Hamas? Reform, hope, change.What did they get instead? Corruption, violence, and destruction.Ordinary Palestinians deserve better leaders and better choices.🎧 Full episode of Unpacking Israeli History in bio.
Einat Wilf: Palestinian Statehood and Why Peace Failed Unpacking Israeli History 2025-10-01 | Noam Weissman sits down with Dr. Einat Wilf — former Knesset member, public intellectual, and one of Israel’s sharpest voices — for a provocative conversation about Palestinian statehood. Once a passionate believer in Oslo’s “land for peace,” Wilf’s experiences led her from optimism to skepticism about whether a two-state solution is possible. She argues the conflict is rooted not in borders or land swaps but in the refusal to accept Jewish sovereignty.Noam presses Einat on Gaza disengagement, partition, competing ideas of justice in a conversation that challenges simple assumptions and forces listeners to rethink what peace, recognition, and sovereignty really mean.This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously in honor of Dr. Andrew and Marci Spitzer. If you want to sponsor an episode of Unpacking Israel History or even just say what's up, be in touch at noam@unpacked.media.Check us out on Youtube. (youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5MkYd6FrKjjkhDGczLJ9xVB) This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.-------------------For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History Nerds (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/jewish-history-nerds) Soulful Jewish Living (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/soulful-jewish-living-mindful-practices-for-every-day) Stars of David with Elon Gold (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/stars-of-david-elon-gold) Wondering Jews (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/wondering-jews)
The Secret History That Made a Palestinian State Impossible Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-30 | France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood reignited an old question: what actually makes a state?In this episode, with insights from leading Israeli and Palestinian voices, we trace why Israel declared independence in 1948 while Palestine did not—and how those choices still shape the conflict today.Recommended video: The Entire Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in 30 Minutesyoutube.com/watch?v=dcCIOLRdLaw&list=PLa8FPSywS7X-FVZQ6FT9Uz1AxL3yK5ZV2&index=14--------------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OWLlijjix8R2yUfUhPGXfbyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OPEEzj7qIyHDCL3ojnlARgyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5Ml5_nykyeyleIqIewT80F6#israel #palestine #history
Samer Sinijlawi: Building Palestinian Statehood from the Ground Up Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-30 | In our two-part series on Palestinian statehood, we traced the history and politics behind decades of failed attempts. But for Palestinian activist and political leader Samer Sinijlawi, the real story isn’t just about UN votes or diplomatic resolutions. It’s about whether Palestinians and Israelis can build a shared future with their own hands. In this candid conversation, Noam and Samer explore why lasting peace must be created from within, and why he still believes it’s possible.This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously in honor of Dr. Andrew and Marci Spitzer. If you want to sponsor an episode of Unpacking Israel History or even just say what's up, be in touch at noam@unpacked.media.Check us out on Youtube. (youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5MkYd6FrKjjkhDGczLJ9xVB) This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.-------------------For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History Nerds (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/jewish-history-nerds) Soulful Jewish Living (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/soulful-jewish-living-mindful-practices-for-every-day) Stars of David with Elon Gold (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/stars-of-david-elon-gold) Wondering Jews (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/wondering-jews)
The Peace Offer That Almost Changed Everything Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-29 | What if a historic peace deal was just a handshake away? In 2000, Prime Minister Ehud Barak extended a groundbreaking offer to Yasser Arafat: a Palestinian state with significant territory, security guarantees, and a path to peace. But Arafat walked away, leaving many to wonder why. Was it a tactical move, a call for more input, or something else entirely? Discover the layers behind this pivotal moment in history, on Unpacking Israeli History, wherever you get your podcasts!
