hmTv at HMTC Podcasts

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 628 of It’s All About the Children, hosts Carin and Sami continue their conversation with retired New York City public school teacher and Zion Lioness author Gwen Jones-Cintron about education, language, identity, and the responsibility to challenge harmful narratives.In Part 2, the discussion explores how emotionally charged words such as “genocide,” “equity,” and “inclusion” can be misused or weaponized—especially when educators and public institutions fail to define them accurately. Sami reflects on the gaps between mandated Holocaust education and what students actually receive, while Gwen and Carin share firsthand experiences confronting bias, fear, political messaging, and the absence of open debate in schools and community institutions.The conversation also examines Jewish representation, civic identity, critical thinking, the silencing of moderate voices, and the growing importance of social media as the “Eighth Front.” Gwen explains how Impact is helping older adults become digital defenders and empowering people to use their voices online to challenge antisemitism and amplify truthful, constructive messages.The episode concludes with a direct appeal to parents: stay involved, ask what your children are learning, verify the facts, encourage honest discussion, and never underestimate the influence one informed and courageous voice can have on the next generation.It’s All About the Children is an hmTv production of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, where humanity matters.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 627 of It’s All About the Children, hosts Carin and Sami welcome Gwen Jones-Cintron, retired New York City public school teacher and author of the Substack Zion Lioness, for Part 1 of a powerful conversation about education, antisemitism, identity, and the influence of ideology in schools.Drawing on more than three decades in special education, Gwen reflects on what she witnessed inside the New York City public school system and how experiences dating back to the early 1990s began to take on new meaning after October 7. She discusses the gradual introduction of anti-Israel and anti-Jewish narratives into educational spaces, the limitations placed on open discussion, and why she now feels compelled to speak out.The conversation also examines DEI, equity, indoctrination, foreign influence in universities, the power of language and propaganda, and the difficulty many parents face when challenging school curricula. Sami brings his perspective as a Holocaust survivor, warning that history’s greatest tragedies often begin with words, images, denial, and the belief that “it cannot happen here.”Together, Carin, Sami, and Gwen explore the need for critical thinking, honest education, Jewish pride, and the courage to question narratives that divide rather than unite.It’s All About the Children is an hmTv production of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, where humanity matters.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 626 of It’s All About the Children, hosts Carin and Sami continue their conversation with Daniel Rosen, co-founder and president of Impact, about organizing communities to combat antisemitism and influence the digital narrative.In Part 2, Sami challenges Daniel to explain how Impact plans to reach young people, counter indoctrination, and turn concern into sustained action. Drawing on his own experiences as a Holocaust survivor, educator, and former member of the Israeli Air Force, Sami emphasizes that teaching history is not enough—we must also help the next generation recognize the warning signs that can lead to future hatred and violence.Daniel explains how Impact seeks to move people beyond temporary inspiration by providing ongoing digital missions, advocacy campaigns, rallies, educational programs, and opportunities for collective action. The discussion highlights the power of small victories, intergenerational cooperation, student engagement, and giving ordinary people a practical way to participate.The episode concludes with a hopeful but urgent message: meaningful change does not require expertise, influence, or thousands of followers. It begins when individuals choose to stand up, show up, and dedicate even a few minutes each day to becoming digital defenders.It’s All About the Children is an hmTv production of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, where humanity matters.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 625 of It’s All About the Children, hosts Carin and Sami welcome Daniel Rosen, co-founder and president of Impact, for Part 1 of a timely conversation about combating antisemitism in the digital age.Daniel explains why social media and online influence have become what many call the “Eighth Front”—a rapidly changing battleground where algorithms shape beliefs, narratives spread instantly, and coordinated voices can influence public opinion. He shares how Impact is organizing people of all ages to become digital activists, participate in targeted advocacy missions, support public rallies, and respond collectively to hatred both online and offline.The conversation also explores the importance of engaging young people, empowering adults over 55, building partnerships between students and senior communities, and moving beyond discussion toward meaningful action. Daniel, Carin, and Sami examine what makes Impact different from traditional advocacy organizations and why unity, organization, and persistence are essential to creating lasting change.Watch Part 1 of this powerful discussion about activism, education, intergenerational cooperation, and the responsibility we all share to protect the world our children will inherit.It’s All About the Children is an hmTv production of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, where humanity matters.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Disrupting Hate on hmTv, host Kenneth Schachter speaks with Alan Scheiner, Senior Litigation Counsel at the National Jewish Advocacy Center, about the legal fight against antisemitism, anti-Zionist discrimination, and organized efforts to target Jewish communities and institutions.Scheiner discusses the mission of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, his transition from the New York City Law Department into Jewish advocacy work, and the growing need for legal action in response to antisemitism after October 7. The conversation explores buffer zone legislation protecting religious institutions, the controversy surrounding protests outside synagogues, and the legal and social implications of the Park Slope Food Co-op’s boycott of Israeli products.The episode also examines the broader BDS movement, attempts by municipalities and organizations to divest from Israel, and major legal questions involving free speech, discrimination, and hostile environments on college campuses. Through a legal lens, Scheiner explains why combating antisemitism today requires clarity, courage, and a willingness to challenge hate wherever it appears.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful Part 2 episode of The Israeli Bond on hmTv, host Gal Swisa Cohen continues her conversation with Roni Raffeld Bluth, wife of wounded IDF soldier Pitzi Bluth, reservist, mother of four, and creator of the podcast Alumot Krav.Roni shares how her husband’s injury after October 7th revealed a larger, often unseen story: the emotional wounds carried by spouses, children, and families of wounded soldiers. She explains the meaning behind Alumot Krav, a podcast dedicated to giving voice to the wives and partners living through the “battle after the battle.”Together, Gal and Roni discuss trauma, resilience, invisible injuries, family recovery, and the importance of documenting these testimonies as part of Israel’s story. Roni also shares her hopes for expanding Alumot Krav beyond podcasting into a broader movement that honors the strength of women, families, and children affected by war.