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 David or hexagram. What does the Star of David really mean—and how did it become the symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity? From decorative motif to mystical symbol, from Jewish pride to Nazi persecution, this iconic six-pointed star carries a complex, and at times contradictory, legacy and story.

If you like Unpacking Israeli History, then please give Jewish History Nerds a listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode.

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Click here for a recap of the information discussed in the episode.

Click here to watch Unpacked's YouTube video "The Surprising History of the Star of David."

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Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email [email protected].

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

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For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

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 policy debates. Noam goes beyond the headlines to ask: Who was Meir Kahane--really? What did he believe? Why do some Jews say he was “right”—while others see him as a terrorist and racist? Featuring insights from historian Gil Troy, Orthodox thinkers, and voices across the political spectrum, this episode examines Kahane’s life, legacy, and the resurgence of Jewish extremism in the wake of October 7.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email [email protected].

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

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For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

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 failure of Palestinian governance, and the missed opportunity to build a thriving Palestinian state, to the devastating impact of October 7th, this episode explores the complexities behind one of the world’s most misunderstood regions.

Ahmed Fouad Alkatib is the director of Realign for Palestine. Ahmed is also on Instagram and X.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email [email protected].

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

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-Husseini, Sykes-Picot, and the Nakba, Ahmed offers a powerful, personal perspective. In part 1 of a two part series, Ahmed and Noam discuss everything from the failures of pan-Arabism and missed opportunities for peace, to the challenges of anti-normalization, Zionism, and the road ahead.

Ahmed Fouad Alkatib is the director of Realign for Palestine. Ahmed is also on Instagram and X.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email [email protected].

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

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 during one of the country’s darkest chapters — the Second Intifada. From Tal Brody’s legendary "We’re on the map!" speech to Anthony Parker’s dominance on the court, this episode unpacks sports, politics, and identity in Tel Aviv and beyond.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email [email protected].

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

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 looking for a clear, no-frills summary, this episode provides the context, nuance, and key turning points that shaped the conflict.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Follow Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email [email protected].

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

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 indelible scar on Israel. The episode draws parallels with iconic historical images like Anne Frank and Napalm Girl and honors the legacy of peace activist Oded Lifshitz, whose life work exemplified hope amid violence. Join us as we reflect on these harrowing events, expose media manipulation, and call for a future where human dignity prevails over terror.

IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari's televised statement.

Follow  Unpacking Israeli History on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email [email protected].

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

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 fallout. Listen to survivor testimony about the bombing and hear how this historic act of resistance —and its moral complexities—laid the groundwork for Menachem Begin’s controversial legacy.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email [email protected].

Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

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 necessary step in the fight for Jewish sovereignty? Through historical context, firsthand accounts, and deep analysis, we unravel the complexities of British rule in Mandate Palestine, the Jewish paramilitary response, and the ongoing debate over the moral and strategic implications of the attack.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email [email protected].

Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews

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 surprising perspectives from settlers and Palestinians, this episode challenges assumptions with an an in-depth look at one of Israel's most debated issues.

Click here for the sources used in this episode.

Check out the past episodes discussed in the podcast.

Please note that our email address has changed. You can now email [email protected].

Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check us out on youtube.

This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media.

-------------------

For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:

Jewish History Nerds

Soulful Jewish Living

Stars of David with Elon Gold

Wondering Jews