In the 1990s, a scrappy instant messaging service from Israel became an international sensation. A hundred thousand new users joined every day, and the young internet couldn’t get enough. The man who backed the company early, Dr. Yossi Vardi, knew the world was about to change when he first saw the software in action, but he never imagined it would change this much.

This time, we will tell the story of the improbable rise of ICQ. How one company created a generation of tech dreamers and helped turn Israel into the Startup Nation.

Guest: Dr. Yossi Vardi

Host: Elad Simchayoff, Executive Producer: Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Producer: Nir Goraly, Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Shemer

It began as a network of Islamic charities: Schools, clinics, and food drives serving Gaza’s poorest families. But within a few years, that network evolved into Hamas: a militant organisation waging jihad against Israel, the absolute ruler of Gaza, and the orchestrator of the October 7th attack.

Born from the ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood and guided by an antisemitic charter, Hamas built an empire of arms and billions of dollars. It became one of the most powerful terror groups in the world, and it all started with one man in a wheelchair.

Join us for more on: israelipuzzle.com 

Executive Producer: Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Host: Elad Simchayoff, Producer: Rom Atik, Sound Design and Mix: Assaf Rappaport

In the 1960s and 70s, hundreds of thousands of young volunteers from the UK, Sweden, the US, and across the Western world came to Israel to live and work on kibbutzim. For a generation of idealistic, left-leaning youth, the kibbutz offered a rare opportunity: A living, breathing experiment in equality, community, and hard work under the Mediterranean sun.

For many, it was an unforgettable chapter of connection between the Western Left and Israel. But that bond didn’t last.

What began as a love affair gradually turned into disillusionment. The same cultural and political movements that once celebrated Israel’s socialist experiment now lead the campaign against it.

Join us for more at: israelipuzzle.com 

Guests:

Professor Yaara Bar-On, Paul Mor, and Yoav Bril

Host: Elad Simchayoff, Executive Producer: Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Producer: Nir Goraly, Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Shemer

In 1975, the United Nations voted to equate Zionism with racism. For Israel, it felt like an international indictment of its very existence, so much so that the Israeli ambassador literally tore the resolution apart. The UN's decision, however, was much larger than just Israel. Cold War politics, Arab alliances, and Soviet influence are all important parts of today's story. A story that ended with a surprising twist. 

Join us for more at: israelipuzzle.com 

Guest: Prof. Yoav Tenembaum

Host: Elad Simchayoff, Executive Producer: Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Producer: Nir Goraly, Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Shemer

In 1947, the United Nations voted for two states living side by side in Palestine: One Jewish, one Arab. Within hours, violence erupted, and the plan collapsed. From British missteps to global lobbying, from celebration to war, we unravel the story of Resolution 181 and its enduring legacy that continues to shape the Middle East.

Join us for more at: israelipuzzle.com 

Guest: Prof. Benny Morris 

Host: Elad Simchayoff, Executive Producer: Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Producer: Nir Goraly, Sound Design and Mix: Assaf Rappaport

It began as a stopgap measure after the 1948 war — a temporary agency to care for displaced Palestinians until a solution was reached. But a solution never came. Instead, UNRWA grew into a sprawling institution, redefining what it means to be a refugee and weaving itself deep into the region’s story. Decades later, its classrooms, camps, and politics are tied not just to daily life, but also to terror, Hamas, and even the events of October 7th. In this episode of Israeli Puzzle, we explore how a humanitarian mission became entangled in the conflict itself.

Join us for more on: israelipuzzle.com 

Host: Elad Simchayoff, Executive Producer: Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Producer: Rom Atik, Sound Design and Mix: Assaf Rappaport

Theodor Herzl was, at first glance, an unlikely hero. An unremarkable journalist and a mediocre playwright, and yet, fate had something extraordinary in store for him.

A scandalous trial—fueled by the poisonous antisemitism—shook Europe and sent Herzl on an improbable journey: Within less than a decade, this Viennese outsider transformed into a visionary leader, founded a global movement, and planted the seed of a future Jewish state.

In our first episode of Israeli Puzzle, we’ll tell the story of Theodor Herzl— His unlikely rise, his impossible dream, and how he became the visionary behind the State of Israel.

For more - Join us at israelipuzzle.com 

Guests:

Prof. Derek Penslar

David Matlow

Host: Elad Simchayoff, Executive Producer: Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Producer: Nir Goraly, Sound Design and Mix: Assaf Rappaport

Hi,

I’m Elad Simchayoff — journalist, podcaster, and your host for Israeli Puzzle.

It’s the podcast that tells the story of Israel, one piece at a time.

Together, we’ll dive into Israel’s history and important moments with the help of leading experts and compelling stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Our goal is simple: to leave you informed, surprised, and even entertained.

Israeli Puzzle — Coming soon.