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Unpacking Israeli History

Unpacked
Israel
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Zionism
Hamas
Gaza
Iran
Jerusalem
Palestinian Statehood
Anti-Semitism
Six Day War
Suez Crisis
Jewish Identity
Peace Process
Israeli History
West Bank
Hezbollah
October 7th
Gamal Abdel Nasser
Yitzhak Rabin
Holocaust

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 simp... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes194Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
JudaismHistoryReligion & Spirituality

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Artwork for Unpacking Israeli History

Latest Episodes

Will the war ever truly come to an end? Can two populations with so much pain find common ground? Or is the hurt too deep, too vast to overcome? There are no questions more urgent than these, and there is no better guest to wonder with than Ahmed Fou... more

Noam Weissman unpacks the firestorm around New York Magazine’s "Habibi City" issue and traces the deeper historical pattern behind it: the demand that Jews prove they belong by disavowing Zionism, Israel, and sometimes each other. From Poland’s 1968 ... more

YouTube

In August 2001, Jewish delegates arrived at the UN World Conference Against Racism in Durban expecting to fight bigotry. Instead they walked into what Tom Lantos called the most sickening display of hatred for Jews since the Nazi period. Noam traces ... more

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How do Israeli elections actually work? Israelis don't vote directly for prime minister, no party has ever won a majority, and a party with just a handful of Knesset seats can sometimes hold the keys to government.

Noam Weissman sits down with forme... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Rachel Azaria
Former Israeli politician, longtime participant in Israeli political system, former Knesset member
Kulanu; previously in Knesset
Episode: Why Israeli Elections Never Produce a Clear Winner
Liv Santadonado
Teen camper, 10th-12th grade attendee at Camp Lavi
Camp Lavi
Episode: Live from Camp Lavi: Teens Take on Israel's Toughest Moments
Jordan Spaulding
Teen camper, from Dallas
Camp Lavi
Episode: Live from Camp Lavi: Teens Take on Israel's Toughest Moments
Izzy Handalus
Teen camper, from LA
Camp Lavi
Episode: Live from Camp Lavi: Teens Take on Israel's Toughest Moments
Aden Kotler
Teen camper, from New Jersey
Camp Lavi
Episode: Live from Camp Lavi: Teens Take on Israel's Toughest Moments
Caleb VanderWaal
Teen camper, from Baltimore, Maryland
Camp Lavi
Episode: Live from Camp Lavi: Teens Take on Israel's Toughest Moments
Charlie Butler
Teen camper, from Frish
Camp Lavi
Episode: Live from Camp Lavi: Teens Take on Israel's Toughest Moments
Ayel Borz
Director of the documentary Live and Die in Entebbe
Ayel Borz (documentary filmmaker)
Episode: 50 Years Since Entebbe: Operation Thunderbolt
Jean-Jacques Memouni
French-Israeli hostage from the Entebbe incident, subject of a documentary
Live and Die in Entebbe (documentary subject)
Episode: 50 Years Since Entebbe: Operation Thunderbolt

Host

Noam Weissman
Host of Unpacking Israeli History

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 2.8k ratings
  • Zionism

    Haviv Rettig Gur is hands down the most down to earth explainer of Israeli history I have ever run across… I Love listening to him!! His grasp of history and the problems surrounding all questions about Jewish existence are always enlightening!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RoMarMy
    United States2 months ago
  • Shameless Israel apologia

    This podcast lies on the central idea that Israel has a whole is great and Jews should have a relationship with Israel. Making excuses for apartheid and genøcide is unacceptable. Find a better program.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    BlueCollarJew
    United States3 months ago
  • Deep diving into Jewish/Israeli history with cred

    So appreciative of the intellect and research that goes into making this show. I have learned so much and filled in so many knowledge blanks and love sharing the show with people who have expressed curiosity and know knowledge is what reveals the lies in all the hate out there. Toda!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    tumbleweed18
    Canada3 months ago
  • Solid info & very enjoyable

    Low-key presentation is still dense with real information. I always learn a lot & enjoy every minute of it. I wish this presenter had taught all my history classes.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ballet Barbarian
    United States3 months ago
  • Biased but informative

    Very informative and informed although at times misleading and often very biased. As long as you approach the podcast with these caveats in mind it is worth a listen. Would greatly benefit from interviewing people from the opposite perspective who would challenge the host’s narrative.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Windswept History
    Australia3 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Shows strong research and engaging guests, though some listeners wish for broader viewpoints.
Thoughtful, nuanced history that's accessible and well-sourced.
Occasionally perceived as biased; depth and fairness vary by topic.
High-quality storytelling with strong educational value for Jews and non-Jews alike.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Should We Retire the Word ‘Zionism’? With Haviv Rettig Gur
Q: Should Palestinians retire the word Palestinian?
Palestinian identity has historical roots and ongoing legitimacy for many people; discussing national identity is not simply about labeling but about acknowledging lived experiences and aspirations of different communities.
Should We Retire the Word ‘Zionism’? With Haviv Rettig Gur
Q: Okay. So what are your thoughts on that question? Should we retire the word Zionism?
Zionism has been many things to many people and will continue to be, spanning religious, socialist, and secular strands; retiring it would erase a long, complex history and the lived realities of millions who identify with it for different reasons.
Live from Camp Lavi: Teens Take on Israel's Toughest Moments
Q: Can you be Jewish without believing in God?
Being Jewish can involve ethnicity and peoplehood as well as faith; many argue that being part of Am Yisrael and the land of Judea constitutes Jewish identity beyond religious belief.
Live from Camp Lavi: Teens Take on Israel's Toughest Moments
Q: How should teenagers respond to anti-Semitism in a way that's constructive?
Focus on internal and external locus of control; build a strong Jewish identity and empower peers to engage in positive action, while recognizing that non-Jews must lead broader anti-Semitism issues.
Live from Camp Lavi: Teens Take on Israel's Toughest Moments
Q: Is it possible to truly love Israel and still criticize it in a healthy way?
Yes. Criticism is healthy when it aims to uplift and improve the community, not to tear it down; it should stem from a place of care and a desire for Israel to succeed.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Unpacking Israeli History

What is Unpacking Israeli History about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A history-focused series that delves into Israel's past, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the cultural forces shaping Jewish identity. Episodes blend archival history, biographies, and contemporary interpretation, often anchored by a single knowledgeable host who guides conversations with guests ranging from journalists and historians to documentary filmmakers. The show stands out for its nuanced, source-driven approach and willingness to tackle controversial topics with depth and context, making complex events accessible without oversimplification. Listeners likely include history buffs, Jews and non-Jews seeking a fuller understanding of Israel, and educators looking for well-sourced material and thoughtful discussion.

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How many listeners does Unpacking Israeli History get?

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To see how many followers or subscribers Unpacking Israeli History has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Unpacking Israeli History?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Unpacking Israeli History:

1. Ask Haviv Anything
2. The Times of Israel Daily Briefing
3. What Matters Now
4. Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam
5. Call Me Back - with Dan Senor

How many episodes of Unpacking Israeli History are there?

Unpacking Israeli History launched 6 years ago and published 194 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Unpacking Israeli History?

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What guests have appeared on Unpacking Israeli History?

Recent guests on Unpacking Israeli History include:

1. Rachel Azaria
2. Liv Santadonado
3. Jordan Spaulding
4. Izzy Handalus
5. Aden Kotler
6. Caleb VanderWaal
7. Charlie Butler
8. Ayel Borz

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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