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful Part 1 episode of The Israeli Bond on hmTv, host Gal Swisa Cohen welcomes Roni Raffeld Bluth, wife of a wounded IDF soldier, reservist, mother of four, and creator of the podcast Alumot Krav, which gives voice to the wives of wounded soldiers since October 7th.Roni shares her deeply personal story of life before the war, her family’s return to Israel after a mission in Montreal, and the terrifying moments of October 7th and October 9th, when her husband, Pitzi, was severely wounded in battle in northern Israel. Through honesty, strength, and remarkable clarity, Roni describes the impact of injury not only on the soldier, but on the entire family, including the emotional journey of helping her children understand their father’s recovery.This episode explores courage, motherhood, resilience, service, and the unseen battle that continues long after a soldier leaves the battlefield. Roni’s story is a moving reminder that behind every wounded soldier stands a family carrying its own wounds, its own fears, and its own extraordinary strength.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Education in Motion on hmTv, host Donna Rosenblum, Director of Education at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, welcomes Mitch Bickman, Director of Social Studies for the Oceanside School District, for a thoughtful conversation about history, empathy, Holocaust education, and the evolving role of social studies in today’s classrooms.Mitch shares his journey from classroom teacher to district leader and discusses how Oceanside approaches history through critical thinking, multiple perspectives, storytelling, and age-appropriate Holocaust education. Together, Donna and Mitch explore the importance of teaching students not what to think, but how to think, especially in a world shaped by social media, misinformation, headlines, algorithms, and competing narratives.The conversation also highlights the power of testimony, the need to foster upstanders, and the importance of empathy as a foundation for learning. From Big History to media literacy, this episode reminds us that education is not only about content, but about helping young people become thoughtful, informed, and compassionate human beings.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 620 — Influential Origins with Alan MindelGuest: Ramon Maislen — Part 3hmTv at HMTCIn Part 3 of Influential Origins, host Alan Mindel concludes his conversation with Brooklyn real estate investor and community advocate Ramon Maislen with a powerful discussion about media, misinformation, antisemitism, and the dangerous blurring of news and opinion.Alan and Ramon examine how trusted institutions, including major newspapers, can shape public understanding not only through what they report, but through what they choose to emphasize, downplay, or frame as opinion. The conversation explores how digital media, social media, and activist-driven narratives have changed the way people consume information and how easily falsehoods can become accepted as fact when repeated often enough.Ramon discusses his concerns over coverage related to October 7th, the denial or minimization of atrocities against Israeli victims, and the impact of publishing unverified claims that create false moral equivalencies. Alan and Ramon also address how antisemitism is showing up in local politics, public protests, universities, Jewish institutions, and even everyday community spaces.The episode closes with a call for stronger civic awareness, critical thinking, media literacy, and moral courage. Alan and Ramon emphasize that young people must be taught how to distinguish news from opinion, facts from propaganda, and activism from hate.This final installment is a direct warning about the power of narrative and the responsibility each generation has to defend truth, protect Jewish life, and stand against hatred before silence becomes permission.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 619 — Influential Origins with Alan MindelGuest: Ramon Maislen — Part 2hmTv at HMTCIn Part 2 of Influential Origins, host Alan Mindel continues his conversation with Brooklyn real estate investor and community advocate Ramon Maislen about the growing tensions inside local community spaces after October 7th.Alan and Ramon examine the BDS movement, the difference between personal boycotts and joining an organized campaign against Israel, and how political activism entered the Park Slope Food Coop, a once-welcoming community institution built around cooperation, diversity, and shared responsibility.Ramon reflects on his own Zionism, his belief in self-determination for both Jews and Palestinians, and his growing concern over activists who deny Jewish self-determination altogether. The conversation also explores troubling claims made inside the co-op, including the accusation of “Jewish supremacy,” and how such language echoes historic patterns of dehumanization.Together, Alan and Ramon discuss how apathy allows extreme voices to dominate local institutions, why local elections and civic participation matter, and how misinformation, social media, and ideological certainty can fracture communities that once prided themselves on inclusion.This episode is a direct and timely look at antisemitism, identity, community breakdown, and the urgent need for people of conscience to speak up before silence becomes surrender.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 618 — Influential Origins with Alan MindelGuest: Ramon Maislen — Part 1hmTv at HMTCIn Part 1 of Influential Origins, host Alan Mindel sits down with Brooklyn real estate investor and community advocate Ramon Maislen for a powerful conversation about community, identity, antisemitism, and the dangerous shift he has witnessed in Brooklyn since October 7th.Ramon reflects on his deep connection to Brooklyn, especially Park Slope, a neighborhood long known for diversity, inclusivity, and neighborly connection. But after the Hamas attacks in Israel, Ramon says that sense of safety and shared community changed dramatically. With family ties to Israel and personal memories of living through the Second Intifada, he describes how the trauma of October 7th became deeply personal, while many around him seemed unable or unwilling to respond with empathy.Alan and Ramon discuss the rise of anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric in local politics, protests, graffiti, and community institutions, including disturbing incidents involving the Brooklyn Museum and the targeting of Jewish individuals. Ramon also shares his experience with the Park Slope Food Coop, once a place of connection across backgrounds, and how renewed efforts to bring the BDS movement into the co-op created division, hostility, and fear among Jewish members.This episode examines what happens when local activism crosses into intimidation, when community spaces become battlegrounds, and why paying attention to local politics and civic institutions matters more than ever.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Israeli Bond on hmTv, host Gal Swisa Cohen welcomes Michelle Herman and Rosanne Bogard, co-founders of Kadima B’Yachad, an organization created in the aftermath of October 7th to support those impacted by the war in Israel.Michelle and Rosanne share how their work began with sending supplies to Israel and quickly grew into something much deeper: emotional support, trauma-informed care, community connection, wellness retreats, morale-boosting events, and practical help for IDF soldiers, lone soldiers, Nova survivors, hostage families, amputees, reservists, and families across Israel and the diaspora.Together, they discuss the meaning of Kadima B’Yachad, “moving forward together,” and explain how their mission is rooted in Jewish values, transparency, kindness, and the belief that no one should feel alone during times of crisis. This heartfelt conversation highlights the power of ordinary people choosing to act, build bridges, and bring more light into a wounded world.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Voices of Diversity on hmTv, host Sherona Varulkar welcomes Dr. Jai Bansal for a thoughtful conversation about identity, coexistence, faith, and the immigrant experience.Dr. Bansal shares his journey from India to North America, reflecting on his distinguished scientific career, his work in social service through the Vishva Hindu Parishad of America, and his commitment to educating the public about Hindu Dvesha, also known as Hinduphobia. Together, Sherona and Dr. Bansal explore the long history of Jewish life in India, the spirit of coexistence within Indian society, and the growing need for Hindu and Jewish communities to stand together against hatred.The conversation also introduces key ideas within Sanatana Dharma, including Vedanta, karma, rebirth, moksha, yoga, meditation, and the belief that there are many paths to one ultimate reality. Through comparisons between Hindu and Jewish thought, this episode offers a powerful reminder that respect, humility, and understanding are essential to building a more peaceful world.