Michael Koplow: The Broken History and Fragile Future of Palestinian Statehood Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-29 | In this bonus episode, Noam talks with Michael Koplow, chief policy officer at the Israel Policy Forum. Michael traces the history of Palestinian statehood efforts, explains why each one failed, and shares why he doubts the UN’s recent recognition vote will change realities on the ground. Still, he hasn’t given up on two states, and he has devoted his career to making it happen.This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored in honor of Andrea and Larry Gill. If you want to sponsor an episode of Unpacking Israel History or even just say what's up, be in touch at noam@unpacked.media (mailto:noam@unpacked.media) .Check us out on Youtube. (youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5MkYd6FrKjjkhDGczLJ9xVB) This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.-------------------For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History Nerds (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/jewish-history-nerds) Soulful Jewish Living (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/soulful-jewish-living-mindful-practices-for-every-day) Stars of David with Elon Gold (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/stars-of-david-elon-gold) Wondering Jews (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/wondering-jews)
The Quest for a Homeland in Palestine Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-28 | What does it take to create a state?For centuries, the land of Palestine was shaped by the hands of empires, first under the Ottomans and then the British. But when the dust settled after World War I, one group emerged with a singular vision: the Jewish community.Their journey was marked by struggle, compromise, and an unwavering commitment to their dream as they laid the groundwork for a future stateCurious how they turned adversity into triumph? Full story on Unpacking Israeli History, wherever you get your podcasts! 🎧#IsraeliHistory #OttomanEmpire #BritishMandate #UnpackingIsraeliHistory
The Failures of Palestinian Statehood Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-26 | What went wrong for the Palestinians in the 1930s? Samer Sinijlawi, Palestinian political activist, joins us to unpack this pivotal moment which crushed hopes for a Palestinian state, and revealed critical missteps in leadership. 👉 Full story of the complexities of this historical narrative and lessons it holds for today, on Unpacking Israeli History - wherever you get your podcasts! #PalestinianHistory #IsraeliHistory #UnpackingIsraeliHistory
Why No Palestinian State? Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-25 | Why was there no Palestinian state under Arab rule? Palestinian humanitarian activist Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib explores the rejectionism that influenced regional politics and how it continues to echo in today’s discussions. Tune in to Unpacking Israeli History to understand the full story -- wherever you get your podcasts.#PalestinianHistory #MiddleEastPolitics #UnpackingIsraeliHistory
Palestinian Statehood: Why Peace Failed (1967 to 2025) Part 2 Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-25 | In Part 2 in a series on Palestinian statehood, Noam Weissman picks up in 1967, showing how the Six Day War reset borders and assumptions—sparking debates over land, security, and sovereignty. From Oslo to the Second Intifada, Gaza disengagement to October 7, 2023, the episode traces failed peace efforts, missed opportunities, and deepening mistrust. With a growing number of countries now pushing recognition of Palestine at the UN General Assembly, the conversation turns to what truly defines a state—and what recognition would (or wouldn’t) change. Featuring Einat Wilf, Samer Sinijlawi, Ahmed Fouad Al-Khatib, and Michael Koplow, it explores past offers, critical mistakes, and the conditions needed for a real two-state solution.Here (docs.google.com/document/d/1iJYrdCnE3nSkFnr4uXdjZH3_Jx853GN609f7pz8IS6M/edit?usp=sharing) is link to the sources used in this episode. This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored in honor of Dr. Andrew and Marci Spitzer. If you want to sponsor an episode of Unpacking Israel History or even just say what's up, be in touch at noam@unpacked.media (mailto:noam@unpacked.media) .Check us out on Youtube. (youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5MkYd6FrKjjkhDGczLJ9xVB) This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.-------------------For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History Nerds (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/jewish-history-nerds) Soulful Jewish Living (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/soulful-jewish-living-mindful-practices-for-every-day) Stars of David with Elon Gold (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/stars-of-david-elon-gold) Wondering Jews (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/wondering-jews)
Palestinian Statehood: Why It Never Happened (1918 to 1967) Part 1 Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-22 | Why did Israel become a state but Palestine didn’t? Now that a rising number of nations, including Britain and France, have announced that they plan to recognize Palestinian Statehood at the United Nations General Assembly, that question feels more urgent than ever.In Part One of this two-part series, Noam Weissman takes a look back at the decades from WWI to 1967. The episodes explores how the Yishuv built the foundations of a Jewish state, why Palestinian leadership faltered, and how Egypt and Jordan sidelined Palestinian statehood.Featuring insights from Einat Wilf, Samer Sinijlawi, Ahmed Fouad Al-Khatib, and Michael Koplow, this episode unpacks the roots of a struggle still dominating today’s headlines.Here (docs.google.com/document/d/1iJYrdCnE3nSkFnr4uXdjZH3_Jx853GN609f7pz8IS6M/edit?usp=sharing) is link to the sources used in this episode. This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored in honor of Dr. Andrew and Marci Spitzer. If you want to sponsor an episode of Unpacking Israel History or even just say what's up, be in touch at noam@unpacked.media (mailto:noam@unpacked.media) .Check us out on Youtube. (youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5MkYd6FrKjjkhDGczLJ9xVB) This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.-------------------For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History Nerds (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/jewish-history-nerds) Soulful Jewish Living (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/soulful-jewish-living-mindful-practices-for-every-day) Stars of David with Elon Gold (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/stars-of-david-elon-gold) Wondering Jews (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/wondering-jews)
Why Trust Our Israeli History Podcast? Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-19 | "I don’t trust legacy institutions or mainstream media… but I trust your podcast." That’s what thousands tell us. Why is that? Close to 1000 people came out listen to Noam Weissman and guest @dansenor at the @92ndstreety. Catch the full discussion in the live episode. Tap our link in bio.
