Best Israelihistory Podcasts (2025)

1
Michael Koplow: The Broken History and Fragile Future of Palestinian Statehood 1:08:40

Play Pause

3h ago1:08:40

1:08:40

In this bonus episode, Noam talks with Michael Koplow, chief policy officer at the Israel Policy Forum. Michael traces the history of Palestinian statehood efforts, explains why each one failed, and shares why he doubts the UN’s recent recognition vote will change realities on the ground. Still, he hasn’t given up on two states, and he has devoted …

1
Palestinian Statehood: Why Peace Failed (1967 to 2025) Part 2 44:45

4d ago44:45

44:45

In Part 2 in a series on Palestinian statehood, Noam Weissman picks up in 1967, showing how the Six Day War reset borders and assumptions—sparking debates over land, security, and sovereignty. From Oslo to the Second Intifada, Gaza disengagement to October 7, 2023, the episode traces failed peace efforts, missed opportunities, and deepening mistrus…

1
Palestinian Statehood: Why It Never Happened (1918 to 1967) Part 1 31:07

7d ago31:07

31:07

Why did Israel become a state but Palestine didn’t? Now that a rising number of nations, including Britain and France, have announced that they plan to recognize Palestinian Statehood at the United Nations General Assembly, that question feels more urgent than ever. In Part One of this two-part series, Noam Weissman takes a look back at the decades…

1
Live from New York with Dan Senor: The Pursuit of Peace 57:47

13d ago57:47

57:47

Host Noam Weissman sits down with Call Me Back host Dan Senor in a special live episode recorded before a sold-out crowd of nearly 1,000 at New York’s iconic 92NY. Two of today’s leading voices on Israel come together for a fast-paced, four-part conversation—revisiting the peace process, highlighting unsung heroes, and wrestling with the toughest q…

1
Reflections on Charlie Kirk 8:07

14d ago8:07

8:07

Noam Weissman reflects on the Charlie Kirk assassination and what Israeli history—from Rabin to Gaza—teaches about polarization, sacred listening, and building a culture of principled, nonviolent disagreement. Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand. ------------------- For ot…

1
Is it Genocide? The Gaza War Debate with Historian Gil Troy 1:22:29

20d ago1:22:29

1:22:29

Is Israel committing genocide in Gaza? Host Noam Weissman and historian Gil Troy dive into the explosive debate in an important and difficult conversation. They break down the legal definition of genocide, the role of intent, and how this differs from war crimes. From the IDF’s principle of purity of arms to heated political rhetoric, Gil and Noam …

1
The Neturei Karta: Haredi Jews who reject the State of Israel 57:18

27d ago57:18

57:18

Who are the Neturei Karta? A recent Humans of New York article brought the fringe sect of ultra-Orthodox, anti-Zionist Jews into the spotlight. Now Noam Weissman explains the history of this tiny movement, which rejects the State of Israel and ally with its worst enemies. Noam explores why he and so many Jews are enraged by the Neturei Karta, who e…

1
Facts vs. Feelings: Rethinking How We Talk About Israel with Toba Hellerstein 1:01:06

1M ago1:01:06

1:01:06

What wins hearts and minds — facts, or feelings? This week, Noam Weissman sits down with Toba Hellerstein, author of American Perceptions of Jews and Israel and a leading expert on antisemitism, diplomacy, and narrative strategy. Together, they unpack why Israel advocacy so often falls flat. From the meaning of Zionism to the archetypes of “king,” …

1
The Hilltop Youth and Settler Violence with Yirmiyahu Danzig (Part 2) 44:34

1M ago44:34

44:34

In Part 2 of a series on settler violence, Noam Weissman talks with Yirmiyahu Danzig (@that_semite) about the Hilltop Youth, Palestinian life in Area C, and the narratives behind the headlines. From Gaza disengagement trauma to price tag attacks, this episode explores why this “fringe of a fringe” matters for Israel’s future. You can watch Yirmiyah…

1
Settler Violence: Hard Truths with Haviv Rettig Gur (Part 1) 57:44

2M ago57:44

57:44

Noam Weissman sits down with journalist Haviv Rettig Gur to tackle one of the most heated topics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: settler violence. Who are the “Hilltop Youth,” the fringe group accused of a kind of terrorism targeting Palestinian civilians? And is settler violence a widespread threat or a statistically small — but politically e…

