Teller From Jerusalem

Declaring independence was a daring move, for Israel knew that the very declaration was an invitation to immediate war against five organized armies. Ben Gurion understood that it was now or never.
Israel’s Declaration of Independence assured that Israel would be open for Jewish immigration, and for the ingathering of the exiles. It would foster the development of the country for the benefit of all inhabitants. It would be based upon freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel. It would ensure complete equality of social, religious and political rights to all of its inhabitants. TFJ also looks at the mystery and tension regarding the name that would be awarded to the new country. 

Following the UN vote for partition in November 1947, the British informed that they would not carry out on the policy voted on by the General Assembly, and they would remain in Palestine until May 1948. The British would no longer intervene in any fighting between Arabs and Jews, but they would still steadfastly enforce the ban on weapons for Jews. 
The Hagana was planning its attack to liberate Jewish residents under siege in Jerusalem. The road leading to Jerusalem was subject to sniper fire from Arab terrorist. The Irgun and Lechi wished to assist their brethren in Jerusalem and attacked the village of Deir Yassin and encountered fiercer resistance than expected. Pinned down, the fighters tossed hand grenades resulting in civilian losses.

Are you missing TFJ in your feed? 

It has been an incredible season full of history, stories, character secrets and more! We are now on a summer hiatus while we ready ourselves for more.

We will be back in mid-October with a THIRD season of Teller from Jerusalem with more of the fine programming you have come to expect - and you can find it wherever you listen! 

In the meantime do not forget to review the past episodes, our interviews with experts in their fields, our character episodes on personal development and of course, the story of the birth of the tiny but mighty modern State of Israel.

Back Soon - TFJ

TFJ Season 2: Episode 9 

Character Workshop 

Criticizing constructively is an act of friendship and concern. You can help someone, especially if you catch the problem early on before it becomes too ingrained in the conduct of the offender to alter their behavior.  But if a relationship does not exist, the critique will be rejected and resented. Several experts will be sharing their advice how to best go about offering feedback including five points from TFJ’s friend, Charlie Harary.

Learn more at TellerFromJerusalem.com 

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© 2022 Media Education Trust llc

TFJ: The Birth of Israel

Series 2 Episode 9

There was no secure area in the section of the land allocated to the Jews where the Israelis had a geographic and demographic advantage.  The embargo of weapons to Palestine made it difficult for the Haganah to arm its troops while the Arab armies had resources in Syria, Jordan and Egypt. Because of the fragility of the situation, and fear that the United States and other countries would not recognize the new Jewish state, Ben Gurion made a gutsy decision.

It was time for the Jews to go on the offensive and start capturing Arab towns, and mixed neighborhoods. This would be the first time that the Haganah operated not in a non-defensive capacity. 

The Arabs managed to cut off Jerusalem from other Jewish areas leaving the city’s 100,000 Jewish residents stranded in a chokehold. It was time to risk everything to liberate the city and at that crucial moment arms arrived for the Jewish fighters. 

Edited and Produced by Alex Drucker 

Learn more at TellerFromJerusalem.com 

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© 2022 Media Education Trust llc

TFJ: The Birth of Israel

Series 2: Episode 8

It is unlikely that had FDR been the president that he would have recognized Israel. Truman was the first to recognize the Jewish State 11 minutes after her independence had been declared. There are two primary reasons as to why Truman contradicted his State department on this thorny issue, but there is no dispute that were it not for quick-witted and loyal Eddie Jacobson, it would not have happened.

Edited and Produced by Alex Drucker 

Learn more at TellerFromJerusalem.com 

Don't forget to subscribe, like and share! Let all your friends know they too can have a new favorite podcast. 

© 2022 Media Education Trust llc

TFJ: Season 2: Episode 7: Character Workshop

Comparing to others and dealing with the past are no nos. Harsh words cannot be retracted, and even if the offender is forgiven, the offended party will not forget what was said.
When you offer an explanation with criticism, it is often not viewed as an attack.

Learn how to use the "Power of the Preface" which enables one to say nearly anything and receive a positive response, if it is framed correctly.

Edited and Produced by Alex Drucker 

Learn more at TellerFromJerusalem.com 

Don't forget to subscribe, like and share! Let all your friends know they too can have a new favorite podcast. 

© 2022 Media Education Trust llc

TFJ: The Birth of Israel

Series 2: Episode 6

The Relief Column sent to the Etzion Block were buried in a hasty, shallow grave. When Israel liberated the Etzion area in the Six Day War the remains were brought to Jerusalem and miraculously identified. 

As the first stage of the War of Independence was not going well for Israel, there was fear that the United States would renege on its commitment to recognize the Jewish state upon the British withdrawal in May 1948. Harry Truman was not interested in listening to anyone regarding the Palestine question, until his old friend Eddie Jacobson opened up the door for Chaim Weizmann to speak with the president.

Edited and Produced by Alex Drucker 

Learn more at TellerFromJerusalem.com 

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© 2022 Media Education Trust llc

TFJ: The Birth of Israel 

Series 2 Episode 5

The Partition Plan which would have enabled the creation of a Jewish State was not looking promising.  The American State Department was adamantly opposed, dampening President Truman’s support. The Soviet’s were in favor of partition, which presented a rare opportunity as with the Soviets came their satellite countries. It would take Dr. Chaim Weizmann with all of his wisdom and charm to convince President Truman to vote for partition and put the United States’ weight behind it. 

After the motion for Jewish statehood passed in the UN, there was rejoicing in Israel and in Jewish communities throughout the world. The Arab reaction was a wave of lethal violence. The Yishuv began making hasty preparations for war. The Etzion Block in the Hebron hills south of Jerusalem was besieged by Arab guerrillas. A relief column of 35 of Hebrew University’s brightest students never made it to their comrades and were killed and mutilated by Khader el Husseini’s soldiers. 

Edited and Produced by Alex Drucker 

Learn more at TellerFromJerusalem.com 

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© 2022 Media Education Trust llc

If you care for your fellow person you will wish to correct them when they are erring. This is not just the domain of parents, but of any loving and considerate individual – yet a challenge in a society deeply entrenched in the belief of “mind your own business.”

Criticism will only work if it is properly dispensed and TFJ takes a look at effective methodology.

Edited and Produced by Alex Drucker 

Learn more at TellerFromJerusalem.com 

Don't forget to subscribe, like and share! Let all your friends know they too can have a new favorite podcast. 

© 2022 Media Education Trust llc