The Complex Truth About Israels Historical Accusations Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-18 | Israel has faced accusations since before there were settlements.But the harder question is: how do Israelis — and the Jewish world — debate morality in wartime without losing sight of Israel’s right to exist? That’s the heart of our work on Unpacking Israeli History. Listen to the full discussion in our Live episode from @92ndstreety with Noam Weissman and special guest @dansenor. Tap our link in bio.
Buzzer Beater: A Lesson in Israeli History Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-17 | When Israeli history meets Yeshiva basketball… let’s just say Jared Kushner's brother Josh still lives rent-free in Noam's nightmares. Buzzer beater, championship, heartbreak. Hear the whole story—and the rest of our sold-out @92ndstreety live show with @nweissman1 and @dansenor.
Dan Senor kept kosher in Baghdad?. Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-16 | @dansenor kept kosher in Baghdad.Yes. Really. During the Iraq war, former Senator John Sununu (a Lebanese-Syrian Christian!) hand-delivered a freezer pack of kosher meat from Jerusalem straight into the Green Zone—just so Dan Senor could keep kosher.Hear the whole wild story—and the rest of our sold-out @92ndstreety live show with @nweissman1 and @dansenor.🎧 Listen or watch now—tap the #linkinbio
The Conversation Israels Been Avoiding for 30 Years Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-16 | Noam Weissman sits down with Dan Senor for a live conversation on Israel’s past, present, and future.They revisit Camp David, Oslo, and the Abraham Accords, debate whether Israel’s challenge is PR or policy, and explore the role of diaspora Jews in times of crisis. Through personal stories and sharp debate, they explore how history and hard choices continue to shape Israel today.Chapters:00:00 – Intro03:06 – Dan Senor’s journey: Iraq, kosher meat & Startup Nation14:12 – Rewatchables: Camp David22:18 – Oslo Accords & Rabin 'what if'28:54 – Abraham Accords & Saudi role32:31 – Israel today: PR vs policy & Diaspora50:24 – Five Fast Facts & Enduring LessonRecommended video: Why Defending Israel Makes Things Worseyoutube.com/watch?v=IwV0FY7mBVM&list=PLa8FPSywS7X-FVZQ6FT9Uz1AxL3yK5ZV2&index=2--------------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OWLlijjix8R2yUfUhPGXfbyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OPEEzj7qIyHDCL3ojnlARgyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5Ml5_nykyeyleIqIewT80F6#history #future #israel
What Everyone’s Afraid to Say About Charlie Kirk (Bonus ep) Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-15 | Noam Weissman offers a bonus episode reflecting on Charlie Kirk’s assassination and what it reveals about a culture that refuses to listen.Drawing on Rabbi Lichtenstein’s call for communal soul-searching after Rabin’s murder, he links Israel’s past divides with America’s present vitriol—arguing for humility, honest dissent, and a community that fights fiercely over ideas without resorting to dehumanization.Recommended video: The USS Liberty, Conspiracies, & Antisemitismyoutube.com/watch?v=F5LZ8lbFmS8&list=PLa8FPSywS7X-FVZQ6FT9Uz1AxL3yK5ZV2&index=19--------------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OWLlijjix8R2yUfUhPGXfbyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OPEEzj7qIyHDCL3ojnlARgyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5Ml5_nykyeyleIqIewT80F6#charliekirk #history #dialogue
Moral Dilemmas in Combat: A Soldiers Perspective Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-14 | Ever wondered what goes on in the minds of soldiers during intense operations? In this gripping clip from our latest episode, Gil Troy bring us into the moral dilemmas faced by Israeli commanders in the heat of battle. Listen in as we explore the complexities of military engagement and the protocols that guide the IDF - on Unpacking Israeli History, wherever you get your podcasts! #IsraeliHistory #MilitaryEthics #UnpackingIsraeliHistory
Zionism & the American Dream: A Surprising Connection Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-12 | What does it mean to be a Zionist? And can you still be critical and self-critical?Gil Troy explores how identity Zionism offers a path to pride, purpose, and liberalism, even in challenging times. Want to understand more about this intriguing relationship? Full story on Unpacking Israeli History, wherever you get your podcasts! #Zionism #AmericanDream #IsraeliHistory
