Unpacking Israeli History

Exploring the geopolitical landscape and US support during the Yom Kippur War, repercussions on Egypt, Israel, Syria, US, and USSR, human moments of reconciliation, impact on Israeli society and faith, reflections on lessons learned and hope for peace.

October 6, 2023 marks the 50-year anniversary of the first day of the Yom Kippur War – perhaps Israel’s most traumatic war. This miniseries unpacks that trauma, guiding our listeners through the lead-up to the war, the battles, the behind-the-scenes geopolitical maneuvering, and the painful aftermath. This episode takes you onto the battlefield, exploring the tragic losses and miraculous victories of two key battles.~~~~  Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1okcCstf6CJAouiWPPUjSUHA0Pmq3SbxZ-I8gnz7A2pA/edit?usp=sharing~~~~ This Yom Kippur War mini-series is generously sponsored by Risa and Simcha Dauer.

October 6, 2023 marks the 50-year anniversary of the first day of the Yom Kippur War – perhaps Israel’s most traumatic war. This miniseries unpacks that trauma, guiding our listeners through the lead-up to the war, the battles, the behind-the-scenes geopolitical maneuvering, and the painful aftermath. This episode explores why the war began, and describes Israel’s shock and fear on the first day of the assault.~~~~  Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1okcCstf6CJAouiWPPUjSUHA0Pmq3SbxZ-I8gnz7A2pA/edit?usp=sharing~~~~ This Yom Kippur War mini-series is generously sponsored by Risa and Simcha Dauer.

In this podcast, Noam Weissman explores the reasons behind Israel's lack of preparedness for the Yom Kippur War, including America's advice not to attack first. The aftermath of the war strengthened relationships between the US and Egypt, and Israel's morale and leadership were greatly affected. The podcast also delves into the events leading up to the war and Israel's remarkable comeback.

*** Don’t miss the 3-part miniseries on the YK war, starting September 6th ***Between 1989 and 2000, over a million Jews from the former Soviet Union arrived in Israel, fundamentally changing the nature of the country. But the road from the USSR to the Middle East was long, winding, and painful. This is the story of how a group of American students and Soviet dissidents wrenched back the Iron Curtain, guaranteeing the religious freedom of over one million Jews.~~~~  Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VSbxCEDWZv3bs8Sm8elQELJpDysL0p4hch3SWo_gaWI/edit

*** Don’t miss the 3-part miniseries on the YK war, starting September 6th ***Maybe you’ve heard of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier held for five years by the terrorist group Hamas. And maybe you’ve heard about the lengths that Israel went to to get him back, like swapping over a thousand prisoners for one missing man. But Shalit isn’t the first Israeli POW to be redeemed at a high price. In this episode, Noam asks Why does Israel pay such a high price to return captured soldiers? And, even more poignantly, Is doing so good for the Jewish state?~~~~  Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HbAQrIlyEX8ivxrX0CkP_CPzgVd3U1_W_UCTkBt6n-4/edit

This podcast explores the controversial property dispute in Sheikh Jarrah, a neighborhood in East Jerusalem. It delves into the history and changing ownership of the area, the complex identity of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, and the tensions leading up to the violent clashes in Israel. The podcast also includes listener appreciation and highlights the significance of the events in Sheikh Jarrah.

*** Don’t miss the 3-part miniseries on the YK war, starting September 6th ***John Demjanjuk seemed like any other middle-aged immigrant living the American dream in the Ohio suburbs. Until the US Department of Justice accused him of being an SS guard, stripped him of his citizenship, and extradited him to Israel to stand trial for war crimes. In Israel, he stood accused of ghastly abuse. And still, doubt persisted: could this stereotypical guy-next-door really have been the infamously sadistic SS guard at Treblinka? Was this a case of mistaken identity? And what is the line between justice, vengeance, and the law?~~~~  Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19U0j4G961PuGuFchjagiCuhrjgCWPeytkvNkcbBQfW4/edit?usp=sharing~~~~ This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Dorit Naftalin & Harry Nelson, and Barbara Sommer & Alan Fisher.

We’re back! Get ready...for Season 5, for more twists, turns, triumphs, and tragedies that define Israeli history. Are you ready? Yalla, let’s do this!

Take the survey here: https://jewishunpacked.com/uihsurveyIt was the spring of 1948, and in just a few short weeks, the British were scheduled to ship out, leaving Palestine to the Arabs and Jews who had been waging war against each other for six months. But beyond the bombs and the bullets, another war raged behind the scenes. One that continues to this day. The war for the soul of the Jewish state.This is the story of Israel’s declaration of independence – and of its ongoing evolution as a modern state.~~~~  Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10VpS6Bh1JQ-4HTxatuSJHq4y9P1HyT9KhGSiFk-TqFk/edit?usp=sharing~~~~ This Israel@75 mini-series is generously sponsored by the Jewish Agency for Israel - North American Council, and Ari and Jody Storch.