hmTv at HMTC Podcasts

Send us Fan MailEp 328: The Israel iBond with Gal Swisa Cohen and Emily RahmilovIn this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of The Israel Bondi, host Gal Swisa Cohen sits down with Emily Rahmilov, a Shinshin from the Sid Jacobson JCC, whose life story spans the Caucasus, Ofakim, global Scout delegations, and now Long Island.Emily shares what it was like growing up in a city built by immigrant families, the challenges of living in Israel’s periphery, and how joining the Israeli Scouts opened doors she never imagined—from South Korea to an American summer camp in Oregon.Together, Gal and Emily explore the evolving relationship between Israeli and American Jews, the power of youth movements, the courage to step outside social “coolness,” and the responsibilities that come with choosing a year of service.It’s an inspiring, relatable conversation about identity, belonging, and the unbreakable bond between Israel and the Jewish diaspora—told through the voice of a young woman determined to build bridges that last.If you care about Israel, Jewish life, or the next generation of global leaders, this episode will stay with you long after the closing credits.Support the show

Send us Fan MailPodcast Description – Ep. 327 of The Dana DownloadGuest: Yoel Levy, The Jewish Fitness CoachIn this powerful and uplifting episode, Dana sits down with global fitness coach and marathon runner Yoel Levy, known to hundreds of thousands as The Jewish Fitness Coach. From running some of the toughest marathons in the world to honoring the memory of the Bibas family, Yoel has transformed his athletic journey into a mission of Jewish pride, resilience, and human connection.Dana and Yoel dive into his unexpected rise on social media, the backlash he faced when he proudly embraced his Jewish identity, and the motivation behind his emotional marathon runs in memory of Kfir and Ariel Bibas. Yoel opens up about his friendship with the family, the iconic Batman costume that’s become part of his message, and how thousands of people around the world now learn their story because of his footsteps.The conversation also explores Yoel’s fitness philosophy, the impact of walking on physical and mental health, navigating a social-media-driven world, and the powerful lessons he’s learned from his sister with Down syndrome.Inspiration, humanity, humor, heartbreak, and hope — it’s all here. Tune in and feel your spirit lift.Support the show

Send us Fan MailLegacy Chronicles – Episode 326: “Carrying the Legacy: A Second Generation Speaks” Hosted by Donna Rosenblum | Featuring Dinah Kramer Produced by the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center (hmTv)In this moving episode of Legacy Chronicles, host Donna Rosenblum sits down with Dinah Kramer, a second-generation Holocaust survivor, educator, and docent at the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center.Dinah shares the remarkable and heartbreaking story of her parents — both born in Kielce, Poland — who endured the horrors of Nazi persecution, slave labor, and loss, yet built a new life of resilience and family after the war.Through intimate reflections, Dinah opens up about what it was like growing up as the child of survivors — the silence, the unspoken trauma, and the lasting impact of inherited memory. From her father’s tattoo to her mother’s courage, Dinah recounts how those experiences shaped her own life and her commitment to Holocaust education.Now a dedicated docent and storyteller, Dinah has found meaning in keeping her parents’ voices alive — ensuring that future generations not only learn history, but feel its human weight.This episode is a powerful testament to remembrance, identity, and the enduring strength of the second generation.Listen to hear:The hidden struggles of growing up as a child of Holocaust survivorsHow trauma and resilience were passed through generationsThe importance of storytelling in Holocaust educationDinah’s journey from daughter to educator and legacy bearer🎧 Legacy Chronicles is a podcast from the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center (hmTv) — honoring the past, educating the present, and shaping a more tolerant future.Support the show