Is Israels Conflict Really Genocide? Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-11 | Is the term "genocide" being used correctly in the context of Israel? In a recent discussion at McGill University, Gil Troy tackled this provocative question. And it turns out, it says more about our perceptions than about the reality across the globe. 💬 Full story on Unpacking Israeli History, wherever you get your podcasts#Israel #Genocide #Podcast #MiddleEast #UnpackingIsraeliHistory
Did Hamas Get Exactly What It Wanted? Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-10 | Noam Weissman sits down with historian and columnist Gil Troy for a frank look at gen0cide, just w@r, and Zionism under fire.They trace the term from Lemkin and the 1948 convention through Rwanda and Darfur, then probe Israel’s “purity of arms,” proportionality in urban combat, and the mirror test of military ethics. Along the way, they tackle incendiary rhetoric, hostage dilemmas, and the “w@r of reputation,” arguing for humility, complexity, and a standard of accountability that resists both cheerleading and despair.Recommended video: Ahmed Alkhatib Reveals the Shocking Truth About Hamas in Gazayoutube.com/watch?v=9_u7vmeMKC4&list=PLa8FPSywS7X-FVZQ6FT9Uz1AxL3yK5ZV2&index=12--------------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OWLlijjix8R2yUfUhPGXfbyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OPEEzj7qIyHDCL3ojnlARgyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5Ml5_nykyeyleIqIewT80F6#israel #history #politics
The Neturei Karta: Haredi Jews who reject the State of Israel Unpacking Israeli History 2025-09-02 | Who are the Neturei Karta? A recent Humans of New York article brought the fringe sect of ultra-Orthodox, anti-Zionist Jews into the spotlight. Now Noam Weissman explains the history of this tiny movement, which rejects the State of Israel and ally with its worst enemies. Noam explores why he and so many Jews are enraged by the Neturei Karta, who engage in anti-Jewish hatemongering. The Neturei Karta continue to grab outsized attention. But their story is one that touches on questions of Jewish unity, identity, and betrayal.Here (docs.google.com/document/d/1kfCE0YZE7_XrNo1JsQIJo0WBP0ardKLeLM97_uvQqRg/edit?usp=sharing) are the sources used in this episode.Check us out on Youtube. (youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5MkYd6FrKjjkhDGczLJ9xVB) This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.-------------------For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History Nerds (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/jewish-history-nerds) Soulful Jewish Living (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/soulful-jewish-living-mindful-practices-for-every-day) Stars of David with Elon Gold (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/stars-of-david-elon-gold) Wondering Jews (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/wondering-jews)
Why Defending Israel Makes Things Worse Unpacking Israeli History 2025-08-27 | Noam Weissman speaks with writer and researcher Toba Hellerstein about why facts alone rarely win hearts and minds.They explore how emotions, archetypes, and trust shape perceptions of Israel far more than charts or talking points. From the idea of Israel as a “flawed hero” to the risks of propaganda, this conversation asks what it means to tell Israel’s story honestly—acknowledging imperfection while holding on to aspiration.Chapters00:00 Intro02:22 Diversity among West Bank settlers07:31 The threat of Palestinian terror09:12 Disillusionment with the State of Israel13:39 Price tag attacks15:11 Hilltop youth & Jewish terror18:56 Rabbinic leadership of the hilltop youth21:49 Using the hilltop youth to demonize all settlers23:31 Government response to Jewish terror25:06 IDF response to hilltop youth30:10 The Palestinian struggle over land rights33:33 Is there Palestinian provocation?36:39 Media obsession with settler v!olence38:53 West Bank grassroots peace efforts44:54 OutroRecommended video: Why Telling the Truth About Israel Is SO Dangerousyoutube.com/watch?v=Emqk9Ilnask&list=PLa8FPSywS7X-FVZQ6FT9Uz1AxL3yK5ZV2&index=8--------------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OWLlijjix8R2yUfUhPGXfbyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OPEEzj7qIyHDCL3ojnlARgyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5Ml5_nykyeyleIqIewT80F6#israel #facts #feelings