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 615 | The Fog of War and HumanityGuest: Andrea Nordquist, Military Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 14Part 3 | hmTv at HMTCIn Part 3 of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Richard Acritelli concludes his conversation with Andrea Nordquist of Military Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 14, highlighting the creative, personal, and deeply human ways the organization supports veterans, military families, and communities across Long Island.Andrea shares the many projects led by the Blue Star Mothers, including “Rosie” sewing events, handmade pillowcases for veterans receiving treatment, Christmas trees decorated with repurposed Wreaths Across America bows, and upcoming wreath-making efforts for veterans. She reflects on the emotional moments when small gestures, such as a simple holiday tree, brought comfort to veterans who had not decorated in years, including one veteran living in his car.The conversation also explores the group’s support for veterans in prison programs, including collecting yarn so incarcerated veterans can crochet and knit hats, scarves, mittens, and toys for underprivileged children. Andrea explains how these efforts give veterans purpose, structure, dignity, and a chance to give back.Richard and Andrea discuss the importance of delegation, community partnerships, local businesses that quietly support veterans, and the ongoing challenges of fundraising and public perception. Andrea also speaks about cooking monthly meals for veterans at Liberty Village, supporting awareness around veteran suicide through “22 a day” efforts, and recognizing that even small donations and acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.The episode closes with a powerful message about involving young people in service, planting seeds of responsibility, and never underestimating what students and future generations can accomplish when given a chance to care, contribute, and lead.This final part is a moving tribute to service, volunteerism, compassion, and the quiet army of people who make sure veterans and their families are never forgotten.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 614 | The Fog of War and HumanityGuest: Andrea Nordquist, Military Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 14Part 2 | hmTv at HMTCIn Part 2 of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Richard Acritelli continues his conversation with Andrea Nordquist of Military Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 14, exploring the urgent needs facing veterans and military families across Nassau County, Queens, and Long Island.Andrea discusses the work of the Blue Star Mothers, including fundraising, food support for veterans through the Vet Mart in East Meadow, and the growing reality that many veterans in need are not elderly, but young service members and families struggling to make ends meet in one of the most expensive regions in the country. She shares how the organization provides food, meat, gift cards, and support for children of veterans during the holiday season.The conversation also turns to honoring fallen and forgotten veterans, including the burial of unclaimed veterans at Long Island National Cemetery. Andrea explains how the veteran community comes together with color guards, music, and presence so that no veteran is laid to rest alone.Richard and Andrea also reflect on Long Island’s deep military history, the importance of recognizing students entering military service, the challenges recruiters face in schools, and the value of military experience in careers such as law enforcement and public service.The episode closes with powerful reflections on September 11, the lasting impact on Long Island families, the work of Tunnel to Towers, and the responsibility to keep history alive for younger generations who did not live through it.This episode is a meaningful tribute to veterans, military families, community service, and the people who quietly step forward to make sure those who served are seen, honored, and supported.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 613 | The Fog of War and HumanityGuest: Andrea Nordquist, Military Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 14Part 1 | hmTv at HMTCIn Part 1 of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Richard Acritelli welcomes Andrea Nordquist, President of Military Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 14, for a heartfelt conversation about service, sacrifice, family, and the ongoing responsibility to support America’s veterans.Andrea shares her Long Island roots, her path from Nassau Community College and Cortland to teaching and community service, and the military legacy within her own family. She reflects on her father’s service in the Army Air Corps and the powerful story of her Uncle Joe, a wounded World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient who lost his arm after being injured in France, then spent years giving back to other veterans through volunteer service.Richard and Andrea discuss the importance of preserving veterans’ stories before they are lost, especially as families uncover photographs, records, and artifacts from relatives who rarely spoke about their wartime experiences. Their conversation also explores the critical role of organizations like the VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, and Blue Star Mothers in providing camaraderie, support, and a sense of belonging for service members and their families.Andrea also speaks about her son’s decision to join the Air Force, his continued service in the Air National Guard, and her own journey into the Blue Star Mothers. She explains how the organization supports military families, honors fallen service members, assists veterans, reaches out to elderly shut-ins, recognizes widows of veterans, and encourages young people entering military service.This episode highlights the human side of military service, the value of community, the importance of mental health support, and the need to make sure veterans know they are never forgotten.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Israeli Bond on hmTv, host Gal Swisa Cohen welcomes Gal Atia, Head of Delegation and Chief Program Officer for North America at the Jewish Agency for Israel.Gal shares his personal journey from serving as a basketball coach at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin to leading one of the Jewish Agency’s most important North American missions. Through stories from summer camp, shlichut, and Jewish communal life, he explains how Israeli emissaries build lasting relationships, strengthen Jewish identity, and create meaningful bridges between Israel and Jewish communities across North America.The conversation explores the power of shlichut, the unique role of Israeli emissaries, the impact of summer camps, the importance of partnerships, and the Jewish Agency’s work after October 7. Gal also discusses programs such as Campers Together, which brings Israeli children from impacted communities to North American camps, and reflects on why this moment calls for collaboration, action, and renewed mutual responsibility.This episode offers an inspiring look at how personal connection, purpose, and people-to-people relationships can strengthen the bond between Israel and Jewish communities around the world.