In this discussion, journalist and analyst Haviv Rettig Gur delves into the complexities of Israeli identity and morality. He challenges the notion of the IDF as the 'Most Moral Army in the World,' exploring the ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers. The conversation also tackles the phrase 'A Land Without a People for a People Without a Land,' uncovering its historical roots and implications. Haviv emphasizes the importance of understanding these narratives to grasp the moral fabric of a nation and the evolving Palestinian identity amidst these myths.
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insights INSIGHT
IDF Morality Amid Hostile Challenges
The IDF strives to be moral yet faces unique and severe challenges not met by other armies.
Its morality is weaponized by enemies who hide among civilians and use international law against it.
insights INSIGHT
Jewish Morality in Existential War
Israeli morality faces extreme tests due to existential wars and asymmetric warfare.
Jewish values evolve from vulnerability to a complex balance of power and ethics.
insights INSIGHT
Hamas Weaponizes Morality
Hamas uses Gaza's population and morality of Israelis as shields, making civilian casualties a calculated strategy.
Israel faces an enemy whose survival depends on exploiting moral limits and international law.
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Published in 1869, 'The Innocents Abroad' is a travel book that humorously chronicles Mark Twain's 'Great Pleasure Excursion' on board the chartered steamship Quaker City. The book recounts Twain's five-month voyage through Europe and the Holy Land with a group of American travelers. It focuses on themes such as travel, culture, history, and realism, using Twain's signature satire to critique and describe the various regions and cultures he encountered. The book was a best-seller during Twain's lifetime and remains one of the best-selling travel books of all time.
The Iron Wall
Israel and the Arab World
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Avi Shlaim's book explores the concept of the 'Iron Wall,' originally proposed by Ze'ev Jabotinsky, as a central strategy in Israel's dealings with the Arab world. The book examines how this concept has influenced Israeli policy over the years, often prioritizing military strength over diplomacy.
Six-Day War
Six-Day War
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Unpacking Israeli History is coming to Chicago on June 8 for its first ever LIVE event! Buy your tickets now. DISCOUNT: Get 20% off your tickets using the discount code UIHCHI. NB: Click "Unlock" and enter the discount code before selecting your tickets.
Host Noam Weissman is joined once again by journalist and analyst Haviv Rettig Gur to unpack not just myths about Israeli security—but the deeper, more existential myths about Israeli identity, morality, and nationhood. In part 2, Haviv and Noam explore two foundational narratives: The IDF as the "Most Moral Army in the World" and the line "A Land Without a People for a People Without a Land." This is not an episode about “myth-busting”—it’s about myth-exploring: asking hard questions, wrestling with uncomfortable truths, and embracing the interplay between facts, feelings, and national narratives.
Click here to read Haviv Rettig Gur's analysis on Times of Israel.
Click here to subscribe to the podcast "Ask Haviv Anything."
Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media.
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.
Unpacking Israeli History 
