Israel Beat

The 1963 March on Washington is known mainly for the I Have a Dream speech, but other speakers included Rabbi Joachim Prinz, a refugee from Germany who aided Holocaust survivors and later, aided the civil rights movement. Plus, a prayer by Rabbi Uri Miller, and Dr. Martin Luther King’s appeal for freedom for Soviet Jewry. Including rare audio.* Related podcast: History of Pro-Israel RalliesNOTES:* Joachim Prinz was never silent - Jewish Standard* The Problem of Silence: Rabbi Joachim Prinz Speech full text* Joachim Prinz: I Shall Not Be Silent documentary* Joachim Prinz biography* Blau Weiss Zionist organization* Official Program for the March on Washington 1963* Rabbi Uri Miller prayer full text* The Jews Who Marched on Washington With Martin Luther King* Dr. King, American Negro Leader, Attacks Soviet Policy on Jews - JTA, 1963* Rev. Martin Luther King Lauds Role of Jews in Fight for Negro Rights - JTA, 1964* Dr. Martin Luther King Urges Moscow to Change Policy on Jews - JTA, 1965* Negro Marchers from Selma Wear ‘Yarmulkes’ in Deference to Rabbis - JTA, 1965* MLK’s Address to American Jewish Committee - 1965 Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Is Bob Dylan’s song Neighborhood Bully a pro- Zionist anthem? Hear the inside story of the celebrated singer-songwriter’s `concerts in Israel and his 1980s song Neighborhood Bully. Is it a witty defense of a beleaguered Jewish State, or just misinterpreted poetry? Plus Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers rock out in Jerusalem, Ariel Zilber and more.NOTES:* Neighborhood Bully lyrics - BobDylan.com* Story behind Dylan’s awkward Time magazine interview* Bob Dylan Chabad Telethon* Concert Review - Bob Dylan, Ramat Gan, 2011* Dylan interview with Kurt Loder, Rolling Stone magazine, 1984* MTV Rock Israel with Tom Petty and Diaspora Yeshiva Band in Jerusalem* Israel Strikes Iraqi Nuclear Reactor - Jewish History Moment podcast* My interview with Ariel Zilber from 2005 Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Fun facts about your favorite Passover themed films, submitted by the listeners. Learn the behind-the-scenes tidbits about Cecil B DeMille’s Ten Commandments such as his Jewish connection and his prior silent movie classic. Also, the animated Prince of Egypt and how it was received upon release, the comedy When Do We Eat from the Accidental Talmudist, Rugrats, Jabotinsky, Sesame Street and more.NOTES:* When 250 Orthodox Jewish immigrants worked for Cecil B. DeMille - Forward* Cecil B. DeMille biography by Simon Louvish* Cecil B. DeMille official website* Salvador Litvak brings his film ‘Guns & Moses’ to Israel - Jerusalem Post* ‘Prince of Egypt’ portrays Moses’ life in film for whole family - JTA* Hollywood Produces Films in Egypt; 17,500 Egyptians Play Jews - JTA* Cecil De Mille Denies Next Production Has Anti-Jewish Character - JTARelated podcasts:* Passover Memories – An Oral History* Biography of Zev Jabotinsky - with rare 1930s audio Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

When Italian fascists invaded Ethiopia, Haile Selassie (Ras Tafari) took refuge in the Land of Israel. Hear rare audio from him and his daughter Princess Tsehai and how the Jewish community helped the exiled emperor. Gideon Force, led by Orde Wingate and Jews from the Land of Israel helped return the king to his throne. Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Interview with Eilat Lieber, director of the Tower of David Museum who spearheaded the move to reopen the Rockefeller post-Oct. 7th and share it’s splendor with the public.From ancient menorah symbols to statues of Egyptian pharaohs and carvings from the Temple Mount, this is a fascinating tour of a little-seen architectural gem. Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

On this Tu Bishvat special, meet Avi Friedman and Ariela Solomon as they talk about their inspiration for buying a tract of land in Israel’s north to revolutionize farming methods and teach a Jewish environmentally friendly way of connecting to the land of Israel and the people of Israel in modern times.Galilee Eco Center official website Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Join me as I travel to the Hasidic village of Kfar Chabad where I visited the rebbe’s office in 770 and wrote a kvitel. Learn about the etrog trees, and the humble beginnings of the displaced persons from the shtetels turned Israeli farmers.NOTES:* Founding of Chabad - The Rebbe’s Capital City* This Man Knows His Citrus—His Etrog, to Be Exact - Chabad.org* Vintage (1961) documentary on Kfar Chabad * The quest for the perfect Etrog - Jerusalem Post* Kfar Chabad official website - about us page* Today in Jewish History: Kfar Chabad Established* History of 770 Eastern Parkway Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

The ruins of ancient Beersheba attest to the importance of the city where Abraham lived. But the most intriguing artifact is the horned altar. This is one of the idolatrous “high places” King Hezekiah ordered torn down. Or was it King Josiah? Find out as we delve into the historical debate between Prof. Yohanan Aharoni, a refugee from warn-torn Germany and founder of the Tel Aviv University Institute of Archaeology, and IDF Chief of Staff Yigael Yadin, a war hero who went on to become a noted archeologist.NOTES:* The Horned Altar of Beer-sheba by Yohanan Aharoni, The Biblical Archaeologist 1974* Beer-sheba: The High Place Destroyed by King Josiah by Yigael Yadin, Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, 1976 Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Yael Driver is the editor of the new book Dance of the Fire: The Jewish Brigade in WW2: Facts, Myths, Appraisal, based on the memoir of her father Shlomo Shamir, covert commander of the Brigade. She sheds some light on little-known daring missions to rescue Holocaust Survivors following the Brigade’s fighting against the Axis Forces.She explains how these Jewish volunteers from the Land of Israel fought in the Italian campaign and stayed in war-torn Europe after the war ended to track down Holocaust survivors. Through the process of her supporting research she met not only families of her father’s comrades and the family of one of her father’s British commanders, but also the family of one Italian P.O.W. who her father must have assisted. She further discusses the saga of Enzo Sereni and other daring acts during World War II. Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Interview with Cynthia Hannah of the new online course, The Land God Chose: What the Bible ACTUALLY says about Israel. Cynthia has spent over a decade studying Hebrew Scriptures and the wisdom of Chassidic, Kabbalistic, and Torah masters in Jerusalem. But it was after October 7th that she felt a profound calling to create a course that would cut through media distortion and reveal what the Bible actually says about the Land of Israel—its eternal covenant with the Jewish people, and how God’s redemptive plan is unfolding through the events we see in the world today.Cynthia is also the author of Miracles from Israel: Biblical Promises Fulfilled, a powerful exploration of modern-day miracles unfolding as the Jewish people return to their ancestral land.LINKS:* The Land God Chose - official course site* Miracles from Israel book Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

