This week, we continue our two-part series on the complex story of Arab citizens of Israel, from 1967 to October 7, 2023. We explore the evolving identity of Israeli Arabs, focusing not only on challenges of the past, but also looking ahead at paths to peace, equality, and mutual understanding.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

UNPACKED is growing and we need your help! From now through December 31 you can make history with us by contributing to our podcast expansion project. Join us in raising $150,000 to transform Unpacking Israeli History into a multi-platform experience, providing more episodes in both audio and video formats, more interesting guests, live events and more! If you've already contributed, thank you! If you haven't yet, now's your chance to be a part of something amazing.

Please click here to donate today.

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For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

Host Noam Weissman explores the intricate, often misunderstood story of Arab citizens of Israel in the first episode of a two-part series. Noam delves into their journey from the Ottoman Empire to 1967 with honesty and nuance, grappling with themes of identity, nationality, and integration. Please tune in next week for Part 2, focusing on 1967 to today. The series invites listeners to consider the compromises and efforts needed to build a truly inclusive and equitable society.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

UNPACKED is growing and we need your help! From now through December 31 you can make history with us by contributing to our podcast expansion project. Join us in raising $150,000 to transform Unpacking Israeli History into a multi-platform experience, providing more episodes in both audio and video formats, more interesting guests, live events and more! If you've already contributed, thank you! If you haven't yet, now's your chance to be a part of something amazing.

Please click here to donate today.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

This week, we continue our two-part series on one of the most the challenging questions about Israel today: Is Israel an Apartheid state? In the second-part of the series, we’ll dig deeper into East Jerusalem and address the broader historical, political, and social context of this fraught and heated topic.

Click here for the sources we used in this episode.

UNPACKED is growing and we need your help! From now through December 31 you can make history with us by contributing to our podcast expansion project. Join us in raising $150,000 to transform Unpacking Israeli History into a multi-platform experience, providing more episodes in both audio and video formats, more interesting guests, live events and more! If you've already contributed, thank you! If you haven't yet, now's your chance to be a part of something amazing.

Please click here to donate today.

-------------------

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

This week, we’re diving into one of the most heated and challenging questions about Israel today: Is it an apartheid state? Yeah, it’s uncomfortable—and complicated. In this first part of a two-part series, Noam Weissman unpacks the history of apartheid, walks us through the situation in the West Bank, and lays out the daily realities for both Israelis and Palestinians.

No slogans, no “talking points,” just an honest look at the facts—and the feelings—that shape this conversation. Whether you’re yelling “of course not!” or “absolutely yes!” (or somewhere in between), this episode will challenge what you think you know.

Stick around for Part 2 next week, where we’ll dig even deeper into East Jerusalem and what this debate means for Israelis, Palestinians, and the rest of us.

Click here for the sources we used in this episode.

UNPACKED is growing and we need your help! From now through December 31 you can make history with us by contributing to our podcast expansion project. Join us in raising $150,000 to transform Unpacking Israeli History into a multi-platform experience, providing more episodes in both audio and video formats, more interesting guests, live events and more! If you've already contributed, thank you! If you haven't yet, now's your chance to be a part of something amazing.

Please click here to donate today.

-------------------

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

Soulful Jewish Living

In this special crossover episode, Noam Weissman shares an insightful conversation from his other podcast, Wondering Jews With Mijal and Noam, co-hosted with Dr. Mijal Bitton. Together, they tackle one of the toughest questions Jewish parents face today: how to approach the complex topic of Israel and antisemitism with children. Noam and Mijal dive into the nuances of Israel education, offering reflections on how their perspectives have evolved over the past year and practical ways to discuss difficult subjects. Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone deeply engaged with Jewish issues, this episode offers thoughtful guidance for fostering understanding and resilience in the next generation.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam for more thought-provoking conversations!

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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

In this special Israel Open Mic episode of Unpacking Israeli History, host Noam Weissman is answering your questions! Noam dives into some of the most fascinating and tricky topics in Israeli history—like why some Jews are anti-Zionist, how Israel got tangled up in the Iran-Contra affair, and what the deal is with Jerusalem. He also takes on conspiracy theories, gives a shout-out to Palestinian peace advocates, and shows why empathy can go a long way in understanding tough issues.

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This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Marci and Andrew Spitzer.

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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

In part two, Noam and Haviv tackle the tough questions about Zionism today. They dig into how Zionism is viewed around the world, how it’s taught, and what this means for Israelis, Palestinians, and people everywhere. Noam and Haviv consider whether Zionism has achieved its original goals and how understanding stories of the Other can help build a bridge between communities.

Book recommendations:

A History Of Zionism, Walter Lacquer

The Zionist Ideas, Gil Troy

Europe Against The Jews, Gotz Aly

Israel, A History, Anita Shapira

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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

In part one of this two-part series, Noam Weissman and Haviv Rettig Gur dive into the origins and big ideas behind Zionism. They break down what Zionism actually means, where it came from, and why it’s been so central to the Jewish story. Along the way, Noam and Haviv explore common myths, misunderstandings, and the early hopes of Zionist thinkers.

Book recommendations:

A History Of Zionism, Walter Lacquer

The Zionist Ideas, Gil Troy

Europe Against The Jews, Gotz Aly

Israel, A History, Anita Shapira

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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

In this re-release, we delve into the Oslo Accords, a pivotal moment in Israeli-Palestinian history that promised peace but now feels more elusive than ever. Amidst the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional instability, we explore the complexities, missed opportunities, and enduring challenges that continue to shape the quest for peace in the Middle East. Can we still dare to hope for a resolution?

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Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R1WuODAcUUbYGMBnTfD2Yj4N_VRBZZVSLG4nTOdISiM/edit?usp=sharing

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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

In the immediate aftermath of October 7, 2023, Israel grappled with overwhelming loss and destruction. As Hamas terrorists ravaged border communities, Israel counted its dead, sought its hostages, and began its retaliation. One year later, Israelis are divided on how to confront Hamas while grappling with their internal fractures. From the initial surge of unity bound by grief, a nation now faces both external and internal threats, with Israeli society at a crossroads. As emotions run high, one must ask: How can Israelis rebuild their shattered society while grappling with the weight of their own collective trauma?

Click here for the sources we used in this episode.

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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews

On October 7, 2023, Israel witnessed a nightmare unfold as Hamas militants stormed the southern border communities, committing acts of unimaginable brutality. In a ruthless attack, Hamas fighters from Gaza unleashed horror on innocent civilians—horrific s*xual a**ault, the slaughtering of 1,300 Israelis, and the kidnapping of over 200 hostages into Gaza. Through the voices of survivors and grieving families of those killed or abducted, this episode brings the unimaginable suffering - graphic, explicit, and deeply unsettling - into sharp, heart-wrenching focus.

This episode is the second part of a three-part series that will delve into Gaza’s history, the events of October 7, and the ongoing aftermath we continue to witness today.

Click here for the sources we used in this episode.

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This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Soulful Jewish Living

Wondering Jews