Unpacking Israeli History

Roya Hakakian, an Iranian-American writer and refugee, shares her compelling experiences of growing up Jewish in Iran before and after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. She reflects on the complexities of Persian Jewry, tracing its rich history and the drastic shift towards theocratic repression. Roya discusses the resilience of a largely secular society amidst authoritarian rule and the ongoing struggle for a democratic future in Iran. Their conversation reveals the hopeful potential for change as well as the enduring tension between cultural identity and political reality.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Tal Becker, a former Israeli peace negotiator and current vice president of the Shalom Hartman Institute, sheds light on the multifaceted Israel-Iran conflict. He explains how the battle is rooted in values, narratives, and identity, rather than just military might. Dr. Becker delves into the significance of Iran’s theology and the legal nuances between preventive and preemptive actions. He emphasizes the potential for reconciliation while navigating the complex historical dynamics that shape their relationship.

Delve into the secretive world of Israel's nuclear program, focusing on the Dimona facility and its historical context. Discover how Israel's policy of nuclear ambiguity shapes its relations with countries like Iran. Uncover the pivotal role of France and the U.S. in this nuclear journey, and the ethical dilemmas that arise from possessing such power. The discussion also touches on community feedback and the intertwined beliefs surrounding protection and survival amid regional tensions.

In this special episode of Unpacking Israeli History, Noam Weissman breaks from the usual format to reflect on what it means to live through history as a Jew, a Zionist, and an Israeli ally. With biblical insight, historical depth, and cultural clarity, he unpacks the meaning of Zionism amidst war with Iran, rising global antisemitism, and media distortion. From Operation Am K’Lavi (“Rising Lion”) to the legacy of Jewish resilience, this episode is a meditation on Jewish survival, pride, and the sacred responsibility to write—not just endure—our own history. Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. ------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠⁠⁠

Rivky Stern, a producer at Open Door Media, shares a deeply personal account of life in Israel amid escalating conflict with Iran. She discusses the emotional toll of living under the constant threat of rockets with her young family. The conversation shifts to Israel's bold 1981 bombing of Iraq's nuclear reactor, examining Prime Minister Menachem Begin's strategic decisions and the moral complexities behind the Begin Doctrine. This powerful episode intertwines contemporary struggles with historical narratives, emphasizing empathy and resilience in times of conflict.

Yaakov Katz, a military analyst and author known for his insights into Israel's defense strategies, joins the discussion to analyze Israel’s recent airstrike on Iranian military targets. He delves into the historical roots of these tensions, connecting them to past conflicts in Iraq and Syria. The conversation also highlights Israel's preemptive defense doctrine and the intricate geopolitics at play. Katz emphasizes the existential stakes for Israel and the Jewish people, illustrating the broader implications for regional security.

Host Noam Weissman dives into one of the most emotionally and politically charged topics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: the Right of Return. Noam breaks down key historical events and grapples with tough questions: Was the Palestinian exodus of 1947–1948 a planned expulsion or a tragic byproduct of war? The first installment in this two-part series on the rise of Palestinian refugees explores the power of language, national narratives, and competing historical traumas with both facts and nuance. Click here for sources used in the episode. Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. ------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wondering Jews⁠⁠

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.

Haviv Rettig Gur, a renowned journalist and host of 'Ask Haviv Anything,' joins host Noam Weissman to delve into the intricate history of Israel. They tackle enduring myths, questioning narratives like the nature of occupation in the West Bank, the impact of Yigal Amir on the peace process, and the role of the IDF in protecting citizens. Their discussion emphasizes the need for nuanced understanding in a rapidly changing landscape, highlighting the complexities that shape Israeli identity and history.

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. This week, host Noam Weissman revisits one of Israel’s most explosive debates, why don’t most Haredim—often referred to as the ultra-Orthodox—serve in the IDF? As Israel endures one of the longest wars in its history, this deeply divisive question has returned to the forefront. Noam first tackled the issue in Season 3 and now it has been reignited by the ongoing war that has touched nearly every family in the country. This episode unpacks the roots of the draft exemption granted to yeshiva students by David Ben Gurion, the philosophy behind the "Torah Dome," and the fierce cultural battle between Haredi and non-Haredi Israelis. Please get in touch at noam@unpacked.media. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. ------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: ⁠⁠Jewish History Nerds⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Soulful Jewish Living⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Stars of David with Elon Gold ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Wondering Jews