The diary of Glikl Bas Leib of Hamburg, begun in the 1690s, holds invaluable historic insight into Jewish life in Europe. Meet Mat and Julie Tonti who are turning Glikl’s Yiddish writings into a graphic novel for modern readers. The husband-and-wife team discuss their journey to Germany where they visited Hamburg, Hamelin and other towns to investigate the life, love and loss of a woman whose experiences mirror our own today.Learn about the mysterious disappearance of Avraham Metz and Aaron Ben Moses and the brave woman determined to find their murderers, one of the many stories of 17th century European Jewish life described in her memoirs.NOTES:* Grass Widow - graphic novel adaption of Hamburg murders by Mat Tonti* Glikl: The Graphic Novel - Official website* Mat Tonti - Jewish educator* 17th-century diaries to be adapted into graphic novel - Jerusalem Post* Murder in Hamburg - Mishpacha Magazine* Murder in Hamburg – The Missing Money Changers - Segula Magazine* The Memoirs of Gluckel of Hameln - 1977 English translation* Glikl: Memoirs 1691-1719 - 2019 English edition by Chava Turniansky* Review of Glikl Memoirs: 1691-1719 - Jewish Action magazine Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

The underdogs of basketball defeated the Soviet team in a dramatic game that led to the championship. Meet Tal Brody, the American Jew who made Aliyah and led the team to victory when he uttered the now famous words, “we’re on the map, and we are staying on the map – not only in sports, but in everything.” The dramatic reaction of Israel beating the Russian Soviet Union Red Army team led to cheering Israeli fans dancing through the streets.Plus, coach Ralph Klein, the German-born Jew who survived the Nazi Holocaust and became a sports hero, Aulcie Perry, who found a new home in the Jewish homeland, Miki Berkovich, Lou Silver, Shuki Schwartz, Shmuel Machrovsky, Jim Boatwright and the others that helped clinch the FIBA European Champions Cup.NOTES:* On The Map - The Big Reunion Maccabi Tel Aviv 1977* Israelis Beat Russian Hoopsters - Feb. 1977, JTA* Israel Beats Italy in Championship 78-77 - April 1977, JTA* From Tal Brody to European Champions: the Golden Age of Israeli Basketball* Interview with Aulcie Perry, 2020 Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball* Aulcie Perry coaches wheelchair-bound youth in Israel, 1998 - Channel 2 News* 1977 FIBA European Champions Cup Final: Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Mobilgirgi Varese * Ari Louis interviews basketball legend Tal Brody* Maccabi Tel Aviv marks iconic 1977 title - Jpost* Film on Israeli basketball’s ‘miracle on hardwood’ set to screen in the US - Times of IsraelCheck out my podcast on the Jewish Olympics here. Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