The West Bank Reality BOTH Sides Want to Hide Unpacking Israeli History 2025-08-19 | Noam Weissman sits down with educator Yirmiyahu Danzig for a raw look at settler v!olence and life in the West Bank.They explore the diversity of Jewish communities, the rise of the Hilltop Youth, and the daily struggles of Palestinians caught in the middle. Through stories from years on the ground, Yirmiyahu reveals how ideology, trauma, and theology shape this volatile landscape — and what it might take to imagine a different future.Chapters00:00 Intro02:22 Diversity among West Bank settlers07:31 The threat of Palestinian terror09:12 Disillusionment with the State of Israel13:39 Price tag attacks15:11 Hilltop youth & Jewish terror18:56 Rabbinic leadership of the hilltop youth21:49 Using the hilltop youth to demonize all settlers23:31 Government response to Jewish terror25:06 IDF response to hilltop youth30:10 The Palestinian struggle over land rights33:33 Is there Palestinian provocation?36:39 Media obsession with settler v!olence38:53 West Bank grassroots peace efforts44:54 OutroAre West Bank Settlers the Most Dangerous Jews in Israel?youtube.com/watch?v=lAKmt50PES4&list=PLa8FPSywS7X-FVZQ6FT9Uz1AxL3yK5ZV2&index=1--------------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OWLlijjix8R2yUfUhPGXfbyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OPEEzj7qIyHDCL3ojnlARgyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5Ml5_nykyeyleIqIewT80F6#israel #palestine #westbank
Who Are Israel’s Hilltop Youth? Unpacking Israeli History 2025-08-15 | Who are the “Hilltop Youth”?Some are young people from tough backgrounds who find purpose in small communities they see as anchoring Jewish life in its historic heartland.A few view this as a rebellion against Israel’s approach — leading to frequent clashes with Palestinians and even the IDF.🎧 Hear Haviv Rettig Gur’s full take on Unpacking Israeli History — link in bio.
Why It’s So Hard to Talk About Settler Violence Unpacking Israeli History 2025-08-14 | Settler violence is a real issue — but talking about it can feel impossible.For some, raising it only fuels those who already see Israel as a villain. For others, silence makes things worse.How do we have an honest conversation when the stakes feel this high?🎧 Hear Haviv Rettig Gur’s full take on Unpacking Israeli History — link in bio.
Why Settlement Growth Isn’t What It Seems Unpacking Israeli History 2025-08-13 | Between Oslo and 1999, two new cities near the Green Line accounted for a huge share of settler growth.In Israel’s view, these aren’t the sticking points — they’re solvable.But is that how the world sees them?🎧 Hear the full conversation with Haviv Rettig Gur on Unpacking Israeli History — available wherever you get your podcasts.
Fedayeen, and the Logic Behind Israel’s Strikes Unpacking Israeli History 2025-08-06 | 🎙️ “He pulls a knife, you pull a gun…” But this wasn’t a movie. This was Israel’s real strategy in the 1950s.As fedayeen attackers slipped across the border from Egyptian-controlled Gaza or Jordanian-controlled West Bank, Israel’s early doctrine became: make terrorism too costly to tolerate.And this policy helped lay the groundwork for what came next.🎧 Full story on Unpacking Israeli History — link in bio.#UnpackingIsraeliHistory #Fedayeen #IsraelHistory #SuezCrisis
Fallout: How the Suez Crisis Rewired the Middle East Forever (Part 3) Unpacking Israeli History 2025-08-05 | In the explosive finale of our 3-part series on the Suez Crisis, Noam Weissman unpacks the hidden aftershocks of Israel’s most underrated war. This episode reveals how the 1956 Sinai Campaign reshaped global alliances and Middle East power dynamics; from a swift IDF victory to a humiliating Anglo-French retreat, from Soviet nuclear threats to America’s diplomatic power play. Listen to first-hand accounts of the brutal expulsion of Egyptian Jews triggered by the Suez Crisis. This is not just a war story—it’s a turning point in Jewish, Israeli, and world history.Here's a link to Jean Naggar's memoir Sipping from the Nile: My Exodus from Egypt. (jeannaggar.com/works.htm) Click here (docs.google.com/document/d/1s5289YyfjPC74DeLW_yM4QxymH3xt6zCfVjIP3Xvt2Y/edit?usp=sharing) for the sources used in this episode.Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media. Check us out on Youtube. (youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5MkYd6FrKjjkhDGczLJ9xVB) This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.-------------------For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History Nerds (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/jewish-history-nerds) Soulful Jewish Living (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/soulful-jewish-living-mindful-practices-for-every-day) Stars of David with Elon Gold (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/stars-of-david-elon-gold) Wondering Jews (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/wondering-jews)
The Truth About Israel’s Early Years Unpacking Israeli History 2025-08-04 | 1954: Israel was a baby nation, barely a few years old.Founded in trauma. Populated by refugees. Haunted by war.No “occupation.” No “settlements.” Just immigrants and refugees doing their best to stay alive.🎧 Hear the full story on Unpacking Israeli History — link in bio.
