Unpacking Israeli History

Delve into the secretive world of early 20th-century diplomacy with insights into the Sykes-Picot Agreement and its often misunderstood legacy. Discover how the San Remo Conference of 1920 played a crucial role in establishing a Jewish homeland and reshaping the Middle East. Explore the geopolitical tensions that arose from these agreements and their lasting effects on Israeli and Palestinian identities. Engage with history as it connects to today’s complexities, and hear listener highlights that celebrate the journey through Israeli history.

This year has tested Israel and the Jewish people like never before. Amid devastating war, political chaos, and a global surge in antisemitism, Noam Weissman reflects on an astonishing truth: it could have been even worse. In this episode of Unpacking Israeli History, Noam revisits a few breathtaking stories of Israel’s legendary intelligence agency, the Mossad, whose secret missions have saved countless lives. From the brilliant sabotage of Hezbollah's communications network in 2024 to the dramatic 1973 "Operation Spring of Youth" where Israeli commandos disguised themselves in drag to eliminate top PLO leaders, these missions are the stuff of spy thrillers—except they're real. Follow Unpacking Israeli History on ⁠Instagram⁠ and check us out on ⁠youtube⁠. Unpacking Israeli History: Black Saturday: Bibliography 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

Explore the origins of Yom HaShoah, Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day, and why it differs from the global January 27 observance. Dive into the urgent need for Holocaust education amid rising ignorance, and discover personal stories of defiance and remembrance. The discussion highlights Jewish resilience, linking identity to the Holocaust through figures like Mordechai Analevich. It also addresses the complexities of honoring this history while redefining Jewish identity beyond tragedy, focusing on resilience and a vibrant future.

Explore the intriguing history of the Star of David, a complex symbol representing both Jewish pride and oppression. Dive into its evolution from a decorative motif to a powerful emblem of identity, especially within the Zionist movement. Personal anecdotes enrich discussions about how this symbol resonates with both religious and secular Jews. Reflect on the symbolism of objects in Jewish identity and their deeper meanings, inviting listeners to appreciate the intertwining of history and personal experience.

Dive into the complex legacy of Meir Kahane, a polarizing figure whose controversial ideas are resurfacing today. Explore his early life and the significant events that shaped his beliefs. Discover the tensions between Jewish and Black communities in Brooklyn, and how these dynamics influenced his ideology. Reflect on the emotional aftermath of the October 7th attacks, calling for empathy and understanding. This thought-provoking discussion navigates the challenges of Jewish identity while advocating for open dialogue in a politically charged climate.

In this discussion, Ahmed Fouad Alkatib, a Palestinian analyst and critic of Hamas, shares compelling insights into Gaza's turbulent history and uncertain future. He offers a poignant critique of both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, exploring their roles in governance failures. Ahmed recounts personal stories from Gaza, reflecting on the cultural nuances of identity, gender, and the LGBTQ+ community. He advocates for cooperation as a path forward while envisioning a post-Hamas Gaza that thrives on dialogue and understanding.

What happens when a proud American, native Gazan, and pro-peace advocate joins Unpacking Israeli History? In this groundbreaking episode, Noam Weissman sits down with Ahmed Fouad Alkatib for a deeply honest and nuanced conversation about Palestinian history, identity, and lived experience. From Gaza in the 1990s to the legacy of Hajj Amin al-Husseini, Sykes-Picot, and the Nakba, Ahmed offers a powerful, personal perspective. In part 1 of a two part series, Ahmed and Noam discuss everything from the failures of pan-Arabism and missed opportunities for peace, to the challenges of anti-normalization, Zionism, and the road ahead.Ahmed Fouad Alkatib is the director of Realign for Palestine. Ahmed is also on Instagram and X. Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email 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 NerdsSoulful Jewish LivingStars of David with Elon Gold Wondering Jews

Host and avid basketball fan, Noam Weissman takes us courtside to one of the most iconic moments in Israeli sports history — Maccabi Tel Aviv’s historic 2004 Euroleague championship win. This isn’t just a story about basketball. It’s a deep dive into how a game became a symbol of Zionism, Israeli resilience, national pride, and cultural identity during one of the country’s darkest chapters — the Second Intifada. From Tal Brody’s legendary "We’re on the map!" speech to Anthony Parker’s dominance on the court, this episode unpacks sports, politics, and identity in Tel Aviv and beyond.Click here for the sources used in this episode.Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email 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 NerdsSoulful Jewish LivingStars of David with Elon Gold Wondering Jews

Dive into the intricate history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, from the roots of Zionism to pivotal moments like the 1947 UN partition. Discover key figures like Theodor Herzl and explore the turmoil following Israel's disengagement from Gaza. The host simplifies the complex narratives while shedding light on the tragic events of October 7. This engaging summary provides essential context for understanding the ongoing strife and emphasizes the importance of nuanced dialogue.

Host Noam Weissman reflects on one of the most devastating periods since October 7, 2023-- the past week, which brought us the deaths of Oded Lifshitz and 3/4 of the Bibas family. From the abduction of Yarden, Shiri, and their young sons Ariel and Kfir at Kibbutz Nir Oz to the deceptive handling of their remains, the brutal murders have left an indelible scar on Israel. The episode draws parallels with iconic historical images like Anne Frank and Napalm Girl and honors the legacy of peace activist Oded Lifshitz, whose life work exemplified hope amid violence. Join us as we reflect on these harrowing events, expose media manipulation, and call for a future where human dignity prevails over terror.IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari's televised statement.Follow  Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube. Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email 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 NerdsSoulful Jewish LivingStars of David with Elon Gold Wondering Jews