The Hasidic Jews who founded Bnei Brak on an empty plot of land near Tel Aviv in 1924 left their middle-class homes and businesses to fulfill their dream of living in the Land of Israel. Meet Rabbi Isaac Gerstenkorn, the city’s first mayor, who describes the struggles with Polish authorities, desert raiders, and the harsh winds which threatened to blow out the Shabbat candles. Learn about the city’s origins as Rabbi Akiva’s home in the Passover Haggadah to becoming a thriving city and center for yeshiva life.NOTES:* The Founding of Bnei Brak on it’s 50th Anniversary from the diaries of Yitzchok Gerstenkorn translated by Miriam Margoshes - Jewish Observer, 1974* Pioneers of Zion - Establishment of Bnei Brak by Moshe Nachmani* From the Chason Ish to Rabbi Kook - the Founding of Tel Aviv - Kikar HaShabbat* Poem written for Bnei Brak founder 90 years ago - JDN News* Was Bnei Brak Jewish community's founding blessed by a Hassidic Rebbe? - Jerusalem Post* The Agricultural Settlement On The Sand Dunes Near Tel AvivBy Faigie Heiman - Jewish Press* Bnei Brak land purchased - May 1923 - Doar HaYom* Bnei Brak at 75: City of Torah and Chassidus* Feeling of Palestine Jewry: Calm and Confidence in Final Success - JTA, 1932 Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Interview with musician Yativ Leucher on the Aharit Hayamim festival a “Jewish indie rave festival” held every year in Gush Etzion. He tells the story of his grandparents who helped found Kibbutz Masuot Yitzhak and were taken hostage by the Jordanians during the War of Independence in 1948. His grandmother Rachel Doron was separated from her infant son when she stayed behind to broadcast “Malkah naflah” -- the queen has fallen, a code for the Kfar Etzion massacre, allowing others to escape.Today, the family hosts the annual Aharit Hayamim festival, which this year features Din Din Aviv, Tomer Yosef, Laivy Miller, Bini Landau, Nissim Black, Nuriel, Sinai Tor, Muna Camuna and more.For tickets click here. For my past coverage of the Aharit Hayamim festival including interview with Grammy-nominated musician Yossi Fine click here. Notes:* The 'Jewish indie rave' music festival returns to Gush Etzion - Jerusalem Post* Biography of war hero Rachel Doron - Ynet * Video interview (Hebrew) with Rachel Doron* The Siege and Fall of Gush Etzion * Aharit Hayamim (the band) on Spotify* Jewish jams return - Jerusalem Post* Aharit Hayamim festival Facebook page Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Learn about the picturesque agricultural community of Beit Zayit, just north of Jerusalem, founded by hard working Jewish immigrants, one of whom discovered ancient fossilized dinosaur tracks.Learn about the struthiomimus, a two-legged dinosaur that once roamed the land. These are the only dinosaur track fossils discovered anywhere in Israel or the Middle East and one of the only such finds of this period in the entire world.Meet Prof. Moshe Avnimelech who moved to Israel to become a paleontologist after serving in the Polish army in World War I and forming a Zionist group there.Meet Mordechai “Motke” Sofer a veteran of the Lehi (Fighters for the Freedom of Israel) who was arrested by the British and later became a tour guide in Beit Zayit.And the Schwarzwald family of Beit Zayit who only wanted to clean the land by the shed and dug up a breathtaking scientific discovery.Thank you to Beit Zayit tour guide Yishai Ferziger.NOTES:* Dinosaur Tracks Discovered in Beit Zayit - HaBoker news, 1962* Dinosaur footprints found - Beit Zayit History archive* Biography of Mordechai (Motke) Sofer - Lehi Heritage Association* Dinosaur Tracks in the Lower Cenomanian of Jerusalem by M. Avnimelech, 1962* Dinosaur Tracks in the Judean Hills by M. Avnimelech, 1966* Dinosaur Footprints Discovered in Israel - JTA, 1962* History the dinosaur tracks - official Beit Zayit website Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Meet Nili Salem, author of the new book Awesome Blast: 40 Days of Shofar Intentions, Soul-Healing, and Spiritual Return. She discusses the history of the ram’s horn in Jewish tradition and spiritual religious ritual. Plus her adventures as a Jewish educator in remote places including having her shofar confiscated by the authority in Peru, slaughtering a lamp with the Bene Efraim community of India, celebrating Passover seder with the Lemba tribe in Zimbabwe, and singing in Hebrew on an island in Indonesia.For more information visit: https://awesomeblastbook.com/andhttps://www.nilibsimcha.com/ Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Israeli’s flourishing metropolis had humble beginnings as a barren sand dune. Learn about the seashell lottery which started the first Hebrew city and the personalities that built it such as Akiva Aryeh Weiss of the Ahuzat Bayit association, Rabbi Yehuda Margusa who settled Jaffa, Jacobus Henricus Kann, the assimilated financier, Yosef Eliyahu Chelouche, the interpreter, Zerah Barnett, the yeshiva student turned entrepreneur, and more.This mix of men and women, Ashkenazic and Sephardic, joined to build a cosmopolitan, modern, democratic society over 110 years ago, that today is a hub of high-tech innovation. Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Travel with me to a picturesque harp workshop to meet the husband-and-wife team of Micah and Shoshanna Harrari who build hand-crafted wooden harps based on the Bible. Learn about the history of the ancient Megiddo lyre, King David’s harp, the secret of the Psalms and hear music from one of the 10-stringed instruments. Plus, the snow-storm story of how the Harraris ended up in Israel.For more information visit: https://www.harrariharps.com/ Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Col. David “Mickey” Marcus gave his life defending Jerusalem during the War of Independence. Find out how a Jewish kid from the rough streets of Brooklyn ended up a West Point graduate and part of the D-Day invasion of Normandy in World War II.His work with Holocaust refugees inspired him to join the fledgling Israel Defense Force. The film Cast a Giant Shadow is based on his legacy, starring Kirk Douglas, who saw the role as a personal reflection.Plus, his work standing up to New York mobsters like Lucky Luciano.NOTES:* 2014 Mickey Marcus West Point Memorial Service - The Jewish Channel* Col. David Marcus Arrives in New York; Funeral Today - JTA, July 1, 1948* Col. David Marcus Buried at West Point; Ceremony Held at New York’s City Hall* West Point Rites Honor Hero Commissioner/Col. 'Mickey' Marcus* Out of the Shadow and Into the Light: Col. David “Mickey” Marcus and U.S. Civil Affairs in World War II by Steven L. Ossad* Colonel David D. “Mickey” Marcus - Distinguished Member of the Civil Affairs Regiment* Memories of Uncle Mickey by great-niece Lilit Marcus* Facts about Mickey Marcus from the daughter of Major-General Shlomo Shamir, who recruited him. - Yael Shamir-Driver Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Ido Noy was an art historian specializing in medieval Jewish art. But when COVID-19 hit, he rediscovered his childhood passion for Garbage Pail Kids and found others who grew up in the 1980s felt the same. Released in Hebrew as Havurat HaZevel, this fad continues to have a lasting impact on Israeli politics in election campaigns satirizing politicians from both the right wing and left wing. The pop culture phenomenon led to multiple spin-offs from secular, religious Zionist and haredi communities with rabbi cards and more.Plus, learn about how Art Spiegelman, award-winning writer of the Holocaust memoir Maus created the Garbage Pail Kids trading cards and Wacky Packages. And the story behind Bazooka Joe.NOTES:* Official website of Dr. Ido Noy, art historian* Ido Noy’s Garbage Pail Kids history website * Disgrace to the Knesset: On Garbage Pail Kids, Caricature and Political Satire in Israel by Dr. Ido Noy* Video: Grossing Out | Setting a Bad Example: Garbage Pail Kids & Educational & Moral Values* חבורת הזבל ואוספים נוספים - Havurat Hazevel & other collections - Facebook group* Official Topps playing cards Garbage Pail Kids site* The Jewish History of Bazooka Bubble Gum* Maus: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Interview with Rabbi Mordechai Gershon on the first ever English translation of the seminal Hasidic work Bat Ayin. Find out how this forgotten treasure of Kabbalistic thought has grown in popularity in recent years. Today thousands attend the annual memorial of Rabbi Avraham Dov Ber Auerbach of Avritch (circa 1760 – 1840) who left a prominent career in Ukraine to return to the Land of Israel and live in Tzfat (Safed).Hear the story of how he survived the great Safed earthquake and then led the efforts to help the victims and rebuild the city. Also, his miraculous rescue from kidnappers and how he fell in love with the land where stones shine like precious gems.000Rabbi Yisrael M. Mendelovits compiled and prepared the translation of Bat Ayin published by Mosaica Press in 2022. He has has personally heard many firsthand stories from numerous Yidden (Jewish individuals) who experienced profound salvations and even significant miracles—such as having children or finding a suitable marriage partner (shidduch)—through visiting and praying at the rabbi's synagogue or tziun (gravesite). These individuals also undertook a commitment to study from the rabbi's sefer (sacred book) at least once a week.Bat Ayin expresses a unique and deeply insightful philosophy. At its core, it emphasizes the greatness of Hashem (God) and the essential humility a person must cultivate. According to the rabbi's teachings, a person must recognize and admit that no matter how much they accomplish or how much Torah they learn, Hashem does not owe them anything. Everything a person receives from Hashem is an act of chesed (loving-kindness), given freely and undeservedly. This perspective fosters profound gratitude, humility, and a deeper connection with the Divine.The podcast concludes with a rare recording of the song Chasal Siddur Pesach composed by Rabbi Avraham Dov Ber of Avritch as recorded by old chasidim of Slonim and presented by Rabbi Ben Zion Reichberg at the Bas Ayin's Yahrzeit in Brooklyn.NOTES:* Bat Ayin (also pronounced Bas Ayin) - annotated and edited by Rabbi Yisrael M. Mendelovits, edited by Rabbi Mordechai Gershon - Mosaica Press* “The spiritual head of the German [Ashkenazic] congregation [of Safed], the Rev. A. Dob, said that the money was divided amongst their congregation according to the amount of loss sustained by each individual [in the earthquake]. Nor did the German committee ever retain one penny more for themselves than for the other members of the congregation.” - Diaries of Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore edited by Dr. L. Loewe, 1890. [Page 164]* Listed in Encyclopedia Judaica as Abraham Dov Baer of Ovruch Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Interview with living legend Moshe “Musa” Berlin on klezmer music from its roots in Ashkenazic Yiddish-speaking shtetels to its development at Lag BaOmer celebrations in Israel where it fused with Sephardic and Mediterranean traditions.The famous clarinetist talks about his childhood, life as a Jewish musician, his influences which include Shlomo Carlebach and Artie Shaw, and thoughts on modern Hasidic music in Israel.NOTES:* Mussa Berlin official website* The Klezmer Tradition in the Land of Israel - Hebrew UniversityCheck out my previous podcast: History of Lag BaOmer in Meron Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