The Forgotten Israeli War That Changed Everything Unpacking Israeli History 2025-08-01 | The 1956 Suez Crisis may be overlooked, but it set the stage for one of the most important and controversial relationships in modern history: Israel & the U.S.🎧 Get the full story on Unpacking Israeli History — wherever you get your podcasts
Combustion: The Secret Pact that Ignited the Suez War (Part 2) Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-29 | This week, Part 2 of our Suez Crisis trilogy dives into the explosive events of 1956: Nasser nationalizes the Suez Canal, enraging Britain and France. Behind closed doors, the three powers—Israel, Britain, and France—draft a secret plan to launch a war on Egypt. From daring Israeli paratrooper raids in the Sinai to the storming of Sharm el-Sheikh, this episode unpacks the bold, complex, and controversial campaign that reshaped the region. Featuring secret diplomacy, battlefield drama, and the high-stakes politics of empire, "Combustion" is a story you won’t forget.Click here (docs.google.com/document/d/1s5289YyfjPC74DeLW_yM4QxymH3xt6zCfVjIP3Xvt2Y/edit?usp=sharing) for the sources used in this episode.Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media. Check us out on Youtube. (youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5MkYd6FrKjjkhDGczLJ9xVB) This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.-------------------For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History Nerds (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/jewish-history-nerds) Soulful Jewish Living (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/soulful-jewish-living-mindful-practices-for-every-day) Stars of David with Elon Gold (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/stars-of-david-elon-gold) Wondering Jews (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/wondering-jews)
The Untold Heroism of Israel’s Druze Soldiers After October 7 Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-25 | On October 7th, Israel’s minorities were reminded of a painful truth: an attack on one is an attack on all.Druze fighters who risked or gave their life for Israel—these are stories of loyalty, loss, and courage that rarely get told.Full episode of Unpacking Israeli History in bio.#UnpackingIsraeliHistory #Druze #JamalAbbas #IDF #October7
How the Druze Were Caught Between Israel and Syria Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-24 | 🎙️ One day you're Syrian. The next day, you're under Israeli control.In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israel captured the Golan Heights—home to a Syrian Druze community. Suddenly, these Druze weren’t just caught in the crossfire—they were caught between two identities, two nations, and two enemies. The Druze of the Golan were faced with an impossible choice.What happens when history redraws the lines around you?Full episode of Unpacking Israeli History in bio.#UnpackingIsraeliHistory #Druze #GolanHeights
Inside the Surprising World of the Druze Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-23 | 🎙️ A secret religion. A tiny population. A big presence in the Middle East.The Druze are one of the most fascinating—and misunderstood—minority groups in the region. Their religious texts are closed to outsiders (and even most insiders), they strictly forbid intermarriage, and yet… they’ve spent centuries blending in and building deep ties with the countries they call home.What does it mean to be both deeply separate and fully integrated? And how does that shape their role in Israel, Lebanon, and Syria?Full episode of Unpacking Israeli History wherever you get your podcasts.#UnpackingIsraeliHistory #Druze #MiddleEast #DruzeCommunity
Who are the Druze - and Whats the Connection to Jews? Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-22 | 🎙️ Druze and Jews: not just names that rhyme.Dive into the fascinating—and sometimes uncomfortable—parallels between Jewish and Druze history. Both persecuted. Both displaced. And both navigating their place in a complex Middle East.Full episode of Unpacking Israeli History wherever you get your podcasts.#UnpackingIsraeliHistory #Druze #IsraeliSociety"
Israel’s Forgotten War: The Suez Crisis (Part I) Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-22 | Unpacking Israeli History kicks off a gripping 3-part series on the 1956 Suez Crisis—Israel’s most overlooked war. In Part I, Noam Weissman unpacks the roots of this conflict: from Nasser’s pan-Arabism and fedayeen attacks to Israel’s bold doctrine of “escalation dominance.” But this isn’t just a Cold War drama. It’s the war that set the stage for the Six-Day War and forged the stormy yet defining alliance between Israel and the United States; a turning point in Israeli and Middle Eastern history that still echoes today.Here is a link to Arabs and Israelis: Conflict and Peacekeeping in the Middle East. (bloomsbury.com/us/arabs-and-israelis-9781350321380) Click here (docs.google.com/document/d/1s5289YyfjPC74DeLW_yM4QxymH3xt6zCfVjIP3Xvt2Y/edit?usp=sharing) for all the sources used in this episode.Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media. Check us out on Youtube. (youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5MkYd6FrKjjkhDGczLJ9xVB) This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.-------------------For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History Nerds (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/jewish-history-nerds) Soulful Jewish Living (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/soulful-jewish-living-mindful-practices-for-every-day) Stars of David with Elon Gold (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/stars-of-david-elon-gold) Wondering Jews (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/wondering-jews)
