Hey, I'm Noam Weissman, and you're listening to Unpacking Israeli History, the podcast that takes a deep dive into some of the most intense, historically fascinating, and often misunderstood events and stories linked to Israeli history. On this episode of Unpacking Israeli History, I want to spotlight Ma'Or Academy, an exceptional institution in Los Angeles that's near and dear to my heart.

Ma'Or is a unique school, a very different school.

It's dedicated to providing unparalleled educational opportunities for Jewish children with special needs.

Ma'Oar is currently running a fundraising campaign, so check out the link in the show notes to learn more about them in their incredible institution.

Ma'Or, thank you so much for your deeply meaningful work.

Before we start, I know I always say to write to me, but I want to explain why it matters so much to me and why we feature listener mail in Israel Nurtalk.

Because this isn't a history class. To me, and I think to you, history is personal. It means something. And I love hearing

your stories and why you connect to this podcast so much or questions you have about the podcast,

about the content. The podcast medium is a fascinating one.

If you're a regular listener, you probably feel like you know me.

Well, because you kind of do.

And when you share your story with me, it helps me understand more who I'm speaking to.

So shoot me a note.

I try to respond to every email I get.

Write to me at knowam at Jewishunpack.com.

As they say, Yala, let's do this.

We, the people of Israel, we are prepared and anxious to meet the representatives of our neighbors without any preconditions.

There are people in Israel elsewhere say it's impossible to make peace between the Arabs and Israel or the Jewish people.

I think they're home.

Remember the days before October 7th?

When controversy rocked the Knesset, Israel's parliament,

and protests filled the area known as Rabin Square in Tel Aviv.

...