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Ep. 536 | The Israeli Bond on hmTv

In this compelling episode, Gal Swisa Cohen sits down with entrepreneur Omry Sitner for a conversation that moves from crisis to creation, and from identity to impact.

Omry shares his firsthand experience of October 7th in Israel and how, instead of launching a startup that day, he joined a grassroots effort using technology to help locate missing people. What followed was an unexpected journey—one that led him to co-found a premium tea brand rooted in culture, resilience, and pride.

From his work at monday.com to launching a bold new venture in New York, Omry reveals how entrepreneurship can be both a business and a mission. Together, they explore what it means to build something meaningful in a time of global tension, how to respond to hate with creativity, and why standing proudly in your identity matters more than ever.

This episode is about more than tea. It’s about turning adversity into opportunity, bridging cultures, and proving that light, when pursued with intention, has a way of spreading.

Listen in for a story that is as inspiring as it is timely.

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Ep 535: History Repeats (Part 2)

In this compelling continuation of History Repeats, host Liam Carballal welcomes back historian Richard Acritelli to explore one of the most pivotal turning points in global history.

From the dynamic leadership of Theodore Roosevelt to the seismic impact of the Russo-Japanese War, this episode dives into how a rising Japan shocked the world, how a declining Russia set the stage for revolution, and how global power began shifting in ways that still echo today. Roosevelt’s strategic brilliance takes center stage as he brokers peace while carefully maintaining a balance of power that would shape the 20th century.

The conversation also connects the dots between imperialism, the Boxer Rebellion, and the consequences of exploitation, offering a sharp reminder that when nations ignore fairness and dignity, history has a way of pushing back.

Insightful, fast-moving, and deeply relevant, this episode doesn’t just revisit the past. It challenges us to recognize the patterns unfolding in our present.

Because history doesn’t just repeat. It warns.

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Ep 334: History Repeats

History is not just something we study. It echoes, it warns, and sometimes, it repeats.

In this compelling episode of History Repeats, host Liam Carballal sits down with military historian Richard Acritelli for a wide-ranging conversation that bridges past and present with striking clarity.

Richard begins by sharing exciting developments around his expanding military history museum in Rocky Point, a growing space dedicated to preserving artifacts and stories from World War II and beyond. But the conversation quickly deepens into the human realities of war, from Holocaust survivors and aging veterans to the psychological toll carried by figures like Jimmy Stewart.

The discussion then shifts to lesser-known but powerful wartime stories, including American POWs in Nazi labor camps and the moral complexities faced by soldiers navigating identity, survival, and loyalty under unimaginable conditions.

In the second half, the lens turns sharply to today’s geopolitical tensions. Richard and Liam unpack the ongoing conflict with Iran, the global stakes surrounding nuclear capability, and the fragile balance of power in the Middle East. Referencing decades of U.S. foreign policy from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump, they explore whether diplomacy, deterrence, or force will ultimately shape the outcome.

It’s a conversation that doesn’t flinch. From the horrors of the past to the uncertainties of the present, this episode reminds us why understanding history isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Because when we ignore the lessons… history doesn’t just repeat. It escalates.

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Ep 533: Putting the Brakes on Bullying

What does bullying look like beyond the schoolyard? In this powerful and deeply human episode, host Samantha Sosnik is joined by co-host Bernie Furshpan and special guests Rachel and Jeff Miller, a remarkable couple whose lives are dedicated to helping others in ways most people never imagine.

From performing life-changing surgeries in Haiti to navigating dangerous conditions controlled by gangs, Rachel and Jeff share firsthand experiences that redefine what it means to stand up for others. They draw a striking connection between global injustice and everyday bullying, showing how power, when misused, can impact lives on every level.

The conversation takes an emotional turn as they recount extraordinary acts of compassion, including helping a terminally ill patient return to her home country to fulfill her final wish. Their stories are raw, inspiring, and a reminder that kindness does not require perfection—just action.

You’ll also hear about Rachel’s new initiative, Caring Pathways, designed to guide patients through the overwhelming healthcare system with clarity and compassion.

This episode is a powerful call to move from bystander to upstander—whether in your community or across the world. Because sometimes, putting the brakes on bullying starts with one simple act of humanity.

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Ep 532 – Ordinary Heroes with Bernie Furshpan and guest Alan Govenar | hmTv

What does it mean to give voice to the voiceless—and who gets to tell the story?

In this powerful episode of Ordinary Heroes, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with acclaimed writer, filmmaker, and founder of Documentary Arts, Alan Govenar. Together, they explore the profound role storytelling plays in preserving cultural memory, confronting injustice, and shaping a more equitable future.

From documenting overlooked African American photographers in Texas to telling the deeper story behind the tragedy in Jasper, Texas, Govenar shares how his life’s work has centered on amplifying communities too often left out of history. This is not just a conversation about art—it’s about responsibility, truth, and the courage to challenge dominant narratives.

You’ll hear how storytelling can become a force for healing, how ordinary individuals reclaim their identities through history, and why activism and artistry are not separate paths—but one and the same.

This episode is a compelling reminder that real change often begins with listening—and that ordinary people, when empowered, can create extraordinary impact.

Key Themes:
Storytelling and cultural preservation
Art as activism
Racial justice and historical truth
Community resilience and healing
The power of ordinary heroes

Tune in and discover how stories can change not just how we see the past—but how we shape the future.

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Ep 531: Disrupting Hate

In this timely and thought-provoking episode of Disrupting Hate on hmTv, host Kenneth Schachter sits down with Rabbi Susie Moskowitz, senior rabbi of Temple Beth Torah in Melville, New York, for a meaningful conversation about identity, resilience, and confronting hate in today’s world.

Recorded on the eve of Yom HaShoah, the discussion explores the rising tide of antisemitism and the urgent need for both internal strength and outward connection. Rabbi Moskowitz shares how building interfaith relationships, fostering understanding, and embracing “proximity” can help break down barriers and reduce hate.

The episode also delves into the importance of cultivating strong Jewish identity, guiding the next generation with confidence and pride, and navigating the delicate balance between visibility and safety in an increasingly complex environment.

Blending spiritual insight with real-world experience, Rabbi Moskowitz offers a hopeful yet honest perspective on the challenges ahead and the enduring strength of community.

This is not just a conversation about hate. It’s about how we respond to it.

Listen, reflect, and be part of the change.

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Ep 530: The Israeli Bond (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation on The Israeli Bond on hmTv, host Gal Swisa Cohen continues her discussion with Hedva Montias, exploring how Israel honors and supports Holocaust survivors today and what that reveals about the heart of Israeli society.

Building on the deeply personal story shared in Part 1, this episode shifts to Hedva’s leadership as former CEO of Le Manam, a groundbreaking nonprofit providing medical care and human connection to Holocaust survivors across Israel. Through this lens, the conversation uncovers the differences between how Israel and the United States recognize survivors, the evolving definition of who is considered a survivor, and the moral responsibility that drives support systems in Israel.

Hedva shares powerful insights into dignity, independence, and the emotional needs of aging survivors, while highlighting how compassion, accessibility, and human connection are just as vital as medical care. The episode also touches on how this mission expanded in moments of crisis, reflecting the resilience and unity within Israeli society.

This is more than a conversation about care. It’s a reflection on responsibility, identity, and what it truly means to stand by those who endured history’s darkest chapter.

A meaningful continuation of Part 1, connecting legacy to action.

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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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