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Send us Fan MailEp. 491: Voices of Diversity with Sherona Varulkar and guest Nissim ReubenIn this episode of Voices of Diversity on hmTv, host Sherona Varulkar sits down with Nissim Reuben, Assistant Director of the Asia Pacific Institute at the American Jewish Committee, for a fascinating conversation about identity, diplomacy, and the power of cross-cultural alliances.Nissim shares his personal journey as a member of India’s historic Bene Israel Jewish community and discusses his decades of work strengthening relationships between the United States, Israel, India, and Asian communities around the world. The conversation explores the remarkable history of Jews in India, a society where Jewish communities lived for centuries without experiencing antisemitism, as well as the growing influence of the Indian-American diaspora.Sherona and Nissim also discuss the importance of building partnerships between Jewish and Hindu communities, the impact of October 7 on global advocacy, and how cultural diplomacy, shared democratic values, and community engagement can help create lasting alliances.Through stories of heritage, diplomacy, and collaboration, this episode highlights how dialogue and mutual respect can bridge cultures and strengthen the global fight against hatred and division.Subscribe to hmTv for more conversations that promote understanding, diversity, and a more hopeful future.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 490 of The Butterfly Effect on hmTv, hosts Gilad Avrahami and Bernie Furshpan explore the powerful concept of critical mass and how individual actions, when multiplied through groups, can shape culture, influence behavior, and even alter the course of history.Using the simple act of applause as a starting point, Gilad and Bernie unpack why people are often hesitant to act alone, yet quickly join in once others begin. From clapping in a theater to standing ovations, social movements, political participation, and the spread of ideas, they examine how human beings are deeply influenced by the behavior of those around them.The conversation moves into deeper territory as they connect critical mass to propaganda, celebrity influence, group mentality, democratic institutions, and the dangers of following a movement without questioning its values or consequences. Through the lens of Holocaust education, they reflect on how large-scale atrocities become possible when too many people stop thinking critically and simply follow the crowd.This episode is a thought-provoking reminder that every person plays a role in the chain reactions that shape society. Whether by speaking up, staying silent, joining in, or standing apart, our choices matter.Tune in for a compelling discussion about influence, responsibility, courage, and the power of collective action to build or disrupt the world around us.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 489 of Unmasked. Unfiltered. Unapologetic. on hmTv, host Bali Lerner, Executive Director of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, welcomes Maya Bentwich for a powerful and urgent conversation from Israel.Maya, an Israeli advocate, former IDF officer, reservist, and high-tech professional, shares her firsthand perspective on life in Israel since October 7, the reality of living under constant threat, and the emotional toll of repeated sirens, shelter runs, and ongoing reserve duty for loved ones on the front lines. She reflects on her work in the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, where she guided world leaders and public figures through the devastated communities attacked on October 7 and became a leading voice in the fight against misinformation and propaganda.Together, Bali and Maya discuss the deeper meaning of Zionism, the danger of social media-driven indoctrination, the persistence of antisemitism in new forms, and the importance of standing proudly and truthfully in defense of Israel and Jewish identity. They also explore Israel’s democratic values, its diversity, its role as a global leader in innovation, and the responsibility of Jews and allies in the diaspora to speak up, share facts, and challenge lies.This episode is a passionate call to action and a reminder that the battle for truth is not only fought on the battlefield, but in classrooms, on campuses, online, and in everyday conversations.Tune in for a fearless, fact-based, and deeply moving discussion about resilience, advocacy, identity, and the urgent need to confront hatred with courage and clarity.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 487 of Education in Motion on hmTv, host Zachary Graulich, Assistant Director of Education at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, sits down with Dr. Janet Brill, bestselling author and researcher, for a powerful conversation about memory, resilience, and the responsibility to bear witness.Dr. Brill shares the extraordinary story behind her book Little Edna’s War, which recounts the remarkable survival of her mother-in-law, Edna. Born in Warsaw in 1934, Edna endured the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto, survived on the Aryan side under a false Catholic identity, and joined the Polish Home Army as a courier, fighting the Nazis at just nine years old.Drawing from extensive historical research and testimony recorded by the USC Shoah Foundation, Dr. Brill wrote the memoir in Edna’s voice to ensure that her story would never be lost.In this moving episode, Zachary and Janet explore the power of personal testimony in Holocaust education, the importance of confronting hate and indifference, and the responsibility of future generations to continue telling these stories. Through Edna’s remarkable courage and the life she built after the war, listeners are reminded that resilience, gratitude, and moral courage can shape history.Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about survival, legacy, and why remembering the past is essential to protecting the future.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 488 of Legacy Chronicles on hmTv, host Donna Rosenblum welcomes educator, author, and second-generation Holocaust survivor Elaine Culbertson for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation about family legacy, inherited trauma, and the responsibility to remember.Elaine reflects on her parents’ survival during the Holocaust, their lives in Poland, and the painful losses that shaped her family’s story. She shares what it was like growing up in a home shaped by Yiddish language, survivor memories, and the unspoken divide between life inside the house and the outside American world. Through moving stories from her childhood, Elaine offers powerful insight into the second-generation experience and the lasting impact of being raised by survivor parents.The conversation also explores Elaine’s path into Holocaust education, from her years as an English teacher in Philadelphia to her work helping develop Holocaust curriculum and her connection to the groundbreaking teachings of Vladka Meed. Together, Donna and Elaine discuss the importance of spiritual resistance, the persistence of antisemitism, and why Holocaust education remains as urgent as ever.This episode is a moving reminder that memory is not only about the past. It is a living legacy carried forward through stories, teaching, and the courage to speak.Tune in for an honest and powerful discussion about survival, identity, education, and the enduring responsibility to honor the past.