36:23
Episode 13·Apr 30, 2023
Israel’s Economy and Society Transformed, 1979 to 2021
How the State of Israel became a robust democracy, an economic powerhouse, and a true home for the Jewish people.
Building the Impossible Dream: The History of Zionism·Episode 8·Apr 26, 2023
The Miraculous State Takes Shape, 1948 to 1953
Even after its against-all-odds victory in the War of Independence, the State of Israel’s future was far from assured. It faced the challenge of absorbing massive waves of largely impoverished immigrants, establishing itself as the national state of the Jewish people, dealing with the difficulties caused by Palestinian Arab refugees who fled Israel during the War of Independence, and creating the institutions and traditions needed for effective democratic governance. Dr. Polisar in this episode describes how Israel—led by David Ben-Gurion—overcame these challenges in its initial half-decade and laid the foundations for a thriving society and state.
Latest Episodes From Building the Impossible Dream: The History of Zionism
33:35Episode 12·Apr 30, 2023
Seeking Peace Through Deterrence, Defense, and Diplomacy, 1979-2021
Dr. Polisar analyzes the strategic reality in which Israel has functioned during the last four decades and its successes and failures in that time.
34:03Episode 11·Apr 29, 2023
Sadat, Begin, and the Israeli-Egyptian Peace Agreement, 1970-1982
How Israel's victory in the Yom Kippur War laid the groundwork for the most important peace agreement in its history.
32:55Episode 10·Apr 28, 2023
Transforming Israel and the Middle East, 1967-1970
Dr. Polisar explores how the Six-Day War transformed Israel's reality, the War of Attrition, and birth of the U.S.-Israel alliance.
35:13Episode 9·Apr 26, 2023
Making the Jewish State Secure, 1948 to 1967
In the Sinai War and the Six-Day War, Israel acted decisively to defend itself against its Arab neighbors and lay the basis for long-term security.