1
Fallout: How the Suez Crisis Rewired the Middle East Forever (Part 3) 49:38

2M ago49:38

49:38

In the explosive finale of our 3-part series on the Suez Crisis, Noam Weissman unpacks the hidden aftershocks of Israel’s most underrated war. This episode reveals how the 1956 Sinai Campaign reshaped global alliances and Middle East power dynamics; from a swift IDF victory to a humiliating Anglo-French retreat, from Soviet nuclear threats to Ameri…

1
Combustion: The Secret Pact that Ignited the Suez War (Part 2) 42:02

2M ago42:02

42:02

This week, Part 2 of our Suez Crisis trilogy dives into the explosive events of 1956: Nasser nationalizes the Suez Canal, enraging Britain and France. Behind closed doors, the three powers—Israel, Britain, and France—draft a secret plan to launch a war on Egypt. From daring Israeli paratrooper raids in the Sinai to the storming of Sharm el-Sheikh, …

1
Israel’s Forgotten War: The Suez Crisis (Part I) 36:52

2M ago36:52

36:52

Unpacking Israeli History kicks off a gripping 3-part series on the 1956 Suez Crisis—Israel’s most overlooked war. In Part I, Noam Weissman unpacks the roots of this conflict: from Nasser’s pan-Arabism and fedayeen attacks to Israel’s bold doctrine of “escalation dominance.” But this isn’t just a Cold War drama. It’s the war that set the stage for …

1
Live from Chicago with Michael Oren: Reimagining Israel’s Story 1:20:50

3M ago1:20:50

1:20:50

Unpacking Israeli History goes live in Chicago! Join host Noam Weissman and historian, statesman, and bestselling author Michael Oren for an extraordinary conversation on Israel’s Rubicon moments, missed opportunities, and the decisions that shaped the Jewish state. From 1948 to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, discover the pivotal stories behind Israeli …

1
1948 Exodus: The Birth of Israel and the Refugee Crisis (Part 2) 1:07:54

3M ago1:07:54

1:07:54

This week, host Noam Weissman explores the heated debate over the right of return in part 2 in a series on the origins of the Palestinian refugee crisis. Noam traces how the 1948 War of Independence created a massive exodus that still fuels conflict today. The episode covers key historical events and examines the moral and historical complexities I…

1
Who Has the Right to Return? The History of Palestinian Refugees (Part 1) 54:04

3M ago54:04

54:04

Host Noam Weissman dives into one of the most emotionally and politically charged topics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: the Right of Return. Noam breaks down key historical events and grapples with tough questions: Was the Palestinian exodus of 1947–1948 a planned expulsion or a tragic byproduct of war? The first installment in this two-part …

1
Dreaming of Iran: A Conversation with Writer Roya Hakakian 58:51

3M ago58:51

58:51

Host Noam Weissman sits down with acclaimed Iranian-American writer Roya Hakakian to trace the complex and often misunderstood history of Persian Jewry. Roya shares her personal story growing up Jewish in Iran before and after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, explores why the country shifted from relative tolerance to theocratic repression, and reflect…

1
Israel vs. Iran: A War of Ideas with Dr. Tal Becker 1:10:28

3M ago1:10:28

1:10:28

As a ceasefire takes tentative hold, host Noam Weissman sits down with Dr. Tal Becker — former Israeli peace negotiator and legal advisor — to unpack the complex war between Israel and Iran. Dr. Becker offers critical insight into Iran’s theology, the distinction between preemptive and preventive strikes, and why this war is less about bombs and mo…

1
Dimona: Israel’s “Secret” Nuclear Option [Updated] 45:24

3M ago45:24

45:24

As tensions erupt between Israel and Iran, we revisit one of our most powerful episodes: the secret story of Dimona, Israel’s nuclear program. In this updated re-release, Noam Weissman explores how Israel became a covert nuclear power, the role of France and the U.S., and the enduring policy of amimut—nuclear ambiguity. Why has Israel never officia…

1
Living Through History: Zionism, War, and Jewish Destiny 25:35

3M ago25:35

25:35

In this special episode of Unpacking Israeli History, Noam Weissman breaks from the usual format to reflect on what it means to live through history as a Jew, a Zionist, and an Israeli ally. With biblical insight, historical depth, and cultural clarity, he unpacks the meaning of Zionism amidst war with Iran, rising global antisemitism, and media di…