5 Decisions That Almost Ended Israel Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-15 | In this special live episode from Chicago, Noam Weissman sits down with historian and former Israeli ambassador Michael Oren for a riveting, fast-paced conversation about the moments that reshaped Israeli history—and the “what ifs” that could have changed everything.From the Soviet underground to Sadat’s flight to Jerusalem, from chemical discoveries to missed chances with Jordan, this episode explores Israel’s past through turning points, close calls, and the people who shaped it all.Chapters:00:00 Intro01:21 What inspired you to dedicate your life to Israel?06:35 1st Rubicon moment: Declaration of Independence10:57 2nd Rubicon moment: The Altalena Affair13:10 3rd Rubicon moment: The Balfour Declaration16:46 4th Rubicon moment: Israel-Egypt peace treaty18:23 5th Rubicon moment: The Refuseniks24:16 What if Israel had accepted the United Hashemite Kingdom Plan?29:24 What if Shimon Peres had won the 1966 elections?35:12 What if Israel had attacked Iran's nuclear program in 2012?43:01 What is at the root of the Conflict?46:21 What is the future of the American Jewish-Israeli relationship?51:36 5 Fast Facts53:54 One Enduring Lesson55:37 What makes Israel flawed? What makes Israel heroic?Recommended episode: What If Everything You Knew About Israel Was a Myth?youtube.com/watch?v=NDChJJ_MhDo&list=PLa8FPSywS7X-FVZQ6FT9Uz1AxL3yK5ZV2&index=6--------------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OWLlijjix8R2yUfUhPGXfbyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OPEEzj7qIyHDCL3ojnlARgyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5Ml5_nykyeyleIqIewT80F6#israel #history #whatif
1948 Exodus: The Birth of Israel and the Refugee Crisis (Part 2) Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-08 | This week, host Noam Weissman explores the heated debate over the right of return in part 2 in a series on the origins of the Palestinian refugee crisis. Noam traces how the 1948 War of Independence created a massive exodus that still fuels conflict today. The episode covers key historical events and examines the moral and historical complexities Israelis and Palestinians rarely confront. Discover why six million Palestinians are still considered refugees—and why this unresolved chapter shapes the struggle over Israel’s identity and survival.Click here (docs.google.com/document/d/1EeWTrj-gPLVODFCu2GUmmNcZkoGLhuqZeQMXiRfmObQ/edit?usp=sharing) for sources used in the episode. Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.-------------------For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:Jewish History Nerds (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/jewish-history-nerds) Soulful Jewish Living (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/soulful-jewish-living-mindful-practices-for-every-day) Stars of David with Elon Gold (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/stars-of-david-elon-gold) Wondering Jews (jewishunpacked.com/podcast-series/wondering-jews)
Israel & Iran: The War Already Happened Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-07 | This isn’t the start of a conflict between Israel and Iran—it’s the continuation of one that’s been playing out for years. The legal debate over war definitions? Missing the point.🎧 Full story with Tal Becker on Unpacking Israeli History – link in bio.
Death to Israel - Poetry at Columbia University Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-04 | Roya Hakakian joins Noam Weissman to ask: when leaders chant “Death to Israel,” should we take them at their word? Hear why even young Iranian Jews once dismissed the threat—and why the West still does.#UnpackingIsraeliHistory #RoyaHakakian #Iran #Israel #Podcast #History #MiddleEast
Peace Isn’t Passive Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-04 | Ever wondered why we say 'seek peace and pursue it' instead of 'achieve it'? Peace isn't something we control entirely. Despite pushbacks from within or outside, pursuing peace doesn't mean being soft. It requires disarming the enemies of peace like ensuring Hamas doesn't govern Gaza and preventing Iran from having ballistic missiles. Peace is cultivating an identity and relationships that don't depict a zero-sum game with others.🎧 Full story with Tal Becker on Unpacking Israeli History – link in bio.
