Unpacking Israeli History
Unpacked
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
May 12, 2026 • 50min
Masada: The Making of a Myth (Part 2)
A deep dive into why an ancient Masada story became a modern national symbol. The episode traces Masada’s revival in 20th century Zionism and its link to Holocaust trauma. It critiques reliance on Josephus and contrasts archaeology with his dramatic account. The narrative examines how rituals, youth training, and excavations shaped a powerful, contested myth.
24 snips
May 5, 2026 • 45min
Masada: The Siege That Became a Legend (Part 1)
A reexamination of the Masada siege and the story that became legend. They question Josephus as the lone ancient source and probe archaeological evidence from the mountaintop. The episode outlines first-century Judean politics, rival factions, and the violent collapse of society. It ends by teasing how Masada resurfaced in modern memory and national mythmaking.
Apr 29, 2026 • 1h 8min
Live with Rachel Goldberg-Polin: Grief, Faith and Hersh
Rachel Goldberg-Polin, memoirist and mother of Hirsch Goldberg-Polin, reflects on writing as survival after her son’s kidnapping and murder. She talks about living between worlds, Jewish hope and certainty of reunion, discovering Hirsch’s prophetic journal entry, wrestling with meaning and fate, and small daily practices that hold hope beside despair.
22 snips
Apr 28, 2026 • 1h 11min
Live from London with Scott Galloway: Why the Jewish People Need Better Storytellers
Scott Galloway, professor, bestselling author and cultural commentator, reflects on a Jewish awakening after October 7th and his decision to speak up publicly. He explores Jewish identity, why Israel is losing the narrative, and the power of storytelling. Short, candid takes on resilience, public advocacy, and pairing strength with empathy.
10 snips
Apr 23, 2026 • 35min
What Hasan Piker Got Wrong About Einstein and Zionism
A rebuttal to a viral claim about Einstein and Zionism that traces the full arc of his views. It contrasts early reservations with later institutional support and fundraising. It critiques the tactic of quoting historical figures out of context. It argues for learning full, messy histories to resist manipulative, selective framings.
10 snips
Apr 21, 2026 • 1h 13min
Israel's Greatest Paradox with Micah Goodman
Micah Goodman, an Israeli philosopher and author who writes on identity and political thought, explores why Israel’s enemies misread its strength. He discusses Israel’s hybrid of radical individualism and fierce collectivism. He explains how combined will and capability shape strategy, the fluid shift from startups to soldiers, and why nuance and slow information matter.
Apr 14, 2026 • 58min
Is Israeli-Palestinian Peace Still Possible? Ittay Flescher Says Yes
Ittay Flescher, Jerusalem-based educator and peacebuilder and author of The Holy and the Broken, outlines why he still pursues coexistence. He walks through major settlement frameworks, critiques one-state and binational ideas, and lays out a confederation model. Short-term steps include language education, religious-school reform, and gender-balanced negotiators.
Apr 7, 2026 • 38min
Revisiting Osirak: The Airstrike That Shocked the World
A retelling of Israel’s 1981 strike on Iraq’s Osirak reactor and the military gamble behind it. The moral dilemma of striking a future threat versus waiting is explored. The episode traces Mossad sabotage, cabinet debates, and the dramatic low‑altitude raid. It closes by linking that action to a long‑term national doctrine and its impact on regional security.
Mar 31, 2026 • 1h 7min
Holy Wars and Sacred Ground: Live from Atlanta with Yardena Schwartz
Yardena Schwartz, journalist and author of Ghosts of a Holy War, explores contested holy sites and hidden turning points in Israeli–Palestinian history. She highlights six pivotal but underknown moments shaping Al-Aqsa and Hebron. The conversation traces disinformation, religious identity, and how sacred places keep reappearing in political mobilization.
Mar 24, 2026 • 39min
Israel Open Mic: What Does the Shekel Reveal About Israel?
A listener question about money sparks a tour through Israel’s currency history. Secret printing of the first bills and the pragmatic use of the Palestine pound are revealed. Shifts from landscapes to political portraits show changing national narratives. The shekel’s collapse, a dramatic stabilization reset, and the recent choice to feature poets highlight cultural priorities and controversies.
