Ep 551: Ordinary Heroes with Bernie Furshpan and guest Mitchell Bickman on hmTv

Send us Fan MailEp 551: Ordinary Heroes with Bernie Furshpan and Guest Mitchell Bickman on hmTvWhat does it take to raise a generation that can recognize truth, reject hate, and choose empathy?In this powerful episode of Ordinary Heroes, Bernie Furshpan sits down with Mitchell Bickman, Director of Social Studies K-12 for the Oceanside School District, for a timely conversation about Holocaust education, media literacy, antisemitism, and the role of schools in shaping informed, compassionate citizens.Mitchell discusses why historical thinking skills such as sourcing, corroboration, perspective-taking, and lateral reading are no longer just classroom tools, but survival skills in an age of misinformation and polarization. He also shares how Oceanside’s Human Relations curriculum uses authentic experiences, survivor testimony, real-world connections, and Holocaust education to help students understand the human consequences of hate.Together, Bernie and Mitchell explore the rise of antisemitism, the importance of empathy, the danger of silence, and why education remains one of the strongest antidotes to prejudice and intolerance. They also discuss how technology and AI can either weaken critical thinking or empower young people to become change agents for good.At its heart, this episode is a call to action: teach history honestly, listen deeply, think critically, and never stay silent in the face of hate.Support the show