Israel & Iran: No Inherent Enemy Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-03 | There’s no natural conflict between Israel and Iran—only a political one. Before 1979, the two had strong ties. So why not imagine a future where that partnership returns?🎧 Full story with Tal Becker on Unpacking Israeli History – link in bio.
In 1979, no one say it coming Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-03 | 🎙️ In 1979, no one saw it coming.Roya Hakakian explains why so many Iranian intellectuals saw Khomeini not as a radical—but as a Gandhi-like figure. There was no Taliban, no ISIS, no Sinwar. The warning signs we recognize now just didn’t exist yet.This moment changed the Middle East—and the world.Catch the full episode of Unpacking Israeli History out now.#IranRevolution #Khomeini #MiddleEastHistory #UnpackingIsraeliHistory #RoyaHakakian
Israel Is Not a Colony Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-02 | Many of Israel’s adversaries frame it as a colonial project—like the French in Algeria. But that’s a fundamental misunderstanding.To most Israeli Jews, the idea that we’re foreigners here is incoherent. We’re not settlers—we’re children of this land.That doesn’t erase Palestinian belonging. The real challenge is creating space for both peoples—without turning it into a zero-sum game.🎧 Full story with Tal Becker on Unpacking Israeli History – link in bio.
The One Thing That Could Bring Down Iran’s Regime Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-01 | Noam Weissman sits down with acclaimed Iranian-American writer Roya Hakakian to trace the complex and often misunderstood history of Persian Jewry.Roya shares her personal story growing up Jewish in Iran before and after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, explores why the country shifted from relative tolerance to theocratic repression, and reflects on why millions of Iranians today remain deeply secular despite their fundamentalist regime. Noam and Roya discuss why Iranian society feels poised for change—and why history teaches us that no regime lasts forever.Chapters:00:00 Intro03:21 Disappointment with regime survival07:30 Quick history of Iran11:58 Roya's family history18:23 1940-1953 in Iran25:17 Life under the Shah & lead up to the Revolution37:48 Realities of Iranian society43:49 Stories from childhood in Iran49:20 Tensions between Iranian and Muslim identities52:36 Why has there been no counterrevolution?55:01 Roya's dream for Iran56:20 OutroRecommended episode: What If Iran Completely Misunderstands Israel? | Unpackedyoutube.com/watch?v=jHpH17aZh6c&list=PLa8FPSywS7X-FVZQ6FT9Uz1AxL3yK5ZV2&index=2--------------------This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OWLlijjix8R2yUfUhPGXfbyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OPEEzj7qIyHDCL3ojnlARgyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5Ml5_nykyeyleIqIewT80F6#israel #iran #interview
How Do You Really Win a War? Unpacking Israeli History 2025-07-01 | Klauswitz said victory means destroying your enemy’s ability to fight. Sun Tzu said real victory means defeating your enemy’s strategy.When it comes to Israel, Hamas, Iran, and Hezbollah—the question isn’t just: have we weakened their capabilities? It’s: have we disrupted the strategy that makes coexistence with Israel feel impossible to even imagine?We’re not there yet.🎧 Full story with Tal Becker on Unpacking Israeli History – link in bio.
Iran’s Revolution Was Never Just About Iran Unpacking Israeli History 2025-06-30 | Since the 1979 revolution, Iran’s mission has been clear: destroy Israel, push the U.S. out of the Middle East, and rewrite the global order.Behind that mission is more than just ideology — it’s strategy. A fear that if Israel and the Arab world make peace, Iran gets boxed out. Persians versus a united Arab-Israeli front.That fear drives much of the chaos in the region — not just theology, but survival.Want the full breakdown? Check out the convo with Tal Becker on Unpacking Israeli History – link in bio.
Double Standard for Israel on Nukes? Unpacking Israeli History 2025-06-27 | Wait - why can Israel (maybe) have nukes, but Iran can’t? It comes down to one thing: survival. Zionism was never about expansion—it was about existence. Israel’s goal isn’t dominance. It’s to not be wiped off the map. That’s the difference.🎧 Full episode on Unpacking Israeli History. Link in bio.
