Zionism: The Story Behind the Word
Before we decide what we think about Zionism, it helps to know the story behind the word.
A special series from The Jewish Road Podcast.
What would it take to reopen a 2,000-year-old water system that's sat behind a line since Oslo?
That's the question behind the final episode of our Border series.
Fifteen minutes south of Jerusalem, in the town of Efrat, a group gathers that doesn't come together often: a Member of Knesset, IDF officers, a rabbi, the mayor, a filmmaker - pulled together in under 48 hours to walk into Solomon's Pools.
Together, we trace the pools back to the Book of Ruth, stand where an Iranian missile struck just over a mile away, and hear how a mapping decision during Oslo quietly put a biblical landmark out of reach.
The conversation moves from Bethlehem's disappearing Christian community to a restoration vision that could open this site back up - and to a Member of Knesset's case for why it matters now.
Beyond the border in Syria. Along the border in Gaza. Within the border, here in Efrat. This is the one that goes inside.
Most people know October 7th from news reports. But on the ground - at the Nova Music Festival, in kibbutzim, in bomb shelters 15 seconds from danger - the reality is far more personal and complicated.
We walked these sites with Mati, a kibbutz agricultural worker who has lived here since 1978 and witnessed October 7th from inside his home. Mati shares what it was like to be in the toilet when the alarm sounded, to receive a call that terrorists were shooting at Palestinian workers in his fields, to slowly understand - through Facebook posts and calls to friends - that something unprecedented was happening.
But beneath the immediate violence lies a deeper wound: an intelligence notebook found at Kibbutz Mefarsim revealing that Hamas had meticulously mapped every detail - where the doctor lived, the security chief's phone number, which gates had which locks, where the generators were.
That intelligence came from a trusted Palestinian worker who had lived on the kibbutz for 30 years. A man Mati knew well. A man Mati can no longer speak to.
The episode explores the layers of this betrayal and asks the question that haunts many: how do you rebuild trust after this?
What do you do when your homeland is under attack and you're thousands of miles away?
In this powerful episode, Dr. Adi Vaxman recounts the unforgettable hours of October 7 and the overwhelming helplessness she experienced as family members entered combat, friends fought for their lives, and Israel faced one of the darkest days in its history.
Rather than remaining paralyzed, Adi turned heartbreak into action by founding Operation Israel.
What began with purchasing protective gear for soldiers has grown into an organization that has raised more than $11 million to fund medical equipment, drone defense technology, trauma recovery programs, and innovative battlefield solutions that are now influencing the IDF itself.
This conversation is a compelling reminder that while we can't all be on the front lines, every one of us has the opportunity - and responsibility - to do something.
What does it mean to stand with Israel when the world seems to be turning against her?
In this episode, Aaron Evans shares how October 7th became a turning point that moved him from passive support to active involvement with Friends of the IDF.
As antisemitism surged around the world, Aaron felt compelled to use his voice and resources to support Israel and its defenders.
The conversation explores biblical foundations for supporting Israel, the challenges facing younger generations, and the growing influence of misinformation on social media.
Most importantly, it shines a light on the men and women of the IDF - the people carrying the weight of defending Israel while balancing family, work, and the emotional toll of war.
What does biblical stewardship actually look like in today’s financial world?
In this episode, Evan Liberman shares his journey from California to Israel, why he believes investing is a biblical responsibility, and how Wise Money Israel helps believers think differently about wealth, stewardship, and the future.
The conversation explores everything from the Parable of the Talents to diversification, inflation, Israel’s economy, and the unique role Israel plays in both biblical prophecy and global innovation.
Whether you’re an experienced investor or simply trying to steward resources wisely, this episode offers a compelling perspective on faith and finance.
What happens after tragedy strikes?
In this powerful episode, Marnix van Ede shares the story behind ZAKA, Israel’s volunteer emergency response organization known for handling some of the most difficult scenes imaginable.
From terror attacks to natural disasters, ZAKA volunteers step into chaos to save lives and honor the dead.
Marnix also reflects on his own journey - from growing up in the Netherlands to encountering God in Israel and eventually serving alongside Jewish volunteers after October 7th.
This conversation offers a deeply human look at Israel, trauma, resilience, and the sacred responsibility of caring for people even in their final moments.
Why does the Temple Mount still matter?
In this powerful conversation, Rabbi Yehuda Glick shares his lifelong mission to restore the Temple Mount as a place of prayer, worship, and unity for all nations.
Drawing from Scripture, history, and personal experience, he explains why Zion is more than a location - it’s a calling.
Rabbi Glick also opens up about surviving an assassination attempt because of his advocacy for Jewish prayer rights on the mountain, and why he believes courage and clarity are needed now more than ever.
This episode explores Jerusalem, kingdom theology, biblical values, and the deeper spiritual significance of Zion in today’s world.
In a world flooded with information, why does truth feel harder to find?
Hillel Fuld shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to one of the most recognizable voices advocating for Israel in the digital space.
After October 7th, everything changed. What was once a growing business became a mission to bring clarity in the middle of confusion.
This episode explores the deeper battle behind the headlines - the fight for narrative, the spread of misinformation, and the responsibility each of us carries in shaping what others believe.
You’re in!
Your Zionism: The Story Behind the Word Field Guide is ready.
Use it as a quick reference while you listen through the series. It will help you keep the people, dates, definitions, biblical questions, and major turning points in front of you.
And if you haven’t taken the 5-minute assessment yet, that’s the best next step. It will help you see which parts of the Zionism conversation are clear, where you still have questions, and which episodes we think will help most.
We stand with Israel.
Give Hope. Give Life.
Join us in telling the whole story of God to a generation missing the story. Together, we declare truth and life will prevail.