1
Israel Under Fire: Rivky’s Dispatch & The Birth of the Begin Doctrine (updated) 53:10

3M ago53:10

53:10

In this special episode of Unpacking Israeli History, host Noam Weissman shares a conversation with producer Rivky Stern, who unexpectedly finds herself in Israel with her young family as war with Iran breaks out. Rivky reflects on the emotional and psychological toll of daily life under rocket threat, offering a raw and deeply personal perspective…

1
Facing an Existential Threat: Why Israel Struck Iran Now with Yaakov Katz 36:25

4M ago36:25

36:25

In this urgent crossover episode of Unpacking Israeli History and Wondering Jews, host Noam Weissman is joined by military analyst and author Yaakov Katz to break down Israel’s unprecedented airstrike on Iranian nuclear and military targets. As events unfold in real time, they explore the historical roots, strategic timing, and existential stakes o…

1
Truth vs. Myth in Israeli History with Haviv Rettig Gur (Part 2) 41:09

4M ago41:09

41:09

Unpacking Israeli History is coming to Chicago on June 8 for its first ever LIVE event! ⁠⁠⁠Buy your tickets now. ⁠⁠DISCOUNT: Get 20% off your tickets using the discount code UIHCHI. NB: Click "Unlock" and enter the discount code before selecting your tickets. Host Noam Weissman is joined once again by journalist and analyst Haviv Rettig Gur to unpa…

1
Truth vs. Myth in Israeli History with Haviv Rettig Gur (Part 1) 38:36

4M ago38:36

38:36

Unpacking Israeli History is coming to Chicago on June 8 for its first ever LIVE event! ⁠Buy your tickets now⁠ DISCOUNT: Get 20% off your tickets using the discount code UIHCHI. NB: Click "Unlock" and enter the discount code before selecting your tickets. Host Noam Weissman is joined by journalist and analyst Haviv Rettig Gur to unpack three of the…

1
Torah Dome: Why Don't the Haredim Serve in the IDF? (Re-release) 52:30

5M ago52:30

52:30

Unpacking Israeli History is coming to Chicago on June 8 for its first ever LIVE event! Buy Your Tickets Now DISCOUNT: Get 20% off your tickets using the discount code UIHCHI. NB: Click "Unlock" and enter the discount code before selecting your tickets. This week, host Noam Weissman revisits one of Israel’s most explosive debates, why don’t most Ha…

1
How a Secret Treaty Redrew the Middle East: Sykes-Picot, San Remo, and the Birth of Israel (re-release) 39:05

5M ago39:05

39:05

Unpacking Israeli History is coming to Chicago on June 8 for its first ever LIVE event! Buy your tickets now EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Get your tickets before May 19 using the discount code UIHCHI for a 20% discount on your tickets. Click "Unlock" and enter the discount code before selecting your tickets. Feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of today's worl…

1
Inside the Mossad: Unbelievable Missions That Shaped Israel's Destiny (re-released) 39:25

5M ago39:25

39:25

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 agenc…

1
Yom HaShoah: Remembering the Holocaust, Redefining Jewish Heroism 39:58

5M ago39:58

39:58

Host Noam Weissman explores the powerful origins and evolving meaning of Yom HaShoah ve HaGevurah, Israel’s official Holocaust Remembrance Day. Why doesn’t Israel observe Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27th like the rest of the world? The answer lies in a gripping story of resistance, memory, politics, and identity. This episode confronts painfu…

1
Special Crossover: The Star of David (Jewish History Nerds) 37:05

6M ago37:05

37:05

This week, Unpacking Israeli History is sharing an episode from another great podcast produced by Unpacked: Jewish History Nerds. We hope you'll listen to the premier of season 4: The Star of David-A Symbol That Means Everything—and Nothing. Hosts Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab explore the history of the Star of David, also known as the Magen Dav…

1
Meir Kahane: Jewish Defender or Jewish Supremacist? 45:07

6M ago45:07

45:07

Host Noam Weissman explores the controversial ideas, and long-lasting influence of Meir Kahane—American-born rabbi, founder of the Jewish Defense League, and pioneer of the far-right ideology known as Kahanism. Once dismissed as a fringe figure, Kahane's ideas are making a troubling comeback, echoed in memes, political platforms, and even Israeli p…

1
Hamas, Israel, and the Future of Gaza: A Conversation with Ahmed Fouad Alkatib (Part 2) 59:05

6M ago59:05

59:05

Host Noam Weissman continues a powerful conversation with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Palestinian voice offering deep, honest insights into Gaza’s past, present, and future. In part 2, Ahmed shares personal stories, critiques both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, and offers a compelling vision for a post-Hamas Gaza. From the rise of Hamas, the fail…

