Podcast Summary

Podcast: Todo Concostrina

Host: Nieves Concostrina (A)
Cohost/Interviewer: (B)
Episode: "Acontece que no es poco | El mito fundacional de Israel: la historia fabricada"
Date: November 22, 2022

Overview

This episode of "Acontece que no es poco" delves into the mythic origins of the modern state of Israel, examining the deeply-entrenched narratives from the Hebrew Bible and their lack of historical and archaeological backing. Nieves Concostrina, known for her irreverent and sharp style, discusses how these biblical myths have become accepted as historical fact, fueled the narrative of Israeli statehood, and shaped the region’s conflict. She also highlights the work of Israeli historians and archaeologists who are challenging these stories, calling attention to the political motivations behind both the myth-making and the search for archaeological "proof".

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of Historical Narrative

• Beginning with a Pop Culture Anecdote (00:24–01:20):
  • Briefly referencing the influence of her own historical anecdotes in popular media, Nieves is celebrated for her unique and illuminating way of looking at history.
  • Quote (B, 01:12): “Esta forma de repasar la historia que tienes tú es que cada vez genera más adeptos, porque [...] pones el foco, la luz, en lugares que no estaban iluminados y luego lo cuentas de una manera que está muy bien.”

2. Origins of the Israeli State: Myth vs. History

• The Foundational Myth (02:22–04:05):

  • Nieves introduces the core topic: the “myth” at the root of Israel’s claim to the land—a narrative largely based on biblical stories.
  • She points out that a myth, by definition, is a fictional or legendary story, not historical fact.
  • Quote (A, 02:52): “Un mito es ficción, es leyenda... Ficticio es el éxodo judío, ficticio es que el Mar Rojo se abriera para que pasara esta gente.”
  • The official Israeli narrative is described as a “peliculón protagonizado por Charlton Heston”—a Hollywood story masquerading as fact.

• Israeli Historians Challenging the Narrative (04:05–05:41):

  • Not all Israeli academics accept the official story—many modern Israeli historians categorically debunk these biblical legends.
  • Quote (A, 04:20): “Son los académicos que además de tumbar los cuentos judíos, defienden abiertamente que el sionismo desde el principio es un movimiento colonialista...”
  • These historians assert that the initial refusal to make peace in the 20th century was not just due to Arab intransigence, but also Israeli intransigence.
  • There is a distinction made between being Israeli and being Jewish; many Israelis are atheists or non-religious.

3. Dissecting the Myths: No Archaeological Proof

• Universal Flood and Other Copied Stories (05:41–07:10):

  • The biblical flood (Noé’s Ark) has no basis in the archaeological record and is traced back to Mesopotamian myths.
  • Moisés' origin story is borrowed from Sumerian legends; Adam and Eve’s story is a poor translation from Sumerian creation myths.
  • Quote (A, 06:15): “Por eso buscan desesperadamente, y hay mucha financiación detrás, evidencias arqueológicas de algo que diga la Torah o la Biblia. Y claro, no encuentran ni una.”

• The Search for Solomon’s Temple and Exodus Artifacts (07:11–08:45):

  • There’s never been evidence found of Solomon’s Temple, the Ark of the Covenant, or the biblical Exodus, despite centuries of searching.
  • The supposed mass exodus from Egypt of two million Jews leaves no trace in the Egyptian record, notorious for its diligent record-keeping.
  • Quote (A, 08:15): “Es que ellos mismos dan la cifra en sus textos sagrados... dos millones de esclavos huyendo de Egipto... Nada de esto se sostiene en ni una sola evidencia arqueológica, todo es un relato de ficción.”

• Satirical Reimagination (08:47):

  • Reference to Mel Brooks’ satirical film “La loca historia del mundo”, adding humor and illustrating the absurdity of these stories treated as strict truth.

• Historian Insight (09:05):

  • Quote (A, citing K. Wylam, 09:05): “La lucha por el pasado es invariablemente una lucha por el poder y el control en el presente.”

4. Archaeological Obsession: The Ongoing, Fruitless Search

• Perpetual Excavations (09:47–11:05):

  • Israeli-funded “biblical archaeology” remains active, desperately seeking evidence to support biblical narratives but finding nothing.
  • When alleged discoveries are made, they’re often revealed as falsified or anachronistic.
  • The supposed events of the Exodus would have taken place a thousand years before they were actually written down—further undermining any claim to historical accuracy.

• Disciplinary Dispute: The Problem with ‘Biblical Archaeology’ (11:05–12:46):

  • Many archaeologists reject the term “biblical archaeology,” arguing that archaeology should not be in the business of confirming myths.
  • The practice is likened to looking for “what you want to find, and fitting it to your context and dates”—a breach of scientific rigor.
  • Parallel drawn to Christian relics like the “Sábana de Turín” and “Sudario de Oviedo,” which have been debunked but are still used to propagate religious claims.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [02:52, Nieves Concostrina]:
  “Un mito es ficción, es leyenda... Ficticio es el éxodo judío, ficticio es que el Mar Rojo se abriera para que pasara esta gente.”

• [04:20, Nieves Concostrina]:
  “Son los académicos que además de tumbar los cuentos judíos, defienden abiertamente que el sionismo desde el principio es un movimiento colonialista...”

• [06:15, Nieves Concostrina]:
  “Por eso buscan desesperadamente, y hay mucha financiación detrás, evidencias arqueológicas de algo que diga la Torah o la Biblia. Y claro, no encuentran ni una.”

• [09:05, citando a K. Wylam]:
  “La lucha por el pasado es invariablemente una lucha por el poder y el control en el presente.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:24–01:20: Opening banter, pop culture anecdote highlighting Nieves’ historical influence
• 02:22–04:05: Introduction of the “myth” underpinning Israeli statehood, what makes a story a myth
• 04:05–05:41: Internal Israeli academic criticism and the battle over historical narratives
• 05:41–07:10: Discussion on the lack of archaeological evidence for biblical events (Flood, Exodus, Solomon's Temple)
• 07:38–08:45: The Exodus myth and absence from Egyptian historical record
• 09:47–11:05: Archaeological excavations and repeated failures to find evidence
• 11:05–12:46: Debate over “biblical archaeology” as a valid scientific discipline

Conclusion

The episode exposes the deep chasm between popular (and often state-sanctioned) historical narratives and the rigorous demands of archaeological and historical science. Nieves Concostrina, with wit and irreverence, challenges listeners to question myths presented as history, especially when those myths serve present-day political agendas. The conversation offers a robust and critical perspective on how ancient stories, devoid of factual backing, continue to mold modern realities and conflicts.