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Ep. 519: Raised by Survivors on hmTv

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of Raised by Survivors, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with Peter Shafran for a deeply personal conversation about legacy, identity, and the enduring impact of Holocaust survival.

Peter shares the remarkable story of his father, who survived the war in the forests of Eastern Europe as part of a partisan resistance, navigating unimaginable loss and danger. Together, Bernie and Peter reflect on what it means to be raised by survivors—how trauma, resilience, and responsibility shape the next generation.

The conversation weaves through Yiddish culture, Zionism, music, and even the foods that defined their upbringing—offering moments of humor alongside powerful insight. From preserving memory to confronting modern challenges in education and awareness, this episode is both intimate and urgent.

A conversation about where we come from—and what we must carry forward.

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Ep. 518: Ordinary Heroes on hmTv

In this powerful episode of Ordinary Heroes, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with Georgi Goldman to explore the urgent mission of supporting Holocaust survivors and preserving their voices for future generations.

Representing the Blue Card Fund, Georgi shares how the organization provides critical financial and emotional support to thousands of survivors across the United States—while also pioneering innovative educational programs designed to keep their stories alive.

At the heart of the conversation is a groundbreaking initiative featuring a hologram of Sonia Warszawski, allowing students to engage directly with survivor testimony in an immersive and deeply personal way. Through this technology, history becomes real, emotional, and unforgettable.

Together, Bernie and Georgi confront difficult questions about survival, resilience, and the responsibility of the next generation. This episode is a moving reminder that while the survivors may not always be with us, their lessons—and their humanity—must endure.

Because remembering is not enough. We must act.

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Ep 517 | The Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen featuring Michael Schlank (Part 3)

In the final part of this compelling three-part series, Gal Swisa Cohen continues his conversation with Michael Schlank, Executive Director of the Sid Jacobson JCC, exploring bold ideas about identity, leadership, and the future of American Jewry in a post-October 7th world.

Michael introduces two powerful frameworks: “courage over volume” and “ownership over renting,” challenging the notion that the loudest voices or biggest platforms shape meaningful change. Instead, he argues for the strength of personal connection, one-on-one conversations, and deeply rooted community engagement as the true path forward.

The discussion also dives into what it means to “own” Jewish identity in everyday life, not as an occasional activity, but as a continuous, lived experience. From lessons learned in Israel to practical ways individuals and families can strengthen their connection to Judaism, this episode offers both inspiration and direction.

Closing with his vision for the Sid Jacobson JCC, Michael shares how Jewish values and Israel are not separate elements, but inseparable pillars of a vibrant, inclusive community.

A powerful and thought-provoking conclusion to a conversation about courage, connection, and the responsibility of building meaningful Jewish life today.

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Ep 516 | The Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen featuring Michael Schlank (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Gal Swisa Cohen continues his discussion with Michael Schlank, Executive Director of the Sid Jacobson JCC, diving deeper into leadership, resilience, and rebuilding in times of crisis.

Picking up where they left off, Michael shares what it really takes to lead an organization through uncertainty, stepping into NJY Camps during COVID when there was no roadmap, no stability, and trust needed to be rebuilt from the ground up. He opens up about the importance of listening before leading, why honesty matters more than having all the answers, and how small, consistent actions can restore confidence in even the most challenging environments.

This episode explores the human side of leadership, the power of community, and the idea that true impact is built over time, not in moments, but in steady, intentional progress.

A thoughtful and inspiring continuation of a journey defined by service, adaptability, and purpose.

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Ep 515 | The Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen featuring Michael Schlank (Part 1)

In this compelling first part of the conversation, Gal Swisa Cohen sits down with Michael Schlank, Executive Director of the Sid Jacobson JCC, for a deeply personal and insightful journey through leadership, purpose, and unexpected career pivots.

Michael shares how his early ambitions of becoming a professional athlete or doctor gave way to a path shaped by public policy, firsthand experiences during 9/11, and a meaningful transition into education. From teaching middle school in the same classroom as his father to rising through the ranks of youth programming and nonprofit leadership, his story reflects a consistent thread of service, adaptability, and impact.

The conversation builds toward one of the most defining moments of his career, stepping into leadership at NJY Camps during the height of COVID-19, when uncertainty was everywhere and the stakes could not have been higher.

This episode explores what it means to lead in times of crisis, how values guide life-changing decisions, and why sometimes the most unconventional paths lead exactly where you are meant to be.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where the conversation continues with a deeper dive into leadership, resilience, and rebuilding in the face of adversity.

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Ep 514
The Past Has an Afterlife with Gilad Avrahami | Guest: Ahmed Jama (Part 3)

In the powerful conclusion of this three-part series, host Gilad Avrahami sits down once more with Ahmed Jama for a deeply personal and moving conversation about memory, loss, and the responsibility to tell the human story behind history.

