Ep 677: Putting the Brakes on Bullying with Samantha Sosnik and guest David Ben-Arie on hmTv

Send us Fan MailPutting the Brakes on Bullying | Ep. 677: Boundaries, Empathy and Adult Bullying | HMTCA chance conversation about a taco bag at Day of Hope in Jerusalem became an unexpected friendship. It also opened the door to a powerful discussion about identity, adult bullying, personal boundaries, inclusion, and the courage to remain true to yourself.In Episode 677 of Putting the Brakes on Bullying, host Samantha Sosnik welcomes cantorial student David Ben-Arie to share how they met at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and quickly formed a connection that felt like a lifelong friendship.Their journey continued at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, where David played “Hatikvah” on the yellow piano dedicated to hostage and musician Alon Ohel. The arrangement begins with sorrow and resolves into hope, reflecting the emotions surrounding the hostages, their families, and a nation determined not only to survive, but to live.David discusses his cantorial studies at Hebrew Union College and the hope he found at Day of Hope. Jewish, Arab, Christian, and Muslim students gathered through music, art, and dance, demonstrating that coexistence is possible when people create space for one another.The conversation then turns to David’s experience with adult bullying. After being aggressively challenged and demeaned for his Zionist beliefs, he established a professional boundary. He was later warned that the person involved could damage his career. David refused to accept the idea that protecting his dignity required tolerating disrespect, intimidation, or claims of moral superiority.Samantha and David examine how bullying continues long after high school. Social media allows rage baiting, trolling, antisemitic abuse, and humiliation to follow people everywhere. Adults sometimes ignore or encourage cruelty to protect their own social standing or that of their children, teaching the next generation that popularity matters more than accountability.Both Samantha and David also reflect on the empathy they developed through close relationships with family members who have special needs. David shares his sister’s experiences with Yachad, inclusive theater, and independent living. Samantha describes the authentic joy, friendship, and accomplishments she sees in her daughter’s community.Their message is clear: meet people beyond your usual circle, listen to their stories, establish healthy boundaries, teach children accountability, and never underestimate the effect of a simple act of kindness.Putting the Brakes on Bullying on hmTv | Host: Samantha Sosnik | Guest: David Ben-ArieExecutive Producer and Director: Bernie FurshpanA production of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County🌐 hmtcli.org🎙 buzzsprout.com/2449781▶️ youtube.com/@hmTv-hmtc─── CHAPTERS ───0:00 Humanity Matters opening0:18 Meet David Ben-Arie1:11 A chance meeting at Day of Hope3:15 An instant friendship4:28 Visiting Hostages Square7:06 Playing “Hatikvah” on the yellow piano8:41 David’s cantorial journey10:30 Day of Hope and coexistence12:36 Meeting people beyond our circles14:01 A society that rewards cruelty14:37 David’s experience with political bullying16:38 Establishing a professional boundary19:07 Respect, competition, and walking away20:58 Rage baiting and online trolling21:58 How adults create bullies23:31 Bullying beyond high school24:44 Why bullying is harder to escape today26:07 Special-needs families and empathy27:09 Yachad, inclusion, and hope28:39 Authentic joy and everyday accomplishments31:09 Appreciating what truly matters32:01 Gratitude and kindness32:24 hmTv outro──────────────────#PuttingTheBrakesOnBullying #DavidBenArie #AdultBullying #PersonalBoundaries #Empathy #DayOfHope #Hatikvah #HostagesSquare #DisabilityInclusion #OnlineBullying #Kindness #HMTCSupport the show