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Many Voices. One Community on hmTv, host Gaitley Stevenson Mathews welcomes Kate Csillag, founder of Knit with Kate, for a warm and inspiring conversation about the power of knitting, crocheting, service, and human connection.Kate shares how fiber arts have been part of her life since childhood and how she now uses knitting and crochet to bring people together across Glen Cove, Bayville, libraries, senior centers, temples, and community spaces. What begins with yarn and needles becomes something far greater: a place of belonging, friendship, healing, and purpose.Together, Gaitley and Kate explore how creative arts can bridge differences, reduce loneliness, and build community among people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Kate also discusses her group’s charitable work, including a remarkable veterans drive that collected more than 1,600 handmade and donated items, as well as ongoing donations of blankets and other items to veterans, shelters, and those in need.This heartfelt episode reminds us that community can be built one stitch, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Many Voices. One Community on hmTv, host Gaitley Stevenson Mathews welcomes Dr. Gina Florio, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Molloy University, for a thoughtful conversation about education, leadership, mentorship, and the lasting value of a liberal arts foundation.Dr. Florio shares her personal journey from growing up in Middle Village, Queens, to discovering her passion for laboratory-based chemistry at Vassar College, continuing her academic path through Purdue University and Columbia University, and ultimately dedicating her career to higher education. She reflects on the professor who helped change the trajectory of her life and how that experience continues to inspire her work with students today.Together, Gaitley and Dr. Florio explore the deep connection between science and the arts, the importance of curiosity and creativity, and the role of educators in helping students find confidence, purpose, and direction. They also discuss Molloy University’s commitment to service, community, ethical leadership, first-generation students, and the changing needs of Long Island’s diverse student population.This inspiring conversation reminds us that education is not only about acquiring knowledge. It is about building character, strengthening community, and preparing students to serve the greater good.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Disrupting Hate on hmTv, host Ken Schachter welcomes William G. Holst, former assistant county attorney in Suffolk County, longtime member of the Smithtown Anti-Bias Task Force, and author of Bicentennial Trifecta. Together, they explore how bias and hate can surface even in communities that see themselves as welcoming, and why early education is essential in preventing hate from taking root.Holst reflects on the origins of the Smithtown Anti-Bias Task Force, created after swastikas were found on a high school graduation field in Commack, and discusses the importance of school-based programs, bias-free zones, community partnerships, and helping young people understand that hateful acts are not harmless pranks, but deeply damaging messages. The conversation also touches on the changing diversity of Long Island, the challenge of proving intent in hate crime cases, and the ongoing need for local action, awareness, and education.The episode concludes with a look at Holst’s background in journalism, law, military service, and his historical fiction novel Bicentennial Trifecta, which follows an Army journalist during America’s Bicentennial year.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 608: The Dana Download with Dana Arschin and Guest Rhonda Fink-Whitman on hmTvIn this episode of The Dana Download, host Dana Arschin welcomes author, educator, and Holocaust education advocate Rhonda Fink-Whitman for a powerful conversation about memory, responsibility, and action.Rhonda, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, shares the story behind her book 94 Maidens, which tells the true story of her mother’s survival and Rhonda’s journey to uncover sealed Nazi documents about her family’s fate. She also discusses her graphic novel, Daughters of the Holocaust, which reimagines daughters of survivors as modern-day fighters against antisemitism and Holocaust denial.The conversation also explores Rhonda’s years of advocacy for mandatory Holocaust education, including her viral “Mandate Video,” her role in helping advance Holocaust education legislation across multiple states, and her current efforts to strengthen Holocaust education requirements in Pennsylvania.Through personal family history, educational activism, and an urgent call to preserve memory, this episode reminds listeners why Holocaust education must not be optional and why the responsibility to teach future generations belongs to all of us.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen and Guest Kim Hadar on hmTvIn this episode of The Israeli Bond, host Gal Swisa Cohen welcomes Kim Hadar, an Israeli Shinshin serving with the Long Island delegation through the Randy Wolff-Malinsky Center for Israel at Sid Jacobson JCC.Kim shares what it means to take a year of service before joining the Israel Defense Forces, and how her role on Long Island has allowed her to build meaningful bridges between Israel and the Jewish community in America. Through preschool visits, teen programs, adult education, host families, and everyday personal connections, Kim describes the powerful impact of simply showing up as “a friend from Israel.”The conversation also explores the emotional challenges of living far from home, the deep values of service and responsibility she learned from her family, and her decision to pursue combat service in the IDF as a young Israeli woman. Kim speaks movingly about her late brother Tom, a former combat soldier, and how his memory continues to inspire her sense of courage, purpose, and commitment.This heartfelt episode offers a personal look at Israeli youth, Jewish identity, diaspora connection, and the enduring bond between Israel and Jewish communities around the world.Support the show

Send us Fan MailInfluential Origins with Alan MindelGuest: Jake Blumencranz — Part 3hmTv at HMTCIn Part 3 of Influential Origins, host Alan Mindel concludes his conversation with Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz with a powerful discussion about America, constitutional freedoms, redistricting, political extremism, free speech, media responsibility, and the future of civic life.Alan opens with a personal story about his Holocaust survivor father’s deep love for America, despite its flaws, and the belief that the United States remains the greatest nation on earth because of its Constitution, protections, and ongoing struggle to form a more perfect union. Jake reflects on the importance of protecting both the federal and New York State constitutions, especially as debates over redistricting and gerrymandering threaten the principle that voters should choose their representatives — not the other way around.The conversation explores how safe political districts empower the extremes, weaken the center, and reduce the voice of ordinary voters. Alan and Jake discuss the danger of losing centrist leadership, the rise of far-left and far-right movements, and the way antisemitism and anti-Israel rhetoric have become common ground for political extremists on both sides.They also examine the meaning of free speech, freedom of religion, and public safety in a time when intimidation, blocked roads, online threats, and masked harassment are often defended as expression. Jake emphasizes the need to enforce existing laws, protect houses of worship, adopt clear definitions of antisemitism, and make sure communities can live peacefully and safely.The episode closes with a timely conversation about propaganda, social media, the decline of traditional journalism, misinformation, bot farms, foreign influence, and the need to adapt to a new communications battlefield. Rather than longing for the past, Jake argues that communities must learn to fight for truth in the world as it exists today.This final part of the conversation is a compelling call for civic responsibility, constitutional integrity, moral clarity, and renewed participation by the “missing middle” in American public life.Support the show

