Understanding Israel: Culture, Conflict, and Change

In this episode of The CultureHug Podcast, we explore Israel. From its dramatic history and diverse culture to its modern tech scene and ongoing conflicts, we explore what makes this small Middle Eastern country so unique. Drawing on real-world intel (with a little help from the CIA World Factbook), we’ll talk borders, food, startups, social dynamics, and everything in between.

Tune in for a balanced, light-hearted crash course that’s perfect whether you’re new to the topic or just curious for a fresh perspective.We also touch on Israels challenging hixtory including geography and politics. Please use the sources maps if you desire to follow along at certain parts of the episode. 



Sources:

• Central Intelligence Agency. (2025, January 18). Travel Facts - Israel. The World Factbook. 
• Central Intelligence Agency. (2025, June 10). Israel. The World Factbook. 
• Central Intelligence Agency. (2025, June 10). Israel Country Factsheet. The World Factbook. 
• Haddad, M., & Chughtai, A. (2023, November 27). Israel-Palestine conflict: A brief history in maps and charts. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/27/palestine-and-israel-brief-history-maps-and-charts
• Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions. (2025). Maps: Changing maps of Palestine / Israel. ICAHD. https://icahd.org/resources/maps/
• Leuenberger, C., & Schnell, I. (2020). Constructing Israel’s Borders. In The Politics of Maps: Cartographic Constructions of Israel/Palestine. Oxford Academic. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190076238.003.0007.
• B’Tselem. (n.d.). Interactive Map: The West Bank and the Gaza Strip. B’Tselem. https://www.btselem.org/map
• The Israeli Flag: Symbolism and Design. Central Intelligence Agency. (2025, January 18). Travel Facts - Israel. The World Factbook.