Unpacking Israeli History

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.”

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

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.