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Ep 529: The Israeli Bond (Part 1)

In this deeply moving episode of The Israeli Bond on hmTv, host Gal Swisa Cohen sits down with Hedva Montias, Director of the Shlichut Initiative at UJA Federation of New York, for an intimate and powerful conversation about legacy, survival, and memory.

Rather than focusing solely on her professional role, Hedva shares the extraordinary story of her mother, Anna Richter, a Holocaust survivor whose childhood was shaped entirely by war. Through vivid storytelling, Hedva reflects on her mother’s journey from a small village in Slovakia, to separation from her family at just five years old, to survival through displacement, fear, and unimaginable uncertainty.

Told through the dual lens of a daughter and a mother, this episode explores the emotional weight of survival, the impossible decisions parents were forced to make, and the enduring responsibility to preserve these stories for future generations.

This conversation is not just history. It is a living legacy.

Part 1 captures the raw and personal memories that shaped Hedva’s life and mission, reminding us that behind every historical event are human stories that must never be forgotten.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where Hedva connects her family’s legacy to her work strengthening the bond between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

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Ep 528: Ordinary Heroes

What does it take to tell a story that truly moves people?

In this compelling episode of Ordinary Heroes, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with award-winning filmmaker Christiane Arbesu, the creative force behind The Weight of Memory and founder of Terrebonne Productions. With more than three decades of experience, Christiane shares her journey from early days at PBS to building a mission-driven production company dedicated to telling powerful human stories.

Together, they explore the art of storytelling beyond the surface uncovering the emotion, resilience, and truth that connect audiences across cultures and experiences. From deeply personal family narratives to impactful medical and nonprofit films, Christiane reveals how authentic storytelling can inspire action, preserve history, and amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard.

The conversation also dives into the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking, the role of streaming platforms, and the growing influence of technology, while reaffirming one essential truth: human connection remains at the heart of every meaningful story.

This episode is a tribute to the power of storytelling to educate, heal, and unite reminding us that behind every story is a voice worth hearing.

Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation only on hmTv.

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Ep 527: Ordinary Heroes

What does it mean to turn personal experience into purpose?

In this powerful episode of Ordinary Heroes, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with Fabiana Rezak, whose journey from growing up in Argentina amid experiences of antisemitism to building a life in the United States is both eye-opening and inspiring.

Fabiana shares her story of resilience, identity, and perseverance, reflecting on the moment she first encountered hate and how those experiences shaped her perspective. But rather than being defined by it, she chose a different path one rooted in connection, empowerment, and community.

Through her innovative approach to tennis and fitness with Tennixise, Fabiana uses sport as a bridge bringing people together across differences, teaching communication, respect, and teamwork both on and off the court. Her work goes far beyond athletics, helping young people develop confidence, empathy, and the ability to navigate challenges in life.

This episode is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, ordinary individuals can create extraordinary impact. Through small, intentional actions, we can build stronger communities and a more compassionate world.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, unity, and the power of human connection only on hmTv.

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Ep 526: Voices Illuminated

Music has the power to transcend time, memory, and identity and in this deeply moving episode of Voices Illuminated, host Judy Liman explores that power through the voices of the Shirenu Choir of Long Island.

Joined by conductor Deborah Tartell, this conversation takes listeners behind the music and into the heart of a choir that celebrates Jewish culture, community, and connection through song. From the hopeful melodies of Bashana Haba’ah to the haunting echoes of Oifn Pripetshik, Deborah shares the meaning behind the music and how it preserves history while inspiring future generations.

The episode also highlights the choir’s powerful performances from singing the Star-Spangled Banner at Citi Field to participating in interfaith collaborations and Holocaust commemorations demonstrating how music can unite people across cultures and experiences.

Through stories of tradition, resilience, and joy, this episode reminds us that when voices come together as one, they illuminate not just music, but the human spirit itself.

Tune in for an inspiring journey through sound, memory, and meaning only on hmTv.

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The Fog of War and Humanity
Host: Richard Acritelli | Guest: Keith Bittner

What does service look like when the war is just miles away?

In the powerful conclusion of this three-part series, Richard Acritelli and Navy veteran Keith Bittner bring listeners closer to the realities of the Vietnam War. From operating off the coast of Da Nang and the Mekong Delta to navigating high-alert conditions aboard the USS Duluth, Bittner shares what it meant to serve in a combat zone where tension was constant and the unknown was always present.

This episode highlights the heightened awareness, discipline, and unpredictability of life near the front lines, while also capturing the human side of service, the friendships formed, the humor that carried sailors through difficult moments, and the leadership that guided them.

