I think this was my favorite episode. It is a straight forward and open conversation that is rich and deep. All the episodes reflect the name of the podcast so well…a true unpacking, with willingness to learn and expand understanding. Thank you for this sane and respectful place to hear perspectives and voices I don’t hear anywhere else!

I’m on round 2 of listening to this podcast. Noam is so clear and animated, it’s keeps me so engaged. He is also so passionate, but constantly reminds me to look at the other side. Thank you so much for all your hard work!

This is an excellent podcast for anyone interested in a balanced, authentic, nuanced, and well presented and prepared history of Israel.

I am a culturally Christian atheist who considers herself a Zionist. That said, my in depth knowledge of Israeli history is spotty. So I am enjoying this podcast a great deal - Noam is knowledgeable and engaging and his enthusiasm is contagious.

For a podcast pushing the importance of facts and context, this podcast leaves out a lot of relevent history and pertainant facts. It does little in the way of giving listeners an evenhanded, sincere overview of life as a Jewish Israeli vs life as an Arab living in Israel. Suicide bombings, murdered Jewish Israelis, and the constant threat of attack by Arabs is repeatedly brought up. Whereas examples of hardships endured by Arab Israelis include long wait times at the border (which he makes clearvare justified), and feeling disrespected and humiliated by IDF soldiers who are "just doing their jobs". Seriously? Regardless of whether you view Israeli as an aparteid state or not (spoiler.. he doesn't), this ridiculous characterization of human experience in Israel should offend your sensibilities

These episodes are lessons in education whose goal (it seems to me) is understanding and hope. Don’t let the style (which can feel like the intended audience is high school) put you off—Noam is teaching a super complex and not well-known (to Americans) history in as fair a way as possible, from his own admitted POV. I learn so much each episode, but what I appreciate most is that these lessons are imbued with compassion and hope that help us work toward peace. I imagine a collaboration with Palestinian speakers would also be a good offshoot. From his website (re: workshops and curricula): “By delving into controversial aspects of Israel’s story, the workshop provides clarity to transform superficial opinions into nuanced and textured understandings that leave hope for a better future for all sides.”

I wish I could force everyone - especially those who have strong opinions on Israel, but know nothing about the region, its history, or the context- to listen to this show. It is very well-researched, easy to listen to, and compelling. It also explores the differing viewpoints and doesn’t provide just one side. This should be required listening, particularly for school-aged children so they get a decent education on this topic.

Noam’s meticulous research and consideration for all perspectives and experiences involved, including the unflattering parts of Israeli history, let’s the listener come away from an episode of this podcast with a very thorough, multifaceted newfound understanding of each topic, as well as with new perspectives from the ones you had being challenged. I am a regular listener who came to this podcast with an open mind to learn, and Noam never disappoints.

Accurate, meticulously researched, and illuminating! Thank you for being a clear voice for critical history.

I’m a proud, secular, Progressive Jew whose soul was upended by the horrific events of Oct. 7th and the global backlash on Oct. 8th. Between my strong belief in the state of Israel (not Bibi) and debating every day on social media, I was motivated to brush up on Israel’s complicated history. Noah does a great job of explaining and keeping my attention.

I was looking for a "cliff notes" version of modern Israeli history when I started listening to this podcast one month ago. These 20-46 (they're getting longer!) pods do accomplish this but go into depth on certain aspects. Noam does an excellent job of pointing out his own biases and presents alternate views as well as supplying references for more in depth reading. While I'm certain he and I disagree about some political issues, he does remind me of why Israel is vital and makes me proud of my heritage, which is becoming increasingly difficult in these unsettling (but not unprecedented) times. I highly recommend these pods as a starting point for the journey.

Highly recommend this pod to anyone with intellectual curiosity about Israel and a love of history. I find myself sharing many episodes with others.

Thank you for this concise and informative episode. I have a much better understanding of Gaza now.

Love listening to this podcast. Provides context and gives all sides of the story

Noam is highly engaging and allows you to learn in an easy to understand and entertaining manner. I appreciate learning about Israel from an educator who’s well informed, has done his research and clearly cares deeply about the subject matter.

This show gives the thinnest valance of engaging with the history of the region, while rationalizing Israel’s 80 year project to ethnically cleanse their ever expanding borders. The arguments seem plausible to the uninformed, but largely omit or spin the context of events to frame the project of Zionism in the most favorable light. Noam does puts on a good show of sincerity, but this is not a good faith engagement with the history. Essentially just a softer version of the same IDF propaganda for LibDems who want to excuse their complicity with decades long campaign to eradicate the Palestinian people. Motivated reasoning at its finest.

