Unpacking Israeli History

The 1972 Munich Olympics massacre was a tragic event that deeply impacted Israeli history and global perceptions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As we draw parallels to recent events in a new introduction, we explore the enduring struggle for Israel's security and the haunting resonance of this history in today's volatile Middle East. This episode sheds light on the complexities of the Israeli experience, past and present. The 1972 Munich Olympics was supposed to showcase the face of the new Germany. Instead, the horrific death of 11 Israeli athletes — slaughtered as the world watched — marked a watershed moment in the Palestinian struggle and raises important questions about the power and effectiveness of terrorism. Join Noam Weissman in this re-release as he explains the details of that day and what followed, and why the massacre at Munich was not just another 1970’s terrorist attack.  ~~~~ The Unpacking Israeli History Podcast series is sponsored by Andrea and Larry Gill This episode is sponsored by Jack and Ellen Kahan Zager in honor of Ala and Yoske (z”l) Brosh ~~~~ Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/ Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked  Teaching about this topic? Check out our relevant educator resources here: https://unpacked.education/video/1972-olympics-the-munich-massacre-does-terrorism-work/

Unpacking Israeli History is back this fall, and we’re bigger than ever! Dive deep into Israel’s rich and complex history with Noam as we explore the stories that shaped the nation. This season, we’re kicking off with must-listen re-releases and a timely mini-series on the events of October 7th—because understanding Israel's past means engaging with its present. But that’s not all—Unpacking Israeli History is evolving. Expect more interviews, exclusive content, and even a tour where you can engage with Noam live! Plus, we’ve got brand new swag to celebrate our growing community. Whether you're a longtime listener or just discovering us, this season offers more ways to connect and dive into the history that matters. Have questions or feedback? Reach out at [email protected]—we can’t wait to hear from you!

Following the attack the Druze city of Majdal Shams, we are re-releasing our episode about the Israeli Druze community. 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? Especially during these turbulent times? ~~~~   Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h-BJIIJXiWHalkCO0f1YRs15P1upVNr1plM-r0H04PA/edit

In this special episode of Unpacking Israeli History, Noam Weissman and producer Rivky Stern switch things up by engaging in an in-depth conversation about the podcast's creation, philosophy, and approach to telling the story of Israeli history.

The 1967 War happened more than 50 years ago. And yet, the legacy of the Six Day War still reverberates throughout the world. Israelis were convinced they were facing another Holocaust. Instead, they achieved one of the most unlikely – and legendary – military victories in history. This miniseries explores the lead-up and legacy of the 6 Day War. ~~~~   Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YAwi1kDnHEJfFp3A5FzmclHv0-f82zMvbt9Qp9ziKrY/edit ~~~~   Episode 3 of this Six Day War mini-series is generously sponsored by Michael Staenberg, and The Marcus Family Foundation, and Pam and Neil Weissman.

The 1967 War happened more than 50 years ago. And yet, the legacy of the Six Day War still reverberates throughout the world. Israelis were convinced they were facing another Holocaust. Instead, they achieved one of the most unlikely – and legendary – military victories in history. This miniseries explores the lead-up and legacy of the 6 Day War. ~~~~   Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YAwi1kDnHEJfFp3A5FzmclHv0-f82zMvbt9Qp9ziKrY/edit ~~~~   Episode 2 of this Six Day War mini-series is generously sponsored by Jane & John August, Michael Staenberg, and The Marcus Family Foundation.

The 1967 War happened more than 50 years ago. And yet, the legacy of the Six Day War still reverberates throughout the world. Israelis were convinced they were facing another Holocaust. Instead, they achieved one of the most unlikely – and legendary – military victories in history. This miniseries explores the lead-up and legacy of the 6 Day War. ~~~~   Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YAwi1kDnHEJfFp3A5FzmclHv0-f82zMvbt9Qp9ziKrY/edit ~~~~   Episode 1 of this Six Day War mini-series is generously sponsored by Kim and Perry Shwachman, Michael Staenberg, and The Marcus Family Foundation.

Less than 48 hours ago, Iran launched an unprecedented military attack on Israel, its first direct attack on Israel after a decades-long “shadow” war. Iran sent hundreds of drones and missiles towards the Jewish state. So, why did Iran attack Israel, and what does all of this mean? ~~~~   Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jawT_GTJtdmIxtA3FRlO0GDg-wfipSsCUdLjkTAzV80/edit?usp=sharing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

This is the story of Iran’s proxy in Lebanon, which has been causing trouble for Israel since its founding in 1982. As Israel’s northern border heats up and the two sides draw closer to a showdown, we investigate: who is Hezbollah, and what do they want? ~~~~   Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d68bkgIiKIwWRCn75DGaiWry9N3Oi_rPh6-X1fn_i8Q/edit ~~~~   This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Sarala and Danny Turkel.

We're back for season 6! Get ready to join Noam for a deep dive into Israeli history, shedding light on the events of today. Have thoughts, questions, or stories to share? Drop us a line at [email protected]. Your email might even become part of the conversation on the show. So, what are you waiting for? Yalla, let's do this.

When we first released an episode on captured soldiers, back in August 2023, we had no idea that we were mere months away from the worst hostage crisis Israel had ever experienced.  On October 7, 2023, Hamas murdered 1,200 people – mostly civilians – and dragged another 240 to Gaza, plunging Israel into a nightmare. Hamas did not discriminate. They took babies as young as 9 months, elderly people well into their 80s, and everyone in between. Some of those 240 hostages have been rescued or released. Some were murdered in captivity. Three were killed mistakenly by “friendly fire.” But as of December 2023, 129 remain in Gaza, their fates and welfare unknown. And the questions we raised back in August remain more relevant than ever.  ~~~~   Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tO4xtCQdNDbcO3THe1elsiNrvREOuG6FjD3gcq5hDnA/edit?usp=sharing

Noam reflects on his meetings with survivors, evacuees, and Jewish leaders in the wake of 10/7. (Or 7/10, for the Israelis and Europeans out there.) ~~~~   Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GVNSsNxr23fIzzW7TnU3p6kGC-OxoTYkDSlAXmsd34w/edit?usp=drive_link

The world changed on 10/7. It's too soon to know exactly how this war will play out. But in this episode, Noam offers some thoughts on how and why people choose “sides” in a conflict like this – and how to respond to the misinformation, denialism, hatred, and extremism that poisons the discourse. ~~~~   Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sfIlw07IpRwqctUMhdJdwXiauZkgkkNZa3Ns3ZY_L1w/edit?usp=sharing

This episode is a re-release, with the understanding that everything has changed. You’ve heard their name. Watched their propaganda videos. Seen their bloody handiwork up close and personal. But how well do you really know the story of Hamas? This episode delves into the surprising history of Israel’s charming next door neighbor. It’s a deep dive into their history, their ideology, their legacy. Because if we want to truly understand Israeli history, we’ve got to face the parallel history that has developed alongside it. ~~~~   Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DBe4s5ArwlF7ACLUoztotb9EarUYqK7nd1Z0pCXyMR4/edit?usp=sharing ~~~~  Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Marci and Andrew Spitzer, and this week’s episode is sponsored by Adam Neuman.