This Week Unpacked
In a world that is increasingly polarized, we invite you to break out of the echo chamber to hear what’s really going on. Each Tuesday, Rivky Stern, senior podcast producer for Unpacked, will unpack the most interesting, controversial news stories from Israel and the Jewish world.
26
Is the Ben & Jerry’s Boycott a Turning Point?
Ben & Jerry’s announced that it would end its sales of ice cream in the West Bank. How are Israelis reacting to this decision, and will this boycott influence other countries to boycott the settlements or Israel? How should we teach our students...
17 min
27
“Long Live the President”
Former Labor party leader and Jewish Agency head Isaac Herzog was sworn in as Israel’s 11th president in an elaborate ceremony at the Knesset. We unpack Herzog’s background as a member of a prominent Israeli family and the role of the Israeli...
15 min
28
This Tisha B’Av, Jews Wonder, What’s Next?
Following the creation of the state of Israel and the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967, new questions emerged about whether and how to commemorate Tisha B’Av. Here’s why many Jews continue to view this as the saddest day of the year. ~~~~ Learn...
14 min
29
What Does Poland's Holocaust Restitution Bill M...
Poland’s lower house of parliament passed a bill that would make it more difficult for Holocaust survivors and their families to recover property that was seized by the Nazis. Why did Poland pass this legislation, and what does it mean for the...
15 min
30
Why a Druze is the Jewish Agency's Next Emissary
The Jewish Agency appointed Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh to become its first-ever Druze emissary to the U.S. Why is an Israeli Druze woman representing the Jewish Agency, and who are the Druze community? ~~~~ Learn more about Unpacked: Visit Unpacked on...
15 min
31
Israel's Coalition: “Team of Rivals” or Frenemies?
Israel’s new government is made up of eight parties that don’t see eye to eye with one another on many key issues. Will this government of clashing ideologies actually work, and what can we learn from the theory of a “team of rivals”? ~~~~...
16 min
32
The Future of Judaism in America
Pew’s recent survey of American Jewry brought some odd results. Are we more religious, or less religious? More diverse, or even more siloed? Do we feel connected to Israel, or feel more apart than ever? This week, Avi and Sara unpack the Pew study,...
10 min
33
Is Netanyahu Really Out?
Last week, a surprise coalition was formed between a motley crew of characters and parties from all over the political spectrum, all in an effort to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and usher in a new era in Israeli politics. ~~~~ Learn...
17 min
34
Invisible Wounds of War: PTSD in the IDF
Last month, a wounded IDF veteran with PTSD set himself on fire in an act of protest, leading to a government plan to reform care for veterans with PTSD. ~~~~ Learn more about Unpacked: Visit Unpacked on YouTube: ~~~~ Sources ...
19 min
35
Operation Solomon, 30 Years Later
30 years ago, this week, was Operation Solomon, the famous Israeli airlift that brought more than 14,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel in less than 36 hours. We’ll remember Operation Solomon and ask, how has the Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel fared...
16 min
36
Unpacking Sheikh Jarrah
How did a small neighborhood in East Jerusalem lead to such a big crisis? Sheikh Jarrah has become a focal point for the current situation in Israel. Avi and Sara unpack the complex history of Sheikh Jarrah and how what started thousands of years ago...
13 min
37
Introducing: This Week Unpacked
A podcast from Unpacked
2 min