I love learning about the history of Israel and Unpacked does a great job explaining 💙

Thank you. Thank you, Noam.

Since Oct 7 2023, I wanted to understand why Israel has so many enemies surrounding it. Unpacking Israeli History is the avenue I use to teach me about Israel history. As I am not Jewish but am a follower of Jesus Christ, I have been convicted that I need to know more about Israel history. As a Christian, God the Father states that Israel is The Chosen Nation. So I am curious as to the history of this Chosen Nation and why they have so many enemies. I admit I have been ignorant of Israeli’s history but I can no longer rely on the media to provide accurate information to me. I needed something deeper. Unpacking Israeli History is full of information, facts, and stories. Noam and crew, thank you for putting your time and effort into this podcast. It is fascinating, eye-opening, moving and heart-breaking to listen!!! I can’t stop listening though. And never will. Grandma Jan

Noam is a wonderful, enthusiastic, funny storyteller, and the stories they have chosen to tell are rich in emotion and meaning. Yes they are told from a Jewish perspective, but they work hard to present a balanced point of view. I already know a lot of Israeli history, but I always learn something new. This is really history teaching at its best. Thank you Unpacked!

Informative, nuanced, and smart - this podcast covers a broad range of topics related to Israel and its amazing history. I highly recommend!

Fabulous, informative, balanced and worthwhile. Even for those who think they really know the history, the host somehow always comes up with a nuance or another way of exploring these snapshots of Israeli history.

In bite-sized, easily digestible segments, Noam and his crew dig in to various moments in the history of the land of Israel, with honesty, curiosity and an even-handedness that is too rare these days. I never fail to learn something new. Thanks for making this podcast!

You are an awesome and interesting teacher! Episodes are small enough to stay interesting but the topics are complete enough to be understood. Don’t change a thing!

The amount of perspective, empathy and depth of knowledge in this show is unparalleled. Every time, my mind expands but so does my heart. A must listen during these wild and painful times. This show brings back our humanity and I look forward to every episode.

I appreciated this podcast I like catching up with history but it is easy to get lost with too much at once. I like the wind up at the end. The review of facts. Jewish history needs to be told loud and often. It is hard to hear the horrific violence in some of the stories but it needs to be heard. I have a project I’m working on and theses podcast have helped pass the time as well as educating me on information I needed to know. Thank you

I love the podcast- I have learned so much while being entertained - Thank you for all of the information

I was only introduced to your pod two months ago. I’ve already binged three seasons. Notwithstanding a solid Jewish Education, two semesters at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and a dozen other trips to Israel, I have learned from your podcast a lot I didn’t already know (or was perhaps too young to appreciate the first time around). As important, I have been entertained by the episodes, as a whole, and challenged by Noam’s thoughtful insights (and minor neurotic asides). Thank you!

I have loved listening to this podcast over the last few months because it is informative and balanced. It doesn’t make the case that the Israelis are always right or perfect. It is nuanced and helps those willing to understand the complexity of a history that is not black and white. Highly recommend.

Great job delivering facts that are important to consider during these difficult times. What we conclude from the facts may differ but it is important to know the facts. I have recommended this podcast to Jewish and non-Jewish friends alike.

Well-researched and accessible. The content is balanced and very important. The tone is clearly aimed at junior high or high schoolers, and I’m 55 years old, but that’s OK by me, because it’s the young generation that MOST needs to understand the history of Israel. Israeli history is long and complex. Breaking it up into discrete, focused chapters is a great idea. I intend to catch up with all the seasons. Thank you, Noam!

I have always been a supporter of Israel. My first memory regarding its existence was the Olympic massacre, I was 7 years old and was so disturbed by what I saw on TV. Then, October 7 occurred and I became intent on understanding the dynamics of Israel and its “neighbors”. After several episodes I was struck by just how objective Noam is regarding his culture, despite the fact he could be excused for being defensive in light of how harshly Israel is being treated right now. I highly recommend this show to all who wish to understand the history of Israel, its people and the absolute necessity that they be enabled to live in their homeland.

Most show and books the subject of Israel are so one sided. Noam is certainly pro Israel but also tries to been critical and empathetic.