The history of Israeli fighter jets starting with the Nesher, which was developed because France imposed an embargo on sending Israel the Dassault Mirage during the Six Day War. Learn about Holocaust survivor Marcel Dassault, the secret blueprints provided by a Swiss ally, and the innovative weapons developed by the Jewish State.Then there was the Kfir, the state-of-the-art plane of the 1970s pioneered by Air Force hero Benny Peled. And finally, the cutting edge Lavi, which promised to revolutionize the Israeli aircraft industry, until it was cancelled. Find out why, and listen to rare audio from the people that created Israeli air superiority in the face of war and economic hardships.Plus, the new age of Israeli unmanned aerial vehicles and drones.NOTES:* Flying Camels and Clandestine Pilots - The History of Israeli Aviation - podcast* Israeli Air Force official website* Shamir and Reagan to Discuss the Issue of the Lavi Jet Fighter - 1987* Israel's Best Defense: The First Full Story of the Israeli Air Force by Col. Eliezer “Cheetah” Cohen* IAI Delivers 100th F-35 Wing to Lockheed Martin - 2017* Alfred Frauenknecht and the Secret Mirage blueprints - 1969 Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

This is a classic interview from 2004 with Leona S. Green, author of the New Traditional Egalitarian Haggadah which adheres to the authentic Jewish text while making it inclusive for all to enjoy the seder. Learn about her Orthodox upbringing from immigrant parents, her involvement with Zionism, and how a father’s love for his daughter inspired her create this unique and user-friendly Haggadah.Notes:* The New Traditional Egalitarian Haggadah* Charlotte Gould - celebrated artist whose paintings appear in the Haggadah. Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you to the following people who sent in their Pesach reminiscences of seder nights from their youth which range diverse Ashkenazic and Sephardic traditions from Jewish communities around the world. Learn about food, songs, and fond family memories from the festival of freedom.* Batya from Poland* Toby from Ohio* Rachel from Romania* Dov from Jerusalem* Suzi from Bulgaria* Yadidya* Shirley and Paul from Cleveland* Eitan from the Soviet Union* Lauren from Canada* Nili from Los Angeles* Eitan from Israel* Ellen from Pennsylvania Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Although I have never seen the film Titanic, I have been to the Straus Medical Center in Jerusalem which has been treating people since the 1920s. As we approach the 113th anniversary of the Titanic disaster, I explore the lives of Isidor and Ida Straus, who gave up their space on the lifeboat to save others, and Nathan and Lina Straus who saved countless lives through their milk pasteurization project and philanthropy in Jerusalem.Learn about the struggle of Lazarus and Sarah Straus, who left Germany for a better life in the United States, lost everything in the Civil War and made it back again through Macy’s Department Store. Hear the words of Lina Straus, who fell in love with the Land of Israel and saw an opportunity to help the cause of Jewish pioneers and Zionism.NOTES:* Disease in Milk; The Remedy, Pasteurization: The Life Work of Nathan Straus by Lina Straus, 1917* Jerusalem Committee Formed for Straus Non-sectarian Health Center - JTA, 1926* Nathan Straus Presents Health Center in Jerusalem to Hadassah - JTA, 1927* The Truth about the Titanic Story - Jerusalem Post* Biography of Nathan Straus by Rabbi David de Sola Pool - American Jewish year Book* The Heroism of Mrs. Isidor Straus - Well known New York couple who died together - Jewish Independent, April, 1912* Passing of Nathan Straus - Jewish Independent, January 1931* Origins of the Straus Family - Straus Historical Society * Nathan Straus and the Milk Stations That Saved the Lives of New York City Kids* Great-grandson of elderly 'Titanic' couple shares their real story - Today* My podcast on Hadassah Hospital Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Rabbi Judah Bibas predated Theodor Herzl and the Zionist movement by decades. In recent years his teachings on Jewish autonomy and self-determination have received the attention lacking for so many years. Hear what a Scottish church minister thought when meeting him in 1839 and his influence on Rabbi Yehuda Alkalai and other forerunners to the creation of the State of Israel.Learn of the desecration of the Hebron cemetery and how the exact location of the tombstone of Rabbi Bibas was lost for decades until this month when an elderly Hebron native and new aerial photos solved the mystery.NOTES:* My podcast on the Ohr HaChaim, grandfather of Judah Bibas* Heralds of Zionism as Theological Revolutionaries - 2021* President Herzog honors Rabbi Bibas at event - 2022* Religion, Nationalism and a new Annunciation: Rabbi Dr. Yehuda Aryeh Leon Bibas precursor of Zionism by Yael Weiler Israel (Hebrew)* Lecture on Rabbi Dr. Yehuda Aryeh Leon Bibas by Esther Azoulay at the 2023 Hebron Conference (Hebrew)* Restoring the Jews to Their Homeland: Nineteen Centuries in the Quest for Zion by Joseph Adler* The forgotten vision of Rabbi Bibas - Jerusalem Post 2018* Rabbi Yehuda Bibas' grave found after decades of searching - March 2025 Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

