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Artwork for Unpacking Israeli History

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
West Bank
Israeli History
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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes202Founded6 years ago
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JudaismHistoryReligion & Spirituality

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Artwork for Unpacking Israeli History

Latest Episodes

Named for a hero of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, Kibbutz Yad Mordechai embodies the story of Jewish resistance and renewal. From its desperate stand against Egyptian forces in 1948 to its survival on October 7, 2023, the kibbutz has repeatedly faced d... more

What do Israelis who live in the West Bank really believe, and what do outsiders misunderstand about them? Noam Weissman sits down with Rabbi Yehuda HaKohen, a West Bank rabbi and settler, for a candid conversation about Religious Zionism, Jewish ide... more

Three years after October 7, Noam Weissman visits the Tkuma car graveyard, Kibbutz Be’eri, and Netiv Ha’Asara to ask how Israelis remember tragedy while rebuilding their homes and lives. Through conversations with survivors and community members, thi... more

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In the third and final episode of our series on religious Zionism, Noam Weissman explores how every major debate within religious Zionism, from West Bank settlements and the Haredi draft to the relationship between faith, ethics, and nationalism, lea... more

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Recent Guests

Yehuda HaKohen
Settler, rabbi, and English-language voice for the national religious world
West Bank settler community
Episode: Can Israel Have All the Land and Still Have Peace?
Amicha (Mika)
Medically trained resident of Netiv HaSara who survived October 7 and shares the story of rebuilding
Netiv HaSara, Be'er Sheva area
Episode: After the Massacre: Remembering October 7
Yehudah Mirsky
Scholar and author on Rav Kook
Episode: What Would Rav Kook Think of Religious Zionism Today?
Yossi Klein Halevi
Author and public intellectual discussed in depth
Author of Memoirs of a Jewish Extremist
Episode: Don’t Leave Zionism to the Extremists – with Yossi Klein Halevi
Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib
Author of Hamas and Its Two Million Hostages
Author
Episode: Special Crossover: Can Israelis And Palestinians Ever Live In Peace? With Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib
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

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 States3 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 States4 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
    Canada4 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 States4 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
    Australia5 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.

Can Israel Have All the Land and Still Have Peace?
Q: What is your quick pitch on what it means that there should be one state?
The speaker outlines a vision where after reconnecting with the land and rebuilding trust, Jews and Palestinians could coexist in a single state that is deeply Jewish, authentically democratic, and includes Palestinians as full partners, moving beyond binary conflict toward a shared future.
What Would Rav Kook Think of Religious Zionism Today?
Q: What might Rav Kook say about the Israeli draft and the role of Haredi communities in the army?
He would likely advocate for thoughtful moral discernment, emphasizing preservation of Jewish life and ethics, while recognizing the complexity and differing duties within the community; he would discourage broad-brush judgments and stress principled disagreement with human dignity.
What Would Rav Kook Think of Religious Zionism Today?
Q: What would Rav Kook say to young people today with different understandings of Zionism or rebellion against Zionism?
He would value ethical sensitivity and love for the Jewish people but cautioned against alienation from one's own community, emphasizing ethics rooted in real people and everyday life.
What Would Rav Kook Think of Religious Zionism Today?
Q: Did Rav Kook think highly of Theodor Herzl or not, and was he able to see Herzl as a messianic figure?
He recognized Herzl as historically important and as an early stage in the messianic process, describing him as a proto-messianic figure without treating him as an actual personal messiah; Rav Kook sought to interpret the broader spiritual currents over individuals.
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.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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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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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. A Mandatory Listen
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 202 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Unpacking Israeli History?

Recent guests on Unpacking Israeli History include:

1. Yehuda HaKohen
2. Amicha (Mika)
3. Yehudah Mirsky
4. Yossi Klein Halevi
5. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib
6. Rachel Azaria
7. Liv Santadonado
8. Jordan Spaulding

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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