Highly recommend this outstanding podcast which breaks down the history, politics emotions and dueling points of view of the Middle East conflict. No other source has reached this level of comprehensiveness and I have heard most of them. Regardless of your point of view you need to hear this if you have any interest in this subject

Remarkable job of putting current crises into a historical context and with a light touch! I haven’t done much laughing the last 6 months. Noam got me to chuckle with “I’m cool like that’ ,even with the existential quote "The Jewish People are a nation that dwells alone…

I once knew so little about my own country 🇺🇸as you know so little of yours 🇮🇱 The americas ethnically cleansed the indigenous population from to sea to shining sea. I hope that from the river, and to the sea, that Palestine will be free. Humanity can win. None of us are free until all of us are free.

Hilarious. It wouldn’t be real Jewish history if it wasn’t funny. The most salient fact I have learned here is that wealthy Palestinians were largely responsible for the growth of Jews in the Holy Land because they were making profit from selling their land. I believe that salvation or the Jewish state lies in Jewish secular values of civil liberty and civil right for all people. A fight over who is the heir of God’s promise to Isaac or Ishmael is destined to end in conflict and hatred. I am pretty sure that’s not what G@d had in mind.

Israel is the victim of every circumstance, everyone is always trying to get them. Yes 10-7 was wrong and hamas should be punished. Not every person in Gaza is a criminal though. It’s pathetic how much zionists scream antisemitism when they are criticized it has nothing to do with their religion and everything to do with their 30,000+ actions. If the Zionists think they have a claim because of something happened 2,000 years ago than the Palestinians have a claim for their land that was there’s 70 years ago. There is no such thing as a god so a fairytale can not promise anything to anyone. If it could every little girl is a princess. Even the little princesses Zionists have murdered in the last few decades. Israel are the bad guys not children.

I figured I would try this out since getting bombarded with ads for this podcast. It is truly embarrassing, the host has absolutely no understanding of how the region came to be in this predicament, it’s pure Israeli one-sided propaganda that doesn’t even try to fairly cover the issue. Don’t waste your time!

Thank you for bringing so much knowledge about the history of this area and it’s people and making it interesting. You have a gift for teaching❣️

I’m OBSESSED. I love learning about history, especially Israeli history, but this pod takes it to a whole new level. The show is very well done and incredibly thought provoking. It’s intellectually honest and asks the hard questions. Thank you to Noam and the team!

I love this podcast. A clear and helpful look at the current events through a historical lens. Thank you!!

I am not Jewish, but I am very interested in the history of Israel. I have been listening to this podcast for two days and I will continue until it’s done! Thank you! It’s excellent

After experiencing virulent antisemitism from close ex-friends in the past few years, I had already begun a deep dive researching Judaism and Jewish history. On Oct. 7, the virulence of Jew hatred online ratcheted up by a couple of orders of magnitude and I needed facts at the tip of my tongue to be able to hold my own against accusations of all the atrocities the DARVO gaslighting has convinced the world that Israelis have done. Unpacking Jewish History is concise, cogent, fact-based, evenhanded, and entertaining — exactly what I need. From the background I get from this podcast, I know how to direct my reading. I know how to counter low-information accusations. Thank you for putting this podcast out, it is a huge public service to the entire Jewish community. I’ve started at the beginning and am systematically making my way through, using the podcast to launch deep dives in my reading. Bless you for helping me fill the holes in my Israeli history knowledge.

The podcast is a great learning tool for different views on Israel and the different marks of its history.

Excellent overviews of important moments from Israeli history, good, bad, and ugly. The presenter is open about his biases, and goes out of his way to show other perspectives. The narration, pacing, and writing of all the episodes are superb. Highly recommended!

Although the podcast skips around in time a lot, I’ve gotten amazing insights and you history about Israel that I had never heard of before. I strongly recommend a listen!

It’s like reading a book you can’t put down. I thought it was a glitch in the podcast app when I saw every episode had a check by it. Have I listened to all of episodes already? I’ve learned a lot and have told several of my friends about your podcast. Also, your work has spurred my interest into other areas of Jewish history, social, political and cultural. Most importantly, what does it mean to be a Jewish person. Although, my journey is years-long, I am really at the front of it. Thank you for sharing your heart. Am Israel Chai!

Podcast is always organized well researched The podcaster is a great lecturer He gives examples of what he is talking about to make sure information is being understood I love the passion as he delivers the podcast

Such a fast, easy and engaging way to learn about Israel’s history. Just started season 3, and lovin’ it. So interesting - Noam is the best! I’m learning without trying in such a fun way!