Send us Fan MailDisrupting Hate with Ken Schachter Guest: Scott Richman, Regional Director, ADL NY/NJ**In this unflinching episode of Disrupting Hate, host Ken Schachter sits down with Scott Richman, the Anti-Defamation League’s Regional Director for New York and New Jersey, for a wide-ranging conversation about the rising tide of antisemitism and extremist activity in America.Richman breaks down the ADL’s latest data—including the staggering 9,354 antisemitic incidents recorded in 2024, the highest number in U.S. history—and explains the rapid escalation after the October 7 attacks. He also addresses the politicization of hate, the controversy surrounding the ADL’s extremism glossary, and the organization’s challenge of “holding the center” in an increasingly polarized society.Ken and Scott examine social media’s role in fueling hate, the surge of incidents on college campuses, and the psychological whiplash experienced by students and administrators in the wake of global events. Richman also highlights the ADL’s proactive educational programs, from Echoes & Reflections to the nationwide No Place for Hate movement, which now reaches millions of students each year.This is a vital, deeply informative episode for anyone concerned about antisemitism, extremism, online hate, campus culture, and the future of civil discourse.Essential listening for educators, civic leaders, students, and anyone committed to disrupting hate—wherever it appears.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli Guest: Dani Koulermos**In this gripping and deeply human episode, host Richard Acritelli sits down with veteran and creative arts therapist Dani Koulermos, whose journey from Northport, NY to the battlefields of Korea—and ultimately into the fight against veteran suicide—reveals the unseen cost of service and the power of resilience.Dani shares the raw truth of her military experience: integrated MP training during the Global War on Terror, the harsh realities of Fort Drum and the DMZ, serious injuries from multiple Humvee rollovers, and the long, painful battle to rebuild a life after service with a newborn at her side. She opens up about PTSD, addiction, recovery, moral injury, and what it means to break generational cycles of trauma.The conversation then shifts to her renewed purpose. Dani recounts her emotional 50-mile march alongside Lt. Col. Chad Lennon to raise awareness for veteran suicide, the camaraderie that carried them through the night, and the urgency of building real community for veterans who feel isolated and forgotten.Today, Dani channels her experiences into creative arts therapy—using art, writing, and non-verbal storytelling to help veterans speak truths they cannot easily say.This is a powerful, unflinching look at service, struggle, and the humanity that binds veterans together long after the uniform comes off.A must-listen for anyone who cares about our veterans, mental health, and the fight to save lives.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEpisode 323 – History Repeats with Liam Carballal and Rich Acritelli (Part 2) In Part 2 of this deep-dive series, host Liam Carballal and historian Rich Acritelli turn their attention to two towering figures of American history—Abraham Lincoln and General George S. Patton—and the Hollywood films that shaped our modern understanding of them. From Daniel Day-Lewis’s haunting portrayal in Lincoln to George C. Scott’s explosive performance in Patton, the conversation breaks down what the films get right, what they embellish, and why these stories still carry so much weight. The episode explores political strategy, wartime leadership, personal flaws, battlefield psychology, and the relentless stress that ages presidents and generals long before their time. Blunt, engaging, and historically grounded, this installment challenges audiences to look past the mythmaking and confront the complex human beings behind America’s defining conflicts. Support the show

Send us Fan MailEpisode 322 – History Repeats with Liam Carballal and Rich Acritelli (Part 1) In this episode, Liam Carballal and historian Rich Acritelli dive into the powerful intersection of film, television, and real-world history. From Netflix’s Death by Lightning and the new Nuremberg film to the iconic trio of Band of Brothers, The Pacific, and Masters of the Air, the conversation unpacks how Hollywood interprets—and sometimes distorts—the past. Liam and Rich explore leadership, battle fatigue, the moral stakes of World War II, Holocaust representations, and the shifting landscape of historical storytelling on modern streaming platforms. With candid reflections, sharp analysis, and an educator’s eye for truth, this episode examines why these stories still matter and how they continue to shape our understanding of war, trauma, and the human condition. Support the show

Send us Fan MailOrdinary Heroes Ep. 320Guest: Jill Santiago, Director, Center for Social Justice & Human Understanding, Suffolk County Community CollegeIn this powerful episode of Ordinary Heroes, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with educator and advocate Jill Santiago, a fierce champion for Holocaust education, tolerance, and human dignity at Suffolk County Community College.Together, they explore the responsibility we share to confront rising hate, teach empathy through survivor testimony, and inspire young people to become upstanders in a world that desperately needs moral courage. From the importance of civic duty to the dangers of apathy, propaganda, and modern misinformation, this conversation connects history’s lessons to today’s urgent realities.Jill and Bernie remind us that while hatred spreads quickly, kindness and humanity can move faster when we choose to act. Ordinary people have always held the power to change history—and the next generation holds that power now.Listen, reflect, and feel inspired to do your part. Because extraordinary heroes aren’t born… they rise when the moment calls.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEpisode 321: Dr. Rick Lucash — Medicine, Memory, and Moral CourageIn this riveting episode, host Dana sits down with Dr. Rick Lucash — board-certified surgeon, artist, author, and husband of a second-generation Holocaust survivor — for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation about healing, legacy, and the responsibility to remember.Dr. Lucash shares how his medical career and artistic calling intersect with history, including his powerful portraits of Holocaust survivors and the profound influence of his wife's Auschwitz-survivor parents. He also recounts the remarkable story of his father, world-renowned medical examiner Dr. Leslie Lucash, who played a pivotal role in identifying the remains of Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele in Brazil.This episode explores resilience, moral leadership, the power of testimony, and how ordinary individuals can rise to moments of extraordinary purpose. It is a celebration of memory, humanity, and the quiet strength of those who carry history forward with dignity and truth.A moving conversation that honors the past and challenges all of us to stand up for what matters.Support the show

Send us Fan MailRaised by Survivors with Bernie Furshpan and Dr. Larry AltschulIn this compelling episode of Raised by Survivors, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with Dr. Larry Altschul, whose family escaped Austria at the moment history turned dark. Larry shares the remarkable story of his father, who recognized danger the day Hitler marched into Vienna, secured visas before the world closed its doors, and led his family across the Alps to safety. He later returned to Europe as a U.S. Army intelligence soldier to fight the very forces they fled.Larry’s story is one of clarity, courage, and moral conviction. From the childhood crush who survived bombings in London and tuberculosis before becoming Larry’s mother, to the deep values of gratitude and duty carried into the next generation, this conversation brings to life the choices that define survival and humanity.This episode reminds us that silence is dangerous, freedom is fragile, and ordinary people can make extraordinary decisions when they refuse to look away. It is a powerful testament to acting early, standing for what is right, and passing on compassion and strength to future generations.Support the show