

Episode 4 - Last Jew Standing: The story of Israeli Jews
Mar 6, 2025
Dive into the rich history of Israeli Jews as the conversation uncovers their origins as the last remnants of myriad Jewish communities. Explore the transformation of Jewish attitudes toward Zionism from skepticism to fervent support. The discussion also addresses the tragic roots of anti-Semitism in the Russian Empire and its impact on Jewish displacement. Hear about the struggles faced by Jewish communities post-Holocaust and how these historical traumas have shaped modern Jewish identity and the unyielding quest for a secure homeland.
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Emancipation Provoked Backlash
- Haviv Rettig Gur explains Herzl argued emancipation triggered social backlash against Jews.
- Europe used informal mechanisms to reimpose the Jew's marginal place.
Pogroms Became Predictable Danger
- Haviv describes pogroms becoming a normative, expected threat across the Russian Empire.
- Police often stood aside or joined attacks, making violence routine.
Western Doors Closed To Refugees
- Haviv notes the US and other Western countries closed immigration in the 1920s.
- This forced Jewish migration to pivot toward Palestine.