The Eurovision Song Contest was won by Israel four times and has been hosted in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Find out the inside story of such classic songs as Hallelujah, A-Ba-Ni-Bi, Happy Birthday, and the Hebrew singers who graced the stage. Plus, countries that attempted to boycott Israel and lost. Learn about the new inspiring performers such as Eden Golan and this year’s contestant Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7th massacres.Dana International, Netta Barzilai, Gali Atari, Izhar Cohen, Ehud Manor, Eddie Butler, Eden, Teapacks and more are discussed in this special podcast, including the much asked question as to why non-European nations such as Israel, Turkey and Australia are included in Eurovision. Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

The history of the Hadassah Women's Zionist Organization and how they started hospitals, medical schools and infant care centers in Israel. Learn about Henrietta Szold, whose trip to Israel revealed the shockingly limited medical facilities. She went on to spearhead countless projects such as creating the first nursing school in Israel and youth villages for war refugees.Bertha Landsman founded Tipat Halav, which began delivering milk on donkeys and today serves new parents and babies throughout the country.Alice Seligsberg was a pioneering social worker who served as Hadassah’s president, helped orphans and was the inspiration for Hadassah’s vocational schools.Hear rare audio of Henrietta Szold and the story behind the women who dedicated their lives improving health. Hadassah was founded on Purim and named for Queen Esther.NOTES:* Video of Henrietta Szold speech on Youth Aliyah* It Takes a Dream: The Story of Hadassah* Bertha Landsman biography* Alice Seligsberg biography* Thousands Honor Miss Szold at New York Gathering - Jewish Independent, 1923* Hadassah Opens 21st Welfare Station in Palestine - JTA, 1929* Founding of Hadassah: The Women's Zionist Organization of America* Jewish American Heritage Month: Hadassah Milestones* If I Forget Thee Hadassah (video)* A New Year’s Card From Israel - 1966 Hadassah film* Jerusalem Committee Formed for Straus Non-sectarian Health Center - JTA, 1926* Hadassah Women’s Zionist Organization Opens Convention - JTA, 1926* Hadassah’s Progress Shown at Convention - JTA, 1923 Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Hebrew University of Jerusalem was founded amid a history of Jews being banned from attending academic institutes in other lands. Learn about how Israel’s first public university was established by Chaim Weizmann, Albert Einstein and others to be a beacon of education for a persecuted people and for students of all backgrounds.Hear excerpts from Rabbi Hermann Schapira, a mathematician who first proposed a “Jewish university” at the World Zionist Congress and excerpts from Martin Buber’s Eine Jüdische Hochschule. From the cornerstone laying ceremony in 1918 on what was then called the Gray Hill Estate on Mount Scopus, to the dramatic grand opening in 1925 attended by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook, Lord Balfour, General Allenby, Judah Magnes and others who celebrated the establishment of what was to become a leading institute with Nobel Prize winning professors.Plus learn about the founding of the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, the Wissotzky tea company, Harvard University’s numerus clausus and other fun facts along the path to higher education in the State of Israel.NOTES:* From the Heights of Mount Scopus - The Hebrew University of Jerusalem* The inauguration of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem* VIDEO: Hebrew University opening 1925* VIDEO: Lord Balfour opens new Jewish University* Arthur Ruppin Purchases Land for Hebrew University* Eine Jüdische Hochschule by Martin Buber, 1902 (full text)* Technion - 100 Years of Research and Education* From Technion to Tech Nation* History of Jews and Universities * Dr. Hermann Schapira letter proposing a Jewish university 1882* Hebrew University Opens 1925* First Stone of Einstein Institute at Hebrew University Opening, The Jewish Independent 1925* Palestine Moslems Will Not Be Able to Withstand the Lure of the Jerusalem Hebrew University - JTA 1924* Impressive Ceremonies Mark Opening of Institute for Jewish Studies at Hebrew University - JTA 1924* Dr. Judah L. Magnes speech at Hebrew University 1925* Chaim Nachman Bialik speech at Hebrew University 1925* Hebrew University and the Zionist Dream* The Opening of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

In 2004 I had the opportunity to interview King Django who discusses his album Roots and Culture which include a song about his grandfather’s experiences during the Holocaust and original Yiddish compositions. He discusses his youth in Brooklyn, getting into reggae and ska, and how a trip to KlezKamp, the Klezmatics, novelist Michael Wex and more inspired his music. This interview is one of the many oldies I am uploading for posterity. Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Nobel Prize winning physicist Albert Einstein, famous for his Theory of Relativity, helped found Hebrew University of Jerusalem and was an ardent supporter of the Zionist movement. Learn how he was befriended by fellow scientist Dr. Chaim Weizmann and was tapped to be Israel’s president. Hear rare audio from Einstein on his stance on Israel, the Nazis, the Holocaust and more.Today, visitors to Jerusalem can see the official Albert Einstein Archive and in the Technion in Haifa, a tree still stands planted by Einstein in 1923. In the second row, fr. A. Sertillanges; Norman Bentwich, Attorney General of Mandatory Palestine; Ernest T. Richmond, architect, political advisor; one step lower, his wife, Margaret Richmond; further right, fr. Gaudence Orfali, Franciscan archaeologist.NOTES:* Albert Einstein Archives at Hebrew University* About Zionism: Speeches and Letters by Albert Einstein - full text* Einstein Speech for 1955 Israel Independence Day - JTA* Weizmann And Einstein Greeted On Arrival Here - The Sentinel⁩, 1921⁩* Einstein Honorary Citizen of Tel-Aviv - JTA, 1923* Einstein Lecture a Success, Despite Arab Boycott - JTA, 1923* Einstein Discusses Zionism with Judah Magnes - 1942* Einstein on Zionism: He is for a Jewish Homeland - 1946* 100 Years Ago, Einstein Given Hero’s Welcome by America’s Jews - Smithsonian* Offering the Presidency of Israel to Albert Einstein - 1952* How Einstein Helped Shape Hebrew University - Huffington Post* Centenary of Albert Einstein’s visit to Jerusalem* Einstein trip to the Holy Land * Einstein visits Technion Institute - 100th Anniversary Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