Send us Fan MailInfluential Origins with Alan MindelGuest: Jake Blumencranz — Part 2hmTv at HMTCIn Part 2 of Influential Origins, host Alan Mindel continues his conversation with Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, focusing on the growing challenges facing New York, the future of families and businesses in the state, and the alarming rise of antisemitism in public life, education, and civic spaces.Alan and Jake discuss whether the next generation will be able to build a future in New York, as families confront rising costs, population stagnation, political dysfunction, and questions about safety and belonging. Jake reflects on his belief that New York remains one of the greatest places to live, but warns that poor policy decisions are weakening the state’s promise.The conversation turns deeply toward the Jewish community’s experience in New York today, including hate crimes, campus antisemitism, the Columbia University protests, and the failure of institutions and prosecutors to enforce laws equally. Jake explains the difference between “the streets” and “the dinner table” — the need to address public intimidation and violence through law enforcement while also confronting the deeper narratives being shaped in schools, online spaces, and community conversations.Alan and Jake also explore Holocaust education, the misuse of language such as “genocide,” the blurring of moral clarity, and the growing attempts to distort Jewish history by recasting Jews as oppressors rather than as a historically targeted minority. They discuss why accurate Holocaust education remains essential, especially as younger generations are increasingly exposed to misinformation and dangerous ideological framing.This episode is a frank and urgent conversation about antisemitism, public safety, education, leadership, and the responsibility of elected officials and community leaders to protect truth, law, and the future of New York.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 604 — Influential Origins with Alan MindelGuest: Jake Blumencranz — Part 1hmTv at HMTCIn this episode of Influential Origins, host Alan Mindel sits down with Jake Blumencranz for a thoughtful conversation about family legacy, public service, education, identity, and leadership.Jake shares the multigenerational story of his family’s business roots, beginning with Lafayette Metal and Glass and evolving into a nearly century-long legacy in the insurance industry through NFP, an Aon company. He reflects on the influence of his grandfather’s philanthropy, including his longtime role in helping shape Northwell Health, and his father’s commitment to public safety through the Nassau County Police Foundation.The conversation also explores Jake’s own journey growing up in Jericho, Long Island, his experience as a student with dyslexia and dyscalculia, and how those early challenges shaped his advocacy for children with learning differences. Jake discusses his education at Rice University and the London School of Economics, where his studies in public policy, religion, real estate, urban planning, and economic development helped shape the way he views communities, policy, and social change.Alan and Jake also reflect on the impact of COVID-19, the divisions it exposed, the challenges facing New York, and Jake’s path into public service. As a member of the New York State Assembly, Jake discusses the importance of bipartisan work, common-sense leadership, and finding ways to deliver meaningful policy results even in a highly partisan environment.This first part of the conversation offers an insightful look into the origins of Jake Blumencranz’s values, leadership, and commitment to serving Long Island and New York State.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen and guest Ofek RonIn this episode of The Israeli Bond on hmTv, host Gal Swisa Cohen welcomes Ofek Ron, co-founder and CEO of Oshi, a pioneering Israeli food-tech company creating plant-based whole-cut fish fillets.Ofek shares his journey from animal advocacy to entrepreneurship, explaining why he chose to focus on fish, one of the most over-harvested animals on the planet, and how Oshi is working to redefine the seafood industry with products that look, feel, and taste like real fish.The conversation also explores the Israeli startup mindset, resilience under pressure, and how Ofek’s military service helped prepare him for the uncertainty of building a company. He shares the extraordinary story of launching Oshi in the United States while serving in the IDF after October 7th, managing investor calls from the field, and leading his team through one of the most difficult moments in Israel’s history.Gal and Ofek discuss the impact of October 7th on Israeli businesses, the challenges and support Oshi has experienced in the U.S., the company’s expansion into restaurants and retail stores, and its plans to launch in Israel. Ofek also explains Oshi’s crowdfunding campaign, which allows everyday people to invest in the company and become part of its mission.To learn more about Oshi, visit: www.oshi.comTo explore the crowdfunding campaign, visit: wefunder.com/oshiSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this moving episode of Raised by Survivors, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with Silvia Fishbaum, a descendant of Holocaust survivors, to explore memory, identity, art, and the responsibility of carrying history forward.Silvia reflects on growing up Jewish in postwar communist Czechoslovakia, the silence surrounding her father’s wartime experiences, and her eventual escape to the United States in 1979. She shares powerful memories of her father, who survived forced labor in Hungary, and speaks about the lasting impact of being raised in the shadow of Holocaust trauma.A central part of the conversation focuses on Silvia’s beloved art teacher, Holocaust survivor Ludovít Feld, a gifted artist and dwarf from Košice who was forced by Josef Mengele to draw his experiments in Auschwitz. Silvia discusses Feld’s extraordinary humanity, his haunting artwork, and the exhibit she brought to HMTC 14 years ago, which helped preserve his legacy and educate others through the emotional power of art.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this thought-provoking episode of The Butterfly Effect, hosts Gilad Avrahami and Bernie Furshpan explore the ethical implications of the multiverse and what the idea of endless possibilities can teach us about choice, responsibility, hope, and human connection.Together, they unpack how concepts from physics, philosophy, consciousness, and imagination can help us better understand the impact of our thoughts and actions. From parallel possibilities and time travel stories to prayer, hope, collective consciousness, and the power of positive vision, the conversation moves beyond science fiction into the deeply human question of how we shape the world around us.Gilad and Bernie also connect these ideas to the lessons of the Holocaust, resilience, antisemitism, and the responsibility to remain hopeful even in difficult times. They reflect on how envisioning a better future is not passive optimism, but an ethical act — one that can inspire courage, action, and the collective will to push back against hate.This episode is a reminder that every choice matters, every thought has power, and every act of hope can create a ripple far beyond what we can see.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful milestone episode of Unmasked. Unfiltered. Unapologetic., host Bali Lerner sits down with author, peace activist, and mental health professional Mustapha Ezzarghani for a courageous and deeply honest conversation about identity, propaganda, antisemitism, and the urgent need for education.Born and raised in Marrakesh, Morocco, Mustapha shares how his early memories of Jewish neighbors and Moroccan Jewish history were later challenged by the powerful influence of Middle Eastern media, particularly Al Jazeera. He reflects on how propaganda can shape young minds, distort truth, and build entire identities around hatred of Israel and Jews.Together, Bali and Mustapha explore the aftermath of October 7th, the dangers of radicalization, the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, the misuse of democratic freedoms, and the importance of teaching facts over fiction. They also discuss the need for Arabic-language education about Jewish history, Israeli society, and the shared future that becomes possible when people choose truth, dignity, and bridge-building over blame and destruction.This episode is a call for moral courage, honest education, and the refusal to let hate define who we are.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of Ordinary Heroes, host Bernie Furshpan welcomes legendary comedian, actor, singer, writer, and storyteller Robert Klein for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, Jewish identity, history, memory, antisemitism, and the fragile state of democracy.Robert reflects on growing up in the Bronx as the son of Frieda and Benjamin Klein and the grandson of Hungarian Jewish immigrants. He shares how his early experiences in the Catskills introduced him to live stand-up comedy and to Holocaust survivors whose stories left a lasting impression on him.The conversation turns deeply historical as Robert discusses his extensive reading of Nuremberg testimony, the dangers of propaganda, the “Jewish problem” language used by antisemites, and the way ordinary people can be manipulated into silence, complicity, or cruelty. Bernie and Robert also explore the lessons of the Holocaust, the importance of museums and education, the rise of modern antisemitism, and the dangerous speed at which misinformation spreads today.With honesty, humor, and remarkable historical insight, Robert Klein reminds us that comedy can reveal truth, history must be remembered, and silence in the face of hate is never an option.