Ask Haviv Anything Episode 85: How knowing your story makes you invincible, with Noam Weissman
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Jan 31, 2026 Noam Weissman, executive VP of Open Dor Media and educational psychologist, builds engaging Israel and Jewish history curriculum. He outlines alarming gaps in knowledge and different teaching approaches. He argues for honest, complex education that creates confidence. He highlights digital outreach, schools and youth programs as ways to scale learning.
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Harvard Student Finds Confidence
- A Harvard Law student told Haviv he felt terrified because peers shouted "Zionism is colonialism" at him on campus.
- After Haviv explained Jewish refugee history the student said, "holy shit, I'm invincible," and left reassured.
Widespread Ignorance About Zionism
- Surveys show 34% of the general public know the term Zionism and only 14% can define it.
- In Jewish day schools 62% of students could not define Zionism, revealing a major literacy gap.
Old Zionism Education Was Identity-First
- Historically Zionism education (1950s–80s) focused on Hebrew culture and identity, not detailed Israel studies.
- That cultural inculcation made people "sideline cheerleaders" who felt connected without deep factual literacy.