In 2005 I had the opportunity to interview the late, great Arnie Lawrence, teacher to countless musicians in Jerusalem. I met him at the Artel jazz club where he regularly performed, thinking this would be a simple interview about his days in Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show band, founding the New School jazz program in New York and how he ended up in Israel. It turned into a 2-hour live performance in which he brought ten musicians into the studio, from Russian immigrants to yeshiva students.He and his diverse students crammed into the studio with sax, flute, violin, piano, drums, guitar, bass, harmonica and a candelabra which they lit live on air as they jammed. Thank you to Nevo Castel, Meron, Elad Omer, Gil Asayas, Bob, Isaac Rosenbaum, Ben Simons, Ronit, Malkah Fleisher, Anna Immanuel, and all the people from 20 years ago who made this a memorial evening. To this day I still bump into people telling me what an influence Arnie had on their lives and I am glad I burned this on CD and can now upload it as a podcast.For jazz fans, you may enjoy stories of Archie Shepp, Chico Hamilton, Roy Haynes, Larry Coryell, Carline Ray, Yang Jing, John Garcia Gensel and more. Hear how Arnie’s Judaism, spirituality and appreciation for humanity inspired countless youth in Israel and around the world in a conversation that ranges from Anne Frank to China, to Beit El and more. Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Born in a small Russian shtetel, Chaim Weizmann grew up to develop important scientific breakthroughs, defended the Jewish people at the United Nations, and led the Zionist movement. Learn about the creation of the Weizmann Institute of Science and the development of acetone–butanol–ethanol fermentation (the Weizmann Process). This week marks the 76 anniversary of his inauguration as the first president of the State of Israel. Hear Dr. Weizmann in his own words with rare audio and recordings. NOTES:* Trial and error: The Autobiography of Chaim Weizmann* The Impossible Takes Longer: The Memoirs of Vera Weizmann* Research paper on Weizmann Method and Biotechnol Biofuels, 2020 - National Library of Medicine - National Center for Biotechnology Information * Reviving the Weizmann process for commercial n-butanol production - 2018* Chaim Weizmann’s acetone patent turns 100 A centennial of entrepreneurship - Weizmann Institute* Presentation of the Jewish case by representatives of the Jewish Agency, Chaim Weizmann - 1947* History of Beit Kay in Nahariya founded by Vera Weizmann* Weizmann Institute of Science official website * Weizmann House - Yad Chaim Weizmann Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Award-winning architect David Kroyanker talks about his new book Jerusalem That Once Was: A Personal Perspective and discusses the historic gems that once stood in Israel’s capital city. Learn how he helped save the iconic clock tower of the Talitha Kumi orphanage which stood from 1873 until it was demolished in 1980 to build a department store.And what does this author of over 30 books on architecture think of modern Jerusalem? The new high-rise towers? The light-rail construction? The Zionist pioneers who built the suburbs? Did David Ben-Gurion really want the Old City walls torn down after the Six Day War? Find out as this 86-year-old Jerusalem native talks about the city he loves.NOTES:* David Kroyanker, Jerusalem Architecture official website* Jerusalem That Once Was by David Kroyanker (Porat Books)* 'Jerusalem That Once Was': An architect's look at the history of Israel's capital - review - Jerusalem Post* David Kroyanker books on Amazon.com* Talitha Kumi monument serves as warning against demolition of historical buildings* Jerusalem Post interview with David Kroyanker on Architecture of the State in the Making* Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

The stories of how Rabbi Yisroel Zev Gustman survived World War II and reestablished the Netzach Yisrael yeshiva in Jerusalem have inspired the new generation of Israeli rabbis. Meet Rabbi Kalman Flaks of the Simcha Center who teaches at Netzach as he shares stories of Rabbi Gutman’s miraculous and inspiring life.A licensed tour-guide and IDF reserve soldier, Rabbi Kalman (Keith) Flaks explains the history of the Ramailes Yeshiva in the once thriving Jewish community of Vilna. Rabbi Yisroel Zev Gustman was the last great rabbi of Vilna before the Holocaust. He was helped Jews escape the Nazis, was severely injured, and became a partisan fighter. After the war, he headed the Chabad – Lubavitch yeshiva in New York. He then made aliyah to Jerusalem’s Rehavia neighborhood and reestablished the Ramailes Yeshiva in the historic Havatzelet House, an architectural gem built in 1925 for Gad Frumkin, one of the only Jews allowed to served on the Supreme Court during the British Mandate period.Today Rabbi Kalman Flaks teaches at the yeshiva and hosts tours and Shabbat events. For more information visit https://www.tourstoinspire.com/NOTES:* Rav Gustman: The youngest Dayan of Vilna and illustrious Rosh Yeshivah in New York and Yerushalayim by David Page, Artscroll Publications* Rabbi Gustman's Astounding Survival - Aish HaTorah* Kalman Flaks tour guide* Simcha Center Facebook page Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Israel once honored the United Nations resolution of 1947 which was seen as a victory for the Zionist Movement. But in 1975, led by the Soviet Union and the Arab League, the UN voted to condemn Zionism as a form of racism. It resulted in rallies, protests and the renaming of UN Street to Zionism Street.Hear the voices of those who defended Zionism as a Jewish liberation movement including:* Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek, who renamed Rehov HaUm as Rehov HaZionut.* Israeli Ambassador to the UN Chaim Herzog, who tore up a copy of the resolution in a dramatic speech.* US Ambassador to the UN Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who defended Israel as a country in which any Jewish person of any ethnic background, including converts can become citizens.* US President George Bush, who initiated rescinding the resolution in 1991.* News reels from the 1947 UN Palestine Partition PlanNOTES:* Huge Rally Here Condemns U.N. Anti‐Zionism Move - New York Times, 1975* UNITED NATIONS: Shock Waves from an Infamous Act - Time Magazine, 1975* U.N. Rescinds Its Zionism Censure - LA Times, 1991* Fighting the ‘Zionism is Racism’ Lie: Moynihan’s Historic U.N. Speech * Chaim Herzog Speech to the UN on ‘Zionism is Racism’ - UN Watch* UN Honored with United Nations Street sign, 1951 - JTA* Teddy Kollek removes UN Street sign in Jerusalem, 1975 - British Pathe* The 1975 “Zionism Is Racism” Resolution: The Rise, Fall, and Resurgence of a Libel - Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs* President Bush Calls for Repeal of UN 'Zionism is Racism' Resolution, 1991* UN vote on Palestine Partition, 1947 - British Pathe Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Every day Meir Eisenman would watch the reconstruction of the Hurva Synagogue which his great-great grandfather Rabbi Avraham Shlomo Zalman Zoref helped fund over 200 years ago. A licensed tour guide, Meir explains the history of the Perushim, the students of the Vilna Gaon, who left Lithuania to rebuild the Jewish community of Jerusalem. They sought to reconstruct the Hurva, or ruined courtyard, where once stood the grand synagogue of Judah HeHasid which was destroyed in 1720.In 1864 it was rebuilt to be an iconic community center for the Jews of Jerusalem. It was destroyed in the War of Independence in 1948 and rebuilt in 2010.Find out the inside story from a personal perspective. NOTES:* Meir Eisenman tour guide* Family of Avraham Shlomo Zalman (Salomon) Zoref hold a conference in his memory Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

