
Unpacking Israeli History
Join self-confessed history nerd Dr. Noam Weissman on a journey through the fascinating and sometimes controversial events and personalities that have shaped Israel’s past and present. Each week, Noam explores the layers of Israeli history, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the cultural forces at play—drawing on a variety of sources and perspectives. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking to better understand this complex region, you’ll find a nuanced, authentic, and thought-provoking take on Israel—free from oversimplification and political spin.
Latest episodes

May 13, 2024 • 40min
P2: The Middle East At War - Six Days That Changed Israel Forever
Exploring the intense tensions and threats Israel faced from neighboring countries, the mental toll on IDF Chief of Staff, the Battle for Jerusalem, the iconic declaration 'The Temple Mount is in our hands', the tragic USS Liberty Incident, and the critical moment of securing the Golan Heights

May 6, 2024 • 40min
P1: Lead-Up To War - Six Days That Changed Israel Forever
Explore the lead-up to the legendary 6 Day War in Israel, reflecting on the unlikely military victory, the strategic water politics, and the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Discover the challenges faced by key figures during the post-war period and the enduring impacts on global dynamics and narratives.

Apr 29, 2024 • 23min
Iran's Surprise Attack on Israel: History and Reflections
Exploring Iran's surprise attack on Israel, the podcast delves into historical context, Israel's resilience, and global reactions. Reflecting on the importance of historical context in understanding conflicts. Examining power dynamics in Iran, from Shah Reza Palavi to Ayatollah Khomeini. Highlighting the quest for peace amidst tensions in the Middle East.

11 snips
Apr 22, 2024 • 47min
P3: Did Palestine's Great Revolt (1936-1939) Set the Stage for Oct 7?
Exploring the roots of conflict in Israel/Palestine through the Great Arab Revolt of 1936. Delving into violent tactics, moral debates on terrorism, and the lasting repercussions on the region. Reflecting on the consequences and aftermath of the revolt, examining the impact on society and economy. Pondering on human nature, historical lessons, and the role of education in shaping a positive future.

Apr 8, 2024 • 42min
P2: Did Palestine's Great Revolt (1936-1939) Set the Stage for Oct 7?
Got questions about the current situation in Israel/Palestine? Almost all the answers lie in the Great Arab Revolt of 1936. How is that possible, when the modern state of Israel wasn’t even established until 1948?!This three-part series explores the roots of a seemingly intractable conflict, highlighting unknown figures and outlining what might have been.~~~~ Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PaLZ4afLCh_f6NOFzbZz8izhX1j6FZREiJUS2uLtejw/edit~~~~ This mini series of Unpacking Israeli History is dedicated in memory of Armand Lindenbaum, the grandson of Rav Amiel, by his wife, Jean, and children, Felice, Amiel, and Ariel Lindenbaum-Sebag.

Apr 1, 2024 • 40min
P1: Did Palestine's Great Revolt (1936-1939) Set the Stage for Oct 7?
Got questions about the current situation in Israel/Palestine? Almost all the answers lie in the Great Arab Revolt of 1936. How is that possible, when the modern state of Israel wasn’t even established until 1948?!This three-part series explores the roots of a seemingly intractable conflict, highlighting unknown figures and outlining what might have been.~~~~ Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PaLZ4afLCh_f6NOFzbZz8izhX1j6FZREiJUS2uLtejw/edit~~~~ This mini series of Unpacking Israeli History is dedicated in memory of Armand Lindenbaum, the grandson of Rav Amiel, by his wife, Jean, and children, Felice, Amiel, and Ariel Lindenbaum-Sebag.

Mar 25, 2024 • 35min
P2: Four Obstacles To Israeli-Palestinian Peace
Welcome to the second part of our two-parter about the four seemingly-impossible obstacles that confounded Israeli and Palestinian leaders alike.Why have Israelis and Palestinians never made peace? Despite multiple peace accords, the two peoples are still at war. In this two part episode, we’ll explore the four major obstacles preventing peace: Jerusalem, borders, security, and the refugees. You’ve heard about the “right of return”? East and West Jerusalem? Security fences/walls? Then this episode is for you.~~~~ Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z68Z6bbhV6lRkLYtRqRRn4bDQ2kByJcW4AtDpdy9pH0/edit?usp=sharing~~~~ This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Barbara & Rick Silverman, The Marcus Family Foundation, and Michael Staenberg.

Mar 18, 2024 • 37min
P1: Four Obstacles To Israeli-Palestinian Peace
Why have Israelis and Palestinians never made peace? Despite multiple peace accords, the two peoples are still at war. In this two part episode, we’ll explore the four major obstacles preventing peace: Jerusalem, borders, security, and the refugees. You’ve heard about the “right of return”? East and West Jerusalem? Security fences/walls? Then this episode is for you.~~~~ Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z68Z6bbhV6lRkLYtRqRRn4bDQ2kByJcW4AtDpdy9pH0/edit?usp=sharing~~~~ This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Barbara & Rick Silverman, The Marcus Family Foundation, and Michael Staenberg.

Mar 11, 2024 • 45min
Meet the Israeli Druze
The Druze are a tiny minority in the Jewish state, and the only community to share a so-called “Blood Covenant” with Israel’s Jews. But in 2018, the Israeli government passed a controversial Basic Law, known as the Nation-State Law, that threatened to upend this status quo. So who are the Druze? What is the Nation State Law? And what responsibility does Israel owe to its minority populations?~~~~ Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h-BJIIJXiWHalkCO0f1YRs15P1upVNr1plM-r0H04PA/edit~~~~ To make a donation to Maor please visit: https://www.charidy.com/Maorla

Mar 4, 2024 • 45min
Who Is Hezbollah?
The podcast explores the history and conflicts surrounding Hezbollah, the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran, and the evolution of Hezbollah into a formidable organization with anti-Israel sentiments. It delves into the ethical dilemma faced by mountaineers on Mount Everest and navigates through the moral complexities in times of crisis.