hmTv at HMTC Podcasts Ep 441: The Israel Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen and guest Rick Lewis P2 on hmTv
The Israeli Bond (hmTv)
Episode 441 | Part 2 – Gal Swisa Cohen with Rick Lewis
In Part 2 of The Israeli Bond, host Gal Swisa Cohen continues her powerful conversation with Rick Lewis, CEO of the Mid-Island YJCC and the Suffolk YJCC. Moving beyond headlines and into lived experience, Rick explains why Jewish institutions today cannot afford silence and why visibility, pride, and community engagement have become essential leadership responsibilities.
Rick reflects on hosting the UJA Shine a Light gatherings during a period of fear and rising antisemitism, sharing why he insisted the message be clear: the Jewish community will not hide. He discusses security, public courage, and the balance between protecting families and preserving identity in difficult times.
The conversation also explores his recent leadership delegation visit to Israel after October 7. Seeing damaged homes, border communities, and the Nova site firsthand reshaped his understanding of Israel and deepened his personal connection to Judaism. Rick opens up about how those experiences affected his family life, his Shabbat practices, and his outlook on Jewish continuity in America.
Gal and Rick address a difficult reality: community engagement surged after October 7 but is already beginning to fade. They discuss memorialization efforts, the responsibility of Jewish institutions, and how education, participation, and simple acts of Jewish pride can sustain connection for the next generation.
Rick’s message to American Jews is straightforward: get involved, learn, ask questions, and show up. Jewish identity is strengthened not only in crisis, but in everyday participation.
A candid, thoughtful, and often personal discussion about leadership, memory, Israel, and what it means to remain visible and proud in uncertain times.