The story of Operation Magic Carpet / Operation Wings of Eagles which airlifted tens of thousands of Jews from Yemen to Israel during the War of Independence.Hear from journalist Ruth Gruber about the dedication of the ancient Jewish community of Yemen who faced starvation and persecution and trekked across the desert to be airlifted to the promised land. Learn about the American pilots such as Warren Metzger and Elgen Long who flew non-stop over enemy territory to rescue the refugees who had never before seen an airplane. Find out how they modified the aircraft to carry hundreds of starving refugees to a new life in Israel.NOTES:* Alaska Jewish Museum - On the Wings of Eagles: Alaska's Contribution to Operation Magic Carpet* Witness: One of the Great Correspondents of the Twentieth Century Tells Her Story by Ruth Gruber* Elgen Long interview - Toldot Yisrael* On Eagles' Wings: An Untold Story of the Magic Carpet by Captain Elgen M. Long* Alaska Over Israel: Operation Magic Carpet, the Men and Women Who Made it Fly, and the Little Airline That Could by Darragh Metzger* Interview with Warren Metzger’s daughter - Toldot Yisrael* Alaska Airlines role in Operation Magic Carpet* Yemenite Jews Mark Anniversary of ‘operation Magic Carpet’ - JTA* JDCs “operation Magic Carpet” Ends As Last Yemenite Jews Land at Israel Airport - JTA Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Interviews from the Sigd festival at the Tayelet promenade in Jerusalem on the Jewish Ethiopian community and its traditions.Featuring:* Ethiopian Chief Rabbi Yosef Hadane* Chief Kes Raphael Hadane* Shoshana Ben-Dor, Israel director of the North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry* Lior, an assistant to researcher Dr. Yossi Ziv, author of Festival and Holiday in the Ethiopian Jewish Tradition of Beta Israel* Dr. Avraham Neguise of the South Wing to Zion organization* Aviv Melese, musician and author of Circles of Life – From Ethiopia to Israel* Yehiel Yisrael of the American Association for Ethiopian Jews on his experiences in Sudan in the 1980s rescuing refugeesThese interviews were conducted years ago and I am happy to re-upload them as a historic record.Also check out my previous podcast: Ethiopian Aliyah – the Struggle to Immigrate to Israel Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

A group of Jewish American volunteers from Park Synagogue in Cleveland, Ohio visited Israel to work on farms, cook meals, visit communities affected by the war and listen to the stories of those who survived the October 7th terrorist attacks. Hear the inspiring stories of how Israelis and American Jews supported each other during difficult times during this life-changing trip. Interviews include: Rabbi Sharon Marcus, Paula Herman, Miriam Rose, Sandi Horwitz, and Scott Jacobson. Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Jewish artists in the Zionist movement sought to revive both the Jewish State and Jewish culture. Meet E. M. Lilien, who befriended Herzl and depicted the merger of ancient and modern, Boris Shatz, who metaphorically met the Bezalel of the Bible, Ze’ev Raban, who drew the now ironic Visit Palestine posters, Abel Pann, who re-envisioned the Patriarchs and Matriarchs as exotic Mediterranean figures, Moshe Castel whose Hebron roots inspired him, Yudel Pen, the father of the Jewish Renaissance, and Marc Chagall, whose imagined new interpretations of the prophets.Plus, non-Jewish artists whose works could be described as “Jewish” such as James Tissot, Rembrandt, and Börries von Münchhausen who turned from Zionist to Nazi.What is Jewish art? What did Abraham look like? And do Jewish artists draw him “Jewish” enough? Find out in this journey through the early years of the Israeli art revival.NOTES:* Ephraim Moshe Lilien: “The First Zionist Artist”* Revealed After 100 Years: Abel Pann’s Showpiece Portrait* Yehuda Penn* The Son and the Stranger: E.M. Lilien, Börries von Münchhausen, and Juda (1900)* James Tissot’s Journey to the Jewish Museum* Rembrandt Van Rijn and the Jews* Baruch Nachshon* Moshe Castel Museum Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

A young Robert F. Kennedy describes first-hand the tense final days of the British Mandate of Palestine, the Arab preparations for war and the tenacity of the underequipped Jewish fighters seeking an independent Israel in 1948.“Jews Make Up for Lack of Arms with Undying Spirit, Unparalleled Courage” reads a headline from the Boston Post in a series of Kennedy articles that were lost for decades until being uploaded online in 1998. Hear about his close-calls in the days leading up to Israel’s War of Independence.Plus, the tragic assassination of Senator Kennedy by an Arab nationalist in 1968.NOTES:* Robert Kennedy’s 1948 Reports from Palestine by Lenny Ben-David, who recovered the rare articles in 1998 - Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs* Original blog upload of lost Kennedy articles* Lenny Ben-David explains finding lost RFK articles.* Recent Article Hides RFK Assassin’s Hatred for Israel* The Forgotten Terrorist: Sirhan Sirhan and the Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy by Mel Ayton* Author Mel Ayton archive of RKF murder myths and facts* "R.F.K. Must Die!": Chasing the Mystery of the Robert Kennedy Assassination by Robert Blair Kaiser* Coverage of Robert F. Kennedy's assassination in 1968 - Walter Cronkite, CBS news* Kennedy Recalls Visit to Plaestine; Makes Plea for Votes in the Bronx and Westchester - New York Times, 1964 Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Ezra Yakhin, author of the book Elnakam, talks about what it’s like to tell young Israel Defense Force soldiers about his life experiences from the days of the Jewish underground to the War of Independence in 1948. What is the reaction of youth who grew up with smart phones to a 96-year-old who grew up when most didn’t even have phones at home and the British still ruled the Land of Israel? Ezra says today’s youth are modern Maccabees, the brightest and most dedicated he has seen with motivated, inspired volunteers being the norm. He says spirit and love of the land is just as important as weapons and training.NOTES:* Elnakam by Ezra Yakhin - Amazon.com* Elnakam by Ezra Yakhin in Hebrew* Israel’s oldest serving reservist hopes for better future - Israel21C* Biography of Shulamit Kishik-Cohen, who helped Lebanese Jews by Ezra Yakhin* Lechi history website * Major Farran's Hat: The Untold Story of the Struggle to Establish the Jewish State* The Scandalous Murder of Alexander Rubowitz Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Noted author Dr. Alan Unterman is interviewed about his famous uncle Chief Rabbi Isser Yehuda Unterman who stressed being kind and understanding as much as being loyal to Torah values. Hear about the controversies of the day when the State of Israel was founded and how the Zionist movement had to deal with Jewish religious issues for the first time.- What happens when a woman holds out her hand for the rabbi to shake?- How does one deal with losing an election for Chief Rabbi?- Does a rabbi hold a grudge when publicly embarrassed?- Why does the Chief Rabbi wear a top hat?Dr. Unterman gives us a first-hand glimpse about the man who bridged the gap between the old-school European Litvish yeshiva world and the new modern Zionist State of Israel.NOTES:* Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Isser Yehuda Unterman Installed in Jerusalem - JTA, 1964* Yael Unterman, Bibliodrama* Book by Dr. Alan Unterman* Biography of Isser Yehuda Unterman (1886 - 1976)* Video of Rabbi Unterman being inaugurated Chief Rabbi Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

