Why a Jewish state matters for security

In this Open Mic episode, Noam responds to a listener, Aviva's question: what does it even mean to say “Israel has a right to exist”—and who gets to decide that “right”? Noam argues that the debate is really about Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. He makes the case that the more urgent conversation is about how Israel exists, not whether it exists. The episode uses the 2025 NYC mayoral debate as a jumping-off point to explore Jewish peoplehood, modern self-determination, and double standards.

This episode is generously sponsored by Debra and Avi Naider and Andrea & Larry Gill.

To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media.

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