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this deeply personal episode of Raised by Survivors, host Bernie Furshpan welcomes longtime friend Carla Wirth for a moving conversation about legacy, inherited trauma, memory, and the sacred responsibility of keeping survivor stories alive.Carla shares the story of her father, a Holocaust survivor who was taken into the camps as a young teenager and survived Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. She reflects on growing up as the child of a survivor, the anxiety and survival instincts that shaped her childhood, and the emotional weight of carrying a story that was not originally hers — but became her duty to preserve.Together, Bernie and Carla discuss what it means to be 2G, the ways trauma can echo through generations, and how food, family rituals, faith, and artifacts connect children of survivors to the world their parents lost. Carla also shares treasured items from her father’s life, including Holocaust-era memorabilia, speeches, letters, medals, and the powerful story of a shofar connected to Bergen-Belsen.The conversation also turns to today’s rise in antisemitism, the danger of silence, and the urgent need to educate future generations before hate becomes normalized. Through grief, memory, humor, and cautious hope, this episode reminds us that survivor stories are not only history — they are warnings, responsibilities, and calls to conscience.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Putting the Brakes on Bullying, host Samantha Sosnik welcomes Jeanine Driscoll, Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes and candidate for New York’s 4th Congressional District, for a thoughtful conversation about public service, leadership, family, bullying, and standing up for others.Jeanine shares how her work helping Nassau County residents understand tax exemptions, assessment appeals, and financial resources has deepened her commitment to serving the community. She reflects on the importance of listening to people, especially seniors, veterans, working families, and those who feel unheard.Samantha and Jeanine also discuss the emotional impact of bullying, the responsibility of parents and schools, and the need to protect children and vulnerable communities. The conversation expands into the rise of antisemitism, the importance of speaking out against hate, and why kindness, education, and moral courage must begin at home.This episode is a reminder that leadership is not only about policy — it is about compassion, listening, service, and choosing to be an upstander when others need support.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 596: It’s All About the Children with Carin & Sami Guest: Miss Israel Melanie Shiraz, Part 2 | hmTv at HMTCIn Part 2 of this powerful conversation, hosts Carin and Sami continue their discussion with Miss Israel Melanie Shiraz about identity, critical thinking, social media, antisemitism, and the challenges facing young people today.Melanie speaks honestly about the dangers of receiving information without questioning it, especially in a world shaped by algorithms, AI, propaganda, and online narratives designed to influence emotions and beliefs. Drawing from her experience as a data scientist, advocate, and public voice for Israel, she encourages young people to think critically, ask deeper questions, and resist the pressure to accept oversimplified good-versus-bad narratives.The conversation also explores the rise of anti-Zionism, the normalization of hateful language, and the importance of standing proudly in one’s identity. Melanie reminds listeners that strength comes from knowing who you are, staying grounded in your values, and refusing to shrink yourself to make others comfortable.Despite the seriousness of the topics, the episode ends with a message of hope: there are still people choosing dialogue, coexistence, courage, and humanity. As Melanie says, a small candle can light up a very dark room — and young people can become that light. Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 595: It’s All About the Children with Carin & Sami Guest: Melanie Shiraz, Part 1 | hmTv at HMTCIn this powerful first part of It’s All About the Children, hosts Carin and Sami welcome Melanie Shiraz, data scientist, entrepreneur, advocate, and reigning Miss Israel, for an honest conversation about identity, resilience, leadership, and the responsibility young people have in shaping a better world.Melanie shares how her Israeli identity, Jewish pride, and deep sense of community helped her stand strong through challenges, including campus hostility, public scrutiny, and the pressures of representing Israel on the world stage. Together, Carin, Sami, and Melanie explore the dangers of black-and-white thinking, the importance of teaching children to know who they are, and how culture, family, and community can give young people the strength to resist hate and social pressure.The conversation also turns to social media, where Melanie offers insight from her background as a data scientist, warning about algorithms, propaganda, comparison, and the way online platforms can profit from anger and division. Sami adds a moving reflection on the power of words and images, reminding young people that words can inspire, but they can also wound in ways that cannot easily be taken back.This episode is a thoughtful and timely discussion about pride, coexistence, critical thinking, and helping children become grounded, compassionate future leaders. Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 594: The Fog of War and Humanity with Rich Acritelli and David DePinto, Part 3In Part 3 of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv, host Rich Acritelli concludes his conversation with David DePinto, Smithtown attorney, military history enthusiast, and creator of a detailed Omaha Beach D-Day diorama.David and Rich explore the chaos of D-Day, the failure of many pre-invasion plans, the brutal German defenses of the Atlantic Wall, and the extraordinary courage it took for American soldiers to break through at Omaha Beach. David also discusses the process of building and expanding his museum-quality Normandy diorama, the role of modeling, research, and inspiration, and how historical displays can spark curiosity in younger generations.The conversation also moves into the importance of preserving World War II memory, Holocaust education, local military museums, and the books, stories, and personal friendships that keep history alive. It is a thoughtful closing episode about sacrifice, creativity, remembrance, and why history must be placed directly into the hands of the next generation. Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 593: The Fog of War and Humanity with Rich Acritelli and David DePinto, Part 2In Part 2 of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv, host Rich Acritelli continues his conversation with David DePinto, a Smithtown attorney, military history enthusiast, and creator of a detailed Omaha Beach D-Day diorama.Recorded on June 6, the anniversary of D-Day, David shares what inspired him to build his Normandy display, including his lifelong interest in modeling, his family’s military legacy, and the powerful stories he heard from members of the Greatest Generation through his elder law practice. A major influence was Eugene Reichenthal, a Jewish veteran of the 101st Airborne who served on D-Day, in Operation Market Garden, and at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge.Rich and David also discuss Eisenhower, Rommel, the Atlantic Wall, Omaha Beach, Saving Private Ryan, and the brutal realities faced by American troops as they came ashore on June 6, 1944. This episode is a vivid reflection on history, sacrifice, memory, and the importance of preserving the stories of those who lived through war. Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 592: The Fog of War and Humanity with Rich Acritelli and David DePinto, Part 1In Part 1 of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv, host Rich Acritelli welcomes David DePinto, a Smithtown attorney with a deep personal connection to military history.Recorded on D-Day, June 6, this episode begins with David’s Long Island upbringing in North Bellmore and North Babylon, his family’s remarkable military legacy, and the stories that shaped his lifelong interest in World War II history. David shares memories of his Civil War ancestor and Medal of Honor recipient Horatio Nelson Young, his uncle’s service at Pearl Harbor and across the Pacific, and how growing up around veterans influenced his passion for history.The conversation also explores David’s personal journey from a blue-collar childhood and night school to becoming a successful attorney, highlighting perseverance, work ethic, humility, and the importance of remembering the generations who served. Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 591: The Fog of War and Humanity with Rich Acritelli and Montgomery “Monty” Granger, Part 3In Part 3 of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv, host Rich Acritelli concludes his powerful conversation with Montgomery “Monty” Granger, former U.S. Army officer, author, educator, and veteran of detainee operations during the War on Terror.Monty reflects on the highly specialized world of military detention, the importance of humanity in wartime, and the moral injuries many veterans carry long after deployment. He shares deeply personal experiences from Iraq, discusses PTSD, veteran suicide, family sacrifice, and the role his wife and children played throughout his service.The episode also connects Monty’s story to broader military history, including D-Day, Saving Private Ryan, and the sacrifices made by generations of service members. It is a candid and emotional conversation about war, memory, duty, trauma, and the human cost behind military service. Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 590: The Fog of War and Humanity with Rich Acritelli and Montgomery “Monty” Granger, Part 2In Part 2 of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv, host Rich Acritelli continues his powerful conversation with Montgomery “Monty” Granger, former U.S. Army officer, author, and educator.Monty shares firsthand insight into detainee operations during the War on Terror, including his time at Guantanamo Bay and later at Abu Ghraib in Iraq. He discusses the dangers faced by military police, the realities of contraband, hunger and thirst strikes, medical responsibilities, and the strict procedures required to protect both guards and detainees.This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at military detention operations, the Geneva Conventions, media narratives, and the difficult human and moral challenges that exist within the fog of war. Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 589: The Fog of War and Humanity with Rich Acritelli and Montgomery “Monty” Granger, Part 1In this episode of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv, host Rich Acritelli welcomes back Montgomery “Monty” Granger, former U.S. Army officer, author, educator, and expert in detainee operations during the War on Terror.Monty shares his firsthand experience with enemy prisoner of war operations, the Geneva Conventions, Guantanamo Bay, and the complex responsibilities of caring for and securing detainees after 9/11. Rich and Monty also reflect on the legacy of the Gulf War, the impact of 9/11 on Long Island communities, and the importance of preserving military history for younger generations.This powerful conversation explores the difficult realities behind modern warfare, military responsibility, and the human obligations that remain even in the fog of war.Support the show

Send us Fan MailPodcast Description — Legacy Chronicles, Ep. 588In this episode of Legacy Chronicles on hmTv, host Zachary Graulich sits down with Dr. Jonathan Hammel, physician, novelist, and author of The Jewish Hospital. Dr. Hammel shares the remarkable story behind his historical fiction novel, inspired by his grandmother Gerda Haas, a nurse in Berlin’s Jewish Hospital during World War II.Through family testimony, USC Shoah Foundation interviews, and years of research, Dr. Hammel uncovered powerful details about his grandmother’s experiences, the ethical dilemmas faced by Jewish doctors and nurses under Nazi rule, and the extraordinary humanity shown in a place caught between healing, confinement, and deportation.The conversation explores Holocaust memory, family legacy, bioethics, medical responsibility, and the importance of carrying survivor stories forward for future generations. Dr. Hammel also reflects on how writing the book deepened his understanding of decision-making under pressure and how lessons from the Holocaust continue to speak to medicine, education, and humanity today. Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Ordinary Heroes, host Bernie Furshpan welcomes Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena for a meaningful conversation about public service, community leadership, and the everyday work of improving lives.Supervisor DeSena shares her journey from attorney and volunteer to elected leader, reflecting on how saying “yes” to service opened the door to helping families, seniors, young people, small businesses, and diverse communities across North Hempstead. She discusses the importance of presence, transparency, responsible government, quality of life, senior support, parks, public health programs, infrastructure improvements, and cultural connection.Together, Bernie and Supervisor DeSena explore the role of education in preventing hate, the importance of Holocaust remembrance, the danger of distorted history, and the need to build bridges across faiths, cultures, and neighborhoods. Their conversation also touches on October 7th, antisemitism, youth isolation, social media, volunteering, and the power of the arts and music to bring people together.At its heart, this episode is about leadership rooted in service, empathy, and hope. Supervisor DeSena reminds us that government can be noble when it stays close to people, listens carefully, and works every day to make communities stronger.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 586 of Legacy Chronicles: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future, host Donna Rosenblum welcomes author Silvia Fishbaum, whose powerful book Dirty Jewish tells a deeply personal story of survival, identity, courage, and legacy.Silvia shares the story of her parents, both Holocaust survivors, including her mother’s survival of Auschwitz and her father’s experience in forced labor in Hungary. She reflects on growing up Jewish in postwar Czechoslovakia, facing antisemitism as a child, and developing an unshakable dream of freedom that eventually led her to the United States.The conversation also explores Silvia’s remarkable mission to preserve the legacy of her former art teacher, Ľudovít Feld, a gifted Jewish artist and Auschwitz survivor who was forced to create artwork for Dr. Josef Mengele. Through determination, research, writing, and advocacy, Silvia helped bring Feld’s story and artwork back into public memory, ultimately helping establish a cultural center and gallery in his honor in Košice, Slovakia.At a time when antisemitism is again rising around the world, Silvia and Donna discuss the urgent power of Holocaust education, art, testimony, and personal responsibility. Silvia’s message is clear: one person can make a difference, and one story can grow into a field of memory, education, and hope. Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 585, Raised by Survivors with Bernie Furshpan and guest Marisa Fox on hmTvIn this powerful episode of Raised by Survivors, host Bernie Furshpan speaks with journalist and filmmaker Marisa Fox, director of the acclaimed documentary My Underground Mother. The film follows Marisa’s deeply personal investigation into the hidden life of her mother, Tamar, who claimed she was never a Holocaust victim, only a hero of the Jewish underground and Israel’s War of Independence.Through years of research across archives, survivor testimonies, and family secrets, Marisa uncovered a far more complex and painful truth involving identity, survival, secrecy, women’s slave labor camps, sexual trauma, resistance, and the emotional cost of silence in families of Holocaust survivors.Bernie and Marisa explore the shared experiences of second-generation survivors, the unanswered questions children often carry, and why so many women’s stories from the Holocaust remained hidden for decades. This moving conversation shines a light on courage, memory, trauma, truth, and the urgent responsibility to bring untold stories out of the darkness.My Underground Mother is currently appearing at festivals, museums, and special screenings. Learn more at myundergroundmother.com.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 584: The Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa CohenGuest: Bernie Furshpan hmTvIn this meaningful episode of The Israeli Bond, host Gal Swisa Cohen welcomes Bernie Furshpan for a personal and inspiring conversation about identity, Israel, resilience, and the power of hope.Born in Jaffa and raised in Brooklyn, Bernie shares his lifelong connection to Israel, his journey through many careers, and how his father’s survival of the Holocaust shaped his courage to keep saying yes to new possibilities. The conversation then turns to A Day of Hope, a powerful event Bernie helped create at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance on December 22.Bernie describes how music, dance, and the arts can heal, unite, and reveal the true spirit of coexistence in Israel. Through Jewish, Muslim, Druze, Christian, and international students performing together, the academy became a living example of what hope looks like in action.The episode also explores the making of the documentary The Making of Day of Hope, which captures the love, planning, collaboration, and emotional impact behind this extraordinary event. At its heart, this conversation is a reminder that Israel’s national anthem is called Hatikvah, “The Hope,” and that even in difficult times, hope remains one of Israel’s greatest strengths.A moving episode about homeland, humanity, resilience, and the healing language of the arts. Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp 583: The Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen and guest Eyal Eshel on hmTvIn this powerful and deeply emotional episode of The Israeli Bond on hmTv, host Gal Swisa Cohen sits down with Eyal Eshel, father of Roni Eshel, an IDF observer who was killed on October 7.Eyal shares Roni’s story, from her joyful childhood and unforgettable smile to her service as an observer at Nahal Oz, where she served as one of Israel’s eyes along the Gaza border. He speaks openly about the warnings Roni shared before October 7, the final messages sent from the command room, the 34 agonizing days when she was listed as missing, and the painful journey toward identifying and honoring her memory.The conversation also explores Eyal’s mission after tragedy: demanding accountability, preserving Roni’s legacy, and building a living memorial park filled with children, fruit trees, nature, and smiles, reflecting the spirit of the daughter he continues to carry with him every day.This episode is a moving tribute to courage, memory, responsibility, and the enduring love of a father determined that Roni’s story, and the stories of all those lost on October 7, will never be forgotten. Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 582, Part 2 of Raised by Survivors on hmTv, host Bernie Furshpan continues his powerful conversation with Jake Ehrenreich, acclaimed actor, musician, playwright, author of A Jew Grows in Brooklyn, and proud son of Holocaust survivors.Building on the warmth and humor of Part 1, Bernie and Jake turn to the urgent rise of antisemitism in New York City and beyond. Together, they explore Jewish identity, Zionism, Israel, political division, media influence, social media misinformation, and the painful reality that many Jews today feel afraid to openly express who they are.Jake reflects on the lessons of his survivor parents, the importance of protecting Jewish communities, and the need for courage, honesty, and unity in a divided time. Bernie and Jake also discuss the responsibility to question, think independently, resist hatred, and recognize when criticism crosses into demonization and intimidation.At its heart, this episode is about memory, self-defense, pride, hope, and the human responsibility to stand against hate. It is a timely and deeply personal conversation about what it means to be raised by survivors, and what it means to carry that legacy forward with strength, humor, and humanity. Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 581, Part 1 of Raised by Survivors on hmTv, host Bernie Furshpan welcomes Jake Ehrenreich, acclaimed actor, musician, playwright, author, and proud son of Holocaust survivors, for a heartfelt and humorous conversation about identity, memory, family, and resilience.Jake reflects on his beloved autobiographical work, A Jew Grows in Brooklyn, sharing how his one-man show and book grew out of his experience as the child of survivors growing up between Brooklyn and the Catskills. He and Bernie discuss the unique world of survivor families, the Yiddish phrases, Eastern European food, music, humor, guilt, love, and cultural memories that shaped their childhoods.The conversation moves between laughter and deep emotion as Jake speaks about his parents’ survival, his mother’s grief, his father’s silence, and the power of storytelling to preserve what was almost lost. Together, Bernie and Jake explore how children of survivors carry history forward, not only through sorrow, but through humor, creativity, music, and a commitment to living fully.This episode is a warm, funny, and deeply meaningful tribute to Brooklyn, Jewish identity, Holocaust memory, and the enduring strength of the survivor family legacy. Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of Ordinary Heroes on hmTv, host Bernie Furshpan welcomes Robert Gryn to share the extraordinary story of his father, Tony Gryn, a young Polish Jew who became a courageous rescuer during the Holocaust.Born in Poland and later raised in Paris, Tony Gryn was a brilliant medical student at the Sorbonne when World War II changed the course of his life. After surviving imprisonment by the Germans, he joined a Zionist youth resistance network in France and helped smuggle hundreds of Jewish children across the border into Switzerland. Working under constant threat from the Gestapo and German patrols, Tony relied on courage, intelligence, forged documents, and the help of brave members of the French population, including clergy and local officials.Robert Gryn shares remarkable details from his father’s life, including Tony’s work creating thousands of false identity documents for Jews hiding in occupied France, his efforts to save children from deportation, and the lasting impact of his actions on generations of survivors and their descendants.This episode is a moving tribute to a man who never called himself a hero, but whose bravery, humility, and determination helped save countless lives.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp 579 Legacy Chronicles with Donna Rosenblum and guest Linda Houck on hmTvIn this heartfelt episode of Legacy Chronicles: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future on hmTv, host Donna Rosenblum welcomes Linda Houck for a moving conversation about family memory, survival, and the responsibility of the second generation. Linda shares the story of her parents, both from Vienna, whose lives were forever changed after the Anschluss. Her mother escaped to the United States, while her father endured imprisonment, escaped, and made his way to Zurich before eventually joining her in America. Linda also reflects on her extended family’s paths to New Zealand, Shanghai, Argentina, and the United States.As the youngest child and only daughter, Linda describes feeling like the family’s “memory keeper.” She speaks about growing up surrounded by German, Yiddish, survivor stories, and the lasting presence of Holocaust memory in her home. She also shares how this legacy influenced her 46-year career as a nurse, where she cared for many survivors with deep compassion.The conversation also highlights Linda’s connection to HMTC, the 2G community, survivor support, and the importance of preserving testimony as survivors age. This episode is a powerful reminder that every story matters, every voice deserves to be heard, and the work of remembrance must continue from one generation to the next.Support the show