The Israeli pilots who flew non-stop to Iraq to take out the Osiraq nuclear reactor felt they were doing it to prevent another Holocaust. Learn about the international condemnation Israel faced at the United Nations as well as the many who later thanked Israel for preventing Iraq from going nuclear. Hear from Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, United States Secretary of State Alexander Haig, and others on the dramatic strike.Don’t forget to listen to the special Gulf War episode: Purim & the Gulf War – An Oral HistoryNOTES:* Israeli Planes Destroy Iraq Nuclear Reactor: Furor Spreads - JTA, June 1981* Israel Defended, Criticized at House Hearings on Iraq Raid - JTA June 1981* ‘Iraq’s Open Call’ for Nuclear Weapons ‘confirms’ Israel’s Fears - JTA July 1981* Begin Says Gulf War Vindicated Israeli Attack on Reactor - AP, July 1991* Iraq and the Rules of the Nuclear Game - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, July/August 1991* Target: Saddam’s Reactor* Operation Opera - Raid on Iraqi Nuclear Reactor - Jewish Virtual Library* From Condemnation To Praise: Why Israel’s Bombing of Iraq’s Osirak Nuclear Reactor Stands Test of Time* Operation Opera - Israel's Raid on the Iraqi Reactor 1981* Two Minutes Over Baghdad By Amos Perlmutter, Michael I. Handel, Uri Bar-Joseph* Operation “Opera” - Israeli Air Force* Operation Opera––An Inside Look into one of the Most Infamous IDF Operations - IDF* Israel's Best Defense by Col. Eliezer Cohen Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

In 2016 I visited Uman, Ukraine for the holiday of Rosh Hashanah and learned a great deal about this historic Jewish community and the famous rabbi who inspired generations with his songs and tales. Hear about the battle of Uman in the 1790s and how the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov was saved from being turned into a 9-story apartment building by the Soviet Union. Plus, a personal story of how I found my own name and almost got arrested for it.NOTES:* When a rabbi's grave became the site of an international incident - by Ben Bresky, Jerusalem Post Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Hebrew writer S. Y. Agnon became Israel’s first Nobel Prize laureate in 1966. In this special interview, Rabbi Jeffrey Saks, Director of Research at the Beit Agnon heritage center in Jerusalem, talks about this historic event, and his dramatic acceptance speech steeped in Jewish tradition. Plus, Agnon’s best-seller, Days of Awe, a compendium of High Holiday wisdom.NOTES* Beit Agnon center and museum in Jerusalem * WebYeshiva, directed by Rabbi Jeffrey Saks* Agnon Receives Nobel Prize - Israeli news, 1966* Shmuel Agnon Banquet speech, full text - official Nobel Prize site* The Etrog by S. Y. Agnon, translated by Rabbi Jeffrey Saks* Excerpts from Days of Awe by S. Y. Agnon (podcast) Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

Aaron Zvi Propes was the first member of Betar and a loyal follower of controversial Zionist leader Zev Jabotinsky. While his comrades like Menachem Begin went on to politics, he founded music festivals, including the Israel Festival which is taking place this week. Learn about how as a teen, Propes and his Jewish Latvian high school friend coaxed Jabotinsky out of retirement and into inspiring generations of young Zionists. Plus, the early days of the Zimriya World Choir festival, the International Harp Contest, and the reconstruction of the 2,000-year-old Roman theater in Caesarea all of which Propes initiated. NOTES:* Israel Festival - official website* International Harp Contest in Israel - official website * Zimriya World Assembly of Choirs in Israel - official website* “Zimriya” Establishes Four Prizes for Musical Compositions - JTA, 1954* International Music Festival Concludes in Israel with Special Concert - JTA, 1961* First Music Festival Opens for Israel’s Bar Mitzvah - JTA, 1961* Trees Planted in Israel by Violinist Isaac Stern, Cellist Pablo Casals - JTA, 1961* Jabotinsky - The Man and the Vision - Founding of Betar * Aharon Propes entry in the Encyclopedia of the Pioneers of the Yishuv and its Builders, volume 4 (1950) Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe

The World Rummikub Championships took place this month and to celebrate we look at some great Israeli / Jewish board games.1.      Rummikub – Created by Ephraim Hertzano, who left Communist Romania to create the tile game in his Israeli home.2.      Guess Who? Created by husband and wife team Theo and Ora Coster. Theo survived the Holocaust and was a classmate of Anne Frank. Hear excerpts from his book about her.3.      Aliyah – The Jewish trivia game created by American Jewish Sunday School teacher Sallie Abelson.4.      Juden Raus! – A German Nazi era game. Whoever sends the most Jews to Palestine wins.  5.      Exodus Adventure – Exclusive interview with developer Rabbi Pesach Stadlin on this new innovative role-playing game featuring a 20-sided dreidel.NOTES:* Exodus Adventure Players manual and more information* Exodus Adventure: An Israelite role playing experience - Amazon* Classmates of Anne Frank documentary with Theo Coster* We All Wore Stars: Memories of Anne Frank from Her Classmates by Theo Coster* Juden Raus! Board Game review* History of Rummikub - Rummikub.com* Interview with Micha Hertzano, head of the company that makes of Rummikub* From Romania to Israel: Rummikub Makes Waves - JTA* Rummikub is the chairman of the board - Israel21c* Sallie Abelson Developed Popular Trivia Game to Teach Jewish History* Sallie Abelson, business entrepreneur created Aliyah game * Making Aliyah—the Board Game - Tablet Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe