hmTv at HMTC Podcasts Ep 440: The Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen and guest Rick Lewis P1 on hmTv
Podcast Description – The Israeli Bond (hmTv)
Episode 440 – Rick Lewis (Part 1)
Host: Gal Swisa Cohen
In this compelling first installment of The Israeli Bond, host Gal Swisa Cohen sits down with veteran Jewish community leader Rick Lewis, CEO of the Mid-Island YJCC and Suffolk YJCC. After more than four decades in Jewish communal service, Rick has built a reputation as a turnaround specialist who strengthens institutions and builds welcoming communities. But the events of October 7th changed his role, and his voice, in ways he never expected.
Rick shares how the JCCs transitioned from quietly expressing Jewish identity to openly advocating for Israel, educating the broader public, and supporting the hostages and their families. He reflects on the difficult decision to risk membership and public criticism in order to stand on principle, and explains why he believes Jewish organizations must sometimes lead rather than remain neutral.
The conversation also explores the powerful local impact of Long Island hostage Omer Neutra, the meaning of community solidarity, and the creation of the Long Island Jewish Coalition, an effort to unite Jewish institutions during a moment of crisis.
This episode is a candid look at leadership under pressure, the responsibilities of communal institutions, and how one executive chose conviction over comfort. Stay tuned for Part 2, where the discussion continues into antisemitism today and how the community is responding.