Ahmed shares his family’s firsthand experiences during the violence of the late 1980s in Somaliland—stories of displacement, survival, and unimaginable loss that shaped his life and purpose. From refugee camps where his parents met, to growing up in a rebuilding society marked by resilience, his journey reflects the strength of a people determined to move forward.

This episode shifts from geopolitical history to the human impact of conflict, exploring how trauma is carried across generations—and how storytelling becomes a tool for healing, education, and change.

Ahmed also reflects on the urgency of documenting untold stories and challenges the world to recognize Somaliland not just politically, but through the lived experiences of its people.

This is a profound and emotional finale that reminds us: history is not just what happened—it is who lived it, who survived it, and who chooses to carry it forward.

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Ep 513
The Past Has an Afterlife with Gilad Avrahami | Guest: Ahmed Jama (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this compelling series, host Gilad Avrahami continues his conversation with Ahmed Jama, diving deeper into the remarkable story of Somaliland’s rebirth, resilience, and global significance.

Following the devastation of the 1980s, Ahmed explains how Somaliland rebuilt itself from the ground up—without international aid—through grassroots leadership, inter-clan dialogue, and a powerful commitment to reconciliation and shared governance. The result is a functioning, peaceful, and democratic society that stands in stark contrast to the instability often associated with the region.

The episode also explores Somaliland’s ongoing struggle for international recognition and the barriers created by global political narratives that continue to overlook its success.

In a fascinating turn, Ahmed reveals the deep historical and cultural connections between Somaliland and the Jewish people, and discusses the growing relationship with Israel—highlighting shared experiences of resilience, isolation, and nation-building.

This episode challenges conventional thinking about sovereignty, legitimacy, and what it truly means to build a nation—offering a forward-looking perspective on how global recognition may evolve.

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Ep 512
The Past Has an Afterlife with Gilad Avrahami | Guest: Ahmed Jama (Part 1)

In this powerful episode of The Past Has an Afterlife on hmTv, host Gilad Avrahami welcomes Ahmed Jama, a humanitarian worker, researcher, and storyteller from Somaliland, for a deeply illuminating conversation about history, identity, and resilience.

Ahmed takes listeners beyond headlines and misconceptions to uncover the rich and complex story of Somaliland. From its deeply rooted traditions of community dialogue and governance to its brief independence in 1960, the episode explores how colonial divisions, political decisions, and broken agreements shaped the region’s trajectory.

The conversation also confronts the devastating violence of the 1980s, when state-sponsored attacks led to widespread destruction and loss of life, ultimately setting the stage for Somaliland’s declaration of independence in 1991.

Through it all, Ahmed reframes the narrative, offering a story not only of conflict, but of perseverance, rebuilding, and hope.

This is Part 1 of a compelling two-part series that challenges assumptions and reveals a lesser-known chapter of global history—one that continues to unfold today.

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Ep 511: Habits of a Whole Heart

What does it mean to build community when you are part of a small minority, and how can that community change your life in return?

In this powerful episode of Habits of a Whole Heart, host Arnie Herz speaks with Esau Wanani, who grew up in a Jewish family in eastern Uganda and is now living in Princeton, New Jersey.

Esau shares a remarkable story of identity, resilience, and impact. Raised in a tight-knit Jewish community that made a meaningful difference in the lives of its neighbors through education, healthcare, and economic initiatives, he reflects on the pride and responsibility of carrying forward generations of Jewish life in Uganda.

From communal Passover celebrations that brought entire villages together, to life-changing experiences at Jewish summer camp in the United States, Esau’s journey takes a dramatic turn as he navigates political danger and ultimately finds refuge through the support of a global Jewish community.

Now embraced by a new community in Princeton, Esau’s story is a testament to the power of belonging, the strength of shared values, and the idea that community is not defined by geography, but by the people who show up when it matters most.

Listen now on hmTv, available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

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Ep 510: Habits of a Whole Heart

What does it mean to grow up Jewish in a place where almost no one around you shares your identity?

In this powerful episode of Habits of a Whole Heart, host Arnie Herz sits down with Yonatan Katz Lukato, who was raised in a small Jewish community in eastern Uganda. As one of only a handful of Jews in a predominantly Christian and Muslim region, Yonatan shares what it was like to navigate faith, belonging, and self-identity in an environment where he often stood alone.

From childhood experiences of curiosity and misunderstanding, to moments of coexistence and connection built through shared meals and traditions, Yonatan offers a deeply human perspective on what it means to live as both an outsider and a bridge between cultures.

His journey takes a dramatic turn through life-changing experiences at Jewish summer camps in the United States, ultimately leading him to a new life supported by a global community that embraced him as family.

This episode is a moving reminder that identity is not defined by geography, but by resilience, connection, and the willingness to show up for one another.

Listen now on hmTv, available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

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