Bittner also reflects on returning home, personal loss, and building a life after service, offering a deeply personal perspective on resilience, responsibility, and legacy.

A meaningful and heartfelt conclusion, this episode reminds us that beyond the fog of war, it is humanity, connection, and character that endure.

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The Fog of War and Humanity
Host: Richard Acritelli | Guest: Keith Bittner

What is life really like in the space between calm seas and combat zones?

In Part 2 of this powerful series, Richard Acritelli continues his conversation with Navy veteran Keith Bittner, following his journey across the Pacific during the Vietnam War. From the quiet beauty of open ocean nights to the intensity of battle stations and emergency situations aboard the USS Duluth, Bittner shares firsthand experiences that reveal both the routine and the unpredictability of military life.

The episode explores the realities of service far from home, including cultural encounters in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines, the camaraderie among sailors, and the moments of tension that define life in a war zone. It also touches on the personal sacrifices of service, including the emotional toll of loss while deployed.

Honest, reflective, and deeply human, this episode captures the in-between moments of war, where resilience is built and character is revealed.

Part 3 continues the story as Keith reflects on his time closer to the realities of Vietnam and the lasting impact of his service.

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The Fog of War and Humanity
Host: Richard Acritelli | Guest: Keith Bittner

Before the war, there was a neighborhood. A ballfield. A group of kids just trying to enjoy summer.

In Part 1 of this compelling two-part conversation, Richard Acritelli sits down with Navy veteran Keith Bittner to trace the journey from a Long Island childhood to the early days of military service during the Vietnam War era. From sandlot baseball in Brentwood to boot camp at Great Lakes and deployment across the Pacific, Bittner shares a candid and relatable account of how an ordinary young man stepped into extraordinary circumstances.

This episode captures the transition from innocence to responsibility, highlighting the discipline, uncertainty, and unexpected moments that shape a service member’s path. Along the way, listeners gain a vivid look at life aboard a Navy ship, the culture of military service, and the powerful emotions tied to places like Pearl Harbor.

It’s a story of beginnings, of preparation, and of the quiet moments before history fully unfolds.

Part 2 continues the journey into active deployment and wartime experience.

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The Past Has an Afterlife
Host: Gilad Avrahami | Guest: Barak Mendelsohn

What happens when the pursuit of justice begins to silence the very dialogue it claims to protect?

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Gilad Avrahami sits down with Professor Barak Mendelsohn to explore the shifting landscape of higher education and the growing tension between activism, free expression, and academic inquiry. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience at Haverford College, Mendelsohn offers a candid and unfiltered look at how campus culture has evolved and what that means for students, faculty, and the future of learning.

Together, they examine the rise of ideological conformity, the impact of social movements and social media, and the consequences of fear-driven discourse. The conversation moves beyond headlines to address real experiences, difficult questions, and the deeper meaning of justice in a complex world.

This episode challenges listeners to think critically, speak courageously, and recognize the role each of us plays in shaping a more thoughtful and inclusive society.

Listen, reflect, and join the conversation.

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In this powerful episode of The UN, Society and Antisemitism, Dr. Suzanne Bleiberg-Sepperson sits down with Jolanta Zamecka, Vice Chair of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, to explore a life shaped by resilience, purpose, and compassion.

From her upbringing in Poland to her leadership in creating the Children’s Garden memorial, Jolanta shares how personal experiences, education, and community action can combat rising antisemitism. This conversation highlights the urgent need for historical understanding, the role of educators and families, and one simple but profound message: kindness matters.

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Ep 520: Ordinary Heroes | hmTv

In this powerful episode of Ordinary Heroes, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with acclaimed composer David Winkler for a deeply moving conversation about music, memory, and humanity.

Winkler shares the inspiration behind Symphony of Hope and its roots in the Violins of Hope—instruments that carry the stories of the Holocaust and now serve as a bridge to future generations. Together, Bernie and David explore how music can transcend language, connect cultures, and create meaningful dialogue across faiths and communities.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Winkler breaks down the creative vision behind his compositions, including Adriatica and his Fantasy Quintet commissioned by the Berlin Philharmonic String Quintet. He offers rare insight into the mind of a composer—how music is built, how it communicates emotion, and how it can guide audiences through a shared human experience.

From inspiring young students to generating real support for organizations like the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, the Long Island Concert Orchestra, and the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, this episode highlights the true power of the arts to heal, educate, and unite.

This is more than a conversation about music—it’s a conversation about purpose, legacy, and the future of humanity.

Tune in and experience how one composer is using sound to bring the world closer together.

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