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Ep 555: Inheriting Memory with Rebecca Sparacio and Guest Alex Teplish, Part 2 on hmTv

In Part 2 of Inheriting Memory, host Rebecca Sparacio continues her conversation with Alex Teplish, exploring how his grandparents’ Holocaust survival stories inspired a lifetime of education, advocacy, and remembrance.

Alex discusses the creation of his award-winning graphic novel, Survivor: Aron’s Story, which combines personal testimony with historical context to help readers understand one of the lesser-known chapters of the Holocaust. He shares how Romanian artists helped illustrate the book, how the project became a powerful learning experience for them as well, and why survivor testimony offers a human connection that facts alone cannot provide.

The conversation also highlights Alex’s virtual Holocaust museum, his multimedia presentations for students, educators, synagogues, churches, and interfaith groups, and the curriculum now being used to teach students about propaganda, eugenics, antisemitism, ghettos, camps, post-war trials, and human rights.

Alex also reflects on his volunteer work in Budapest assisting Ukrainian refugees, connecting his family’s own refugee story to his desire to help others in crisis. Through his grandparents’ legacy, Alex reminds us that Holocaust memory is not only Jewish history, but human history, and that vigilance, empathy, education, and action remain essential today.

Inheriting Memory is a production of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County on hmTv.

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Ep 554: Inheriting Memory with Rebecca Sparacio and Guest Alex Teplish, Part 1 on hmTv

In this powerful episode of Inheriting Memory, host Rebecca Sparacio speaks with Alex Teplish about growing up as a third-generation Holocaust survivor in a Russian-speaking Jewish family from Odessa, Ukraine.

Alex shares how his grandparents’ survival stories were woven into everyday family life, not through formal testimony at the dinner table, but through moments, memories, and fragments that helped shape his understanding of history, identity, resilience, and responsibility.

He reflects on his close relationship with his grandparents, their humor, their love of family, and their ability to celebrate life despite the unimaginable trauma they endured. Alex also recounts the harrowing story of his grandfather Aaron and grandmother Genya during the Holocaust, including their forced displacement from Odessa, the role of Romanian forces and local collaborators, life in ghettos and camps, the loss of family members, and the difficult return to a city where antisemitism still remained.

This conversation explores what it means to inherit memory, how trauma and resilience pass through generations, and why personal testimony remains essential in preserving Holocaust history.

Inheriting Memory is a production of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County on hmTv.

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In Part 2 of this powerful conversation on It’s All About the Children, host Carin Bail continues her discussion with Holocaust survivor, educator, and speaker Sami Steigman about Holocaust memory, education, antisemitism, and the urgent need to reach young people with truth and moral clarity.

Sami shares why he refuses to be defined by trauma, poverty, homelessness, or loss, emphasizing instead that he is defined by the choices he makes. His choice, he explains, is to live with purpose, happiness, and a commitment to leaving a legacy for future generations.

Together, Carin and Sami explore the difference between teaching and educating, the dangers of indoctrination, the importance of critical thinking, and the responsibility of schools, parents, leaders, and communities to protect young minds from hate and misinformation. They also discuss the need for unity, clear messaging, accurate Holocaust education, civil disagreement, personal responsibility, and stronger accountability when mandated education is not properly taught.

This episode is a direct and timely call to action: young people must learn history, understand the consequences of hatred, and be empowered to become part of the solution.

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Ep 552: It’s All About the Children with Carin Bail & Sami Steigman, Part 1 on hmTv

In this powerful episode of It’s All About the Children, host Carin Bail sits down with Holocaust survivor, educator, and speaker Sami Steigman for a deeply meaningful conversation about memory, education, resilience, and the responsibility of passing history to the next generation.

Sami reflects on his recent experience at the March of the Living in Poland, where he joined thousands of students and survivors from around the world in honoring the victims of the Holocaust. He shares the emotional significance of lighting the seventh torch, representing the rebirth of Israel, and explains why this moment became one of the great honors of his life.

Throughout the conversation, Sami emphasizes that teaching the Holocaust is not simply about remembering tragedy. It is about understanding how hate begins, how propaganda spreads, how bullying can grow into violence, and why silence allows evil to escalate. He speaks directly about the importance of educating young people early, encouraging critical thinking, and recognizing the warning signs of dehumanization and antisemitism.

This episode is a moving reminder that history must not only be remembered. It must be taught, understood, and used as a guide for moral courage today.

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Ep 551: Ordinary Heroes with Bernie Furshpan and Guest Mitchell Bickman on hmTv

What does it take to raise a generation that can recognize truth, reject hate, and choose empathy?

In this powerful episode of Ordinary Heroes, Bernie Furshpan sits down with Mitchell Bickman, Director of Social Studies K-12 for the Oceanside School District, for a timely conversation about Holocaust education, media literacy, antisemitism, and the role of schools in shaping informed, compassionate citizens.

Mitchell discusses why historical thinking skills such as sourcing, corroboration, perspective-taking, and lateral reading are no longer just classroom tools, but survival skills in an age of misinformation and polarization. He also shares how Oceanside’s Human Relations curriculum uses authentic experiences, survivor testimony, real-world connections, and Holocaust education to help students understand the human consequences of hate.

Together, Bernie and Mitchell explore the rise of antisemitism, the importance of empathy, the danger of silence, and why education remains one of the strongest antidotes to prejudice and intolerance. They also discuss how technology and AI can either weaken critical thinking or empower young people to become change agents for good.

At its heart, this episode is a call to action: teach history honestly, listen deeply, think critically, and never stay silent in the face of hate.

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Ep 550: Influential Origins

With Alan Mindel and guest Youssef Elazhari

What happens when curiosity replaces assumption—and a single journey reshapes everything you thought you knew?

In this compelling episode, Alan Mindel sits down with Youssef Elazhari, Moroccan AI researcher, entrepreneur, and Moroccan Affairs Director for Sharaka, to explore a deeply personal and eye-opening story of identity, history, and human connection.

Youssef shares his upbringing in Marrakesh, where Jewish and Muslim histories have long been intertwined, and how Morocco’s unique legacy of coexistence shaped his worldview. From his transformative experience studying in the United States to his unexpected trip to Israel following the Abraham Accords, Youssef takes us through the pivotal moments that challenged media narratives and redefined his understanding of the region.

At the heart of this conversation is a powerful idea: peace is not built by agreements alone—it is built by people. Through his work bringing delegations to Israel and Auschwitz, Youssef is helping foster dialogue, empathy, and a deeper understanding between cultures often divided by politics and perception.

This episode dives into:
 • The rich, multicultural history of Morocco and its Jewish heritage
 • The impact of the Abraham Accords on personal and regional relationships
 • The difference between “cold peace” and “warm peace”
 • Breaking down stereotypes through real human experiences
 • Why coexistence is not just possible—but necessary

Raw, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest, this conversation challenges assumptions and highlights the power of connection in a divided world.

Tune in for a perspective that bridges cultures, confronts narratives, and reminds us that understanding begins with listening.

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Ep 549: Raised by Survivors with Bernie Furshpan and guest Betty Pilnik on hmTv

What does it mean to inherit not just a story—but the emotions, fears, and resilience that come with it?

In this deeply personal episode of Raised by Survivors, Bernie Furshpan sits down with Betty Pilnik for a conversation that begins with a chance reunion—and unfolds into a powerful exploration of family, memory, and legacy.

Betty shares what it was like growing up surrounded by Holocaust survivors—her parents and all four grandparents—each carrying stories of survival from Bergen-Belsen, Siberia, and displaced persons camps. Through heartfelt moments and vivid memories, she reflects on the values passed down to her: resourcefulness, perseverance, and the unspoken weight of trauma.

In one of the most striking parts of the episode, Betty opens up about recurring, deeply detailed dreams in which she experiences the Holocaust herself—offering a raw and revealing look at intergenerational trauma and how it continues to shape lives today.

Together, Bernie and Betty explore the balance between resilience and pain, the responsibility of passing these stories forward, and the urgent need for education in a world where hate still persists.

This is more than a conversation—it’s a window into the lasting impact of survival, and a reminder that even generations later, the echoes of history still speak.

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Ep 548: The Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen & Emily Rahmilov

In this deeply moving episode of The Israeli Bond, Gal Swisa Cohen welcomes back Emily Rahmilov for a conversation that is as personal as it is unforgettable.

Emily shares her firsthand account of October 7th, 2023—waking to explosions in her hometown of Ofakim, racing against sirens with her family, and the terrifying moments that followed as terrorists infiltrated her neighborhood. What unfolds is a story of chaos, courage, and survival, as her father is shot multiple times while rescuing her sister, and her family faces hours of uncertainty, fear, and what felt like final goodbyes.

Through Emily’s voice, we hear not just one family’s story, but a powerful reminder of the human reality behind the headlines—the trauma, the resilience, and the miracles that emerge even in the darkest moments.

This episode is about memory, responsibility, and the urgency of sharing these stories so they are never forgotten.

Raw. Personal. Essential listening.

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Ep 547: The Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen and guest Arnie Herz

What does it mean to build bridges in a divided world—and who takes responsibility for that mission?

In this thought-provoking episode, Gal Swisa Cohen sits down with Arnie Herz—AJC Board of Governors member, global advocate, and host of Habits of a Whole Heart—for a candid conversation about diplomacy, identity, and the evolving relationship between Israel and the Jewish diaspora.

Together, they explore the purpose and impact of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), from its origins over a century ago to its modern-day role in fighting antisemitism, strengthening Israel’s global standing, and quietly shaping international relationships. Arnie offers rare insight into how long-term trust, not headlines, drives meaningful change—including behind-the-scenes efforts that helped pave the way for breakthroughs like the Abraham Accords.

The conversation doesn’t shy away from tough questions. Gal raises the perspective of an Israeli navigating the complexity of diaspora advocacy, sparking an honest dialogue about responsibility, partnership, and respect between communities.

Beyond policy and politics, this episode is deeply personal. Arnie shares what drives his commitment to a life of purpose—why stepping beyond comfort and into service creates true meaning, and how each of us can play a role in shaping a better future.

This is more than a conversation about Israel—it’s a masterclass in leadership, relationship-building, and the power of showing up, again and again, to create lasting impact.

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Ep 546: Habits of a Whole Heart with Arnie Herz and guest Jonathan Blau

Why do smart people make poor financial decisions—and how can they change?

In this insightful and practical episode, Arnie Herz sits down with wealth advisor and Crazy Wealthy podcast host Jonathan Blau to explore the powerful intersection of money, mindset, and human behavior.

Jonathan challenges conventional financial wisdom, revealing that the greatest threat to wealth isn’t market volatility—it’s our emotional reactions to it. Drawing on behavioral science and real-world experience, he breaks down why fear, bias, and instinct often lead investors astray—and how learning to slow down and think differently can transform outcomes.

From understanding “amygdala hijack” and loss aversion to reframing risk and preparing for uncertainty, this conversation offers a fresh, grounded approach to long-term financial success. But it goes far beyond money.

At its core, this episode is about living with intention—defining what “enough” truly means, aligning decisions with values, and using success not just to accumulate wealth, but to create impact. Jonathan also shares his deep commitment to philanthropy, reminding us that true abundance is measured by how we show up for others.

This is more than a conversation about investing—it’s a masterclass in thinking clearly, living purposefully, and building a life of meaning from the inside out.

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