1
A Palestinian Voice: Gaza, History, and Hope - A Conversation with Ahmed Fouad Alkatib (Part 1) 56:37

7M ago56:37

56:37

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-Hussei…

1
More Than a Game: Maccabi Tel Aviv, Zionism, and Israeli Identity 54:29

7M ago54:29

54:29

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 du…

1
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A 30-Minute Guide 35:30

7M ago35:30

35:30

Host Noam Weissman tackles one of the most complex and debated topics in modern history: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In this 30-minute crash course, Noam distills over a century of history, including the origins of Zionism, the Balfour Declaration, wars, peace efforts, and the tragic events of October 7. Whether you're a history buff or just …

1
Bibas Family Tragedy and the Human Cost of Conflict 20:57

7M ago20:57

20:57

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 ind…

1
The King David Hotel Bombing: Terrorism or Resistance? Part 2 31:19

7M ago31:19

31:19

Dive into the story of the 1946 King David Hotel bombing with part two in a gripping series on an event that re-shaped British policy in Mandate Palestine and influenced the future of Israel. Host Noam Weissman unpacks the Irgun’s daring operation, the sequence of warnings and events that led to the tragic loss of 91 lives, and the political fallou…

1
The King David Hotel Bombing: Terrorism or Resistance? Part 1 35:41

8M ago35:41

35:41

UIH wants to hear from you. Please fill out this survey to share your thoughts and ideas about the show. Find the survey here. In the first episode of a gripping two-part series, host Noam Weissman explores one of the most controversial events in Israel’s past: the 1946 bombing of the King David Hotel by the Irgun. Was it an act of terrorism or a n…

1
Israeli Settlers: Obstacle or Path to Peace? Part 2 1:03:33

8M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

Host Noam Weissman explores the complex and often controversial history of Israeli settlements in the second episode in a two-part series. Noam unravels the strategic, religious, and political motivations behind the settlement movement, from the aftermath of the 1967 Six-Day War to today. Featuring firsthand accounts, expert analysis, and surprisin…

1
Israeli Settlers: Obstacle or Path to Peace? Part 1 41:19

8M ago41:19

41:19

Join host Noam Weissman as he dives into the complex history and heated debates surrounding Israeli settlements. The first installment of a special two-part series explores the immediate aftermath of the Six Day War in 1967 to the ideological motivations of the Gush Emunim movement. Noam discusses how the terms “occupied,” “disputed,” and “liberate…

1
Open Mic: The USS Liberty, Conspiracies, and Antisemitism 32:24

8M ago32:24

32:24

This week, host Noam Weissman addresses listeners' questions and dives deep into the controversy surrounding the USS Liberty incident during the Six-Day War. He dissects the facts, debunks conspiracy theories, and explores how these narratives intersect with age-old antisemitic tropes. From historical context to contemporary debates fueled by figur…

1
Unpacking Israeli History is taking a short break 0:36

9M ago0:36

0:36

Unpacking Israeli History is taking a short break. But we are continuing to work on new episodes, including some based your questions, so keep your ideas coming and get in touch at [email protected]. We will be back in a few weeks. See you in 2025. Thanks for listening. This podcast is brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. …

1
The Complex Identity of Arab Citizens of Israel: Part 2 38:58

10M ago38:58

38:58

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. Follo…

1
The Complex Identity of Arab Citizens of Israel: Part 1 35:18

10M ago35:18

35:18

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 t…

1
Is Israel an Apartheid State? Part 2 42:10

10M ago42:10

42:10

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 thi…

1
Is Israel an Apartheid State? Part 1 55:26

10M ago55:26

55:26

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 Isra…

1
Special Crossover: Navigating Israel, Identity, and Empathy—How to Talk to Kids About Israel 39:57

11M ago39:57

39:57

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…

1
Israel Open Mic: Anti-Zionism, Iran-Contra, and Why Empathy Matters 41:50

11M ago41:50

41:50

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 conspi…

1
What is Zionism? Part 2: Challenges, Education, and What’s Next 54:54

11M ago54:54

54:54

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 …

1
What is Zionism? Part 1: Origins and Big Ideas 52:18

11M ago52:18

52:18

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.…

1
Oslo: The Peace that Wasn't [Rerelease] 45:30

11M ago45:30

45:30

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 …