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp 485: Ordinary Heroes with Bernie Furshpan and guest Vivace MaxvictorIn this powerful episode of Ordinary Heroes on hmTv, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with Vivace Maxvictor to explore an extraordinary story of resilience, healing, and transformation.Born into a Jewish family in Iran, Vivace grew up in an environment marked by fear, violence, and profound personal trauma. Despite these early hardships, she pursued a career in medicine and worked for twelve years as a surgical physician assistant. Yet professional success did not bring the fulfillment she longed for, prompting a deep personal reckoning about purpose, identity, and the true meaning of achievement.In this candid conversation, Vivace shares how she confronted painful memories, navigated periods of deep despair, and ultimately discovered the power of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and inner grace. She discusses the difference between post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth, the importance of validating pain without surrendering to it, and the idea that each of us carries a “treasure box” of potential waiting to be opened.Through honesty and reflection, Vivace offers an inspiring reminder that even the most difficult experiences can become the foundation for strength, purpose, and compassion.This episode of Ordinary Heroes is a moving testament to the human capacity to transform pain into power and to live authentically with courage and hope.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp 486Voices Illuminated with Judy Liman featuring Freida Rothman | hmTvIn this inspiring episode of Voices Illuminated on hmTv, host Judy Liman welcomes celebrated jewelry designer and entrepreneur Freida Rothman for a powerful conversation about creativity, identity, resilience, and purpose.Freida shares the remarkable story behind building her globally recognized luxury jewelry brand, rooted in her upbringing in Brooklyn and inspired by the vibrant spirit of New York City. She reflects on how her heritage, family values, and personal experiences shaped both her artistic vision and her commitment to empowering women.Throughout the conversation, Judy and Freida explore the intersection of art, culture, and perseverance, discussing the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of authenticity, and how meaningful design can tell stories that connect people across generations.This episode shines a light on how passion, courage, and creativity can transform ideas into impact while reminding us that the most powerful voices are those that stay true to who they are.A thoughtful and uplifting conversation about innovation, heritage, and the power of purpose.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 484 of Raised by Survivors on hmTv, host Bernie Furshpan welcomes his longtime friend Eti Znamirowski LeMoullec for a moving and deeply personal conversation about growing up as the daughter of two Holocaust survivors. Eti shares how Holocaust stories were part of everyday life in her home from her earliest memories, told not through fear, but through love, resilience, and the message that her parents had survived and built a family, making them the winners.Together, Bernie and Eti reflect on the values passed down by survivor parents, including gratitude, family devotion, hard work, optimism, tzedakah, and the importance of never taking anything for granted. Eti recounts remarkable stories of her parents’ survival, including her father’s escape from Auschwitz, his role helping refugees after the war, and the extraordinary way her parents’ lives became intertwined through fate and courage.The episode also explores how memory is carried forward across generations, the emotional impact of returning to Poland with survivor parents, and the lasting lessons young people can learn from those who endured unthinkable loss yet built lives rooted in love, generosity, and hope. With warmth, humor, and heartfelt remembrance, this episode is a tribute to survivor legacy and the enduring strength of family.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Part 2 of "Inheriting Memory," host Rebecca Saparacio continues her conversation with Degi Ruben, a third-generation Holocaust descendant. Degi shares how the legacy of her grandparents’ survival, as well as her mother’s experiences as a child of survivors, has shaped her worldview, sense of responsibility, and commitment to Jewish education. They discuss how inherited trauma can subtly shape parenting, why teaching the Holocaust in its specificity remains crucial, and what gives her hope for preserving this history. With a focus on embracing Judaism as a living, joyful experience, Degi offers a heartfelt message on how to combat hate by actively celebrating and passing down Jewish identity. This episode is an inspiring reflection on resilience, legacy, and the power of education.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp 482: Inheriting Memory (Part 1) Host: Rebecca Saparacio Guest: Degi RubenIn this episode of Inheriting Memory on hmTv, host Rebecca Saparacio speaks with Degi Ruben about what it means to grow up as a third-generation descendant of Holocaust survivors and how family history continues to shape identity across generations.Born in Israel and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Degi shares the story of her family’s journey, beginning with her mother, a second-generation daughter of Holocaust survivors, and the powerful legacy passed down through their family. She reflects on growing up in a household where the Holocaust was openly discussed yet woven naturally into everyday life.Degi recounts the remarkable stories of her grandparents, including her grandmother’s survival in a brutal slave labor camp where she courageously attempted to sabotage bullets being manufactured for the Nazi war effort. Through these stories, listeners gain insight into the resilience, courage, and determination that allowed survivors to rebuild their lives after the war.Part one of this conversation explores how memory is inherited through family stories, humor, openness, and education, and how these experiences shaped Degi’s understanding of history, identity, and responsibility.A thoughtful and moving discussion about generational memory, resilience, and the enduring impact of Holocaust history on families today.Support the show