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The Fog of War and Humanity | Ep. 650: Mark Drexler: Inside a Sherman Tank (Part 1) | HMTC

Three Sherman tanks were destroyed beneath Leon Drexler during 11 months of combat. Each time, the young Jewish soldier from Borough Park escaped and returned to battle as Allied forces advanced across Europe during World War II.

In Part 1 of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Richard Acritelli speaks with Leon’s son, educator and military historian Mark Drexler. Mark describes growing up among veterans, restoring his father’s wartime photograph album, and researching the 745th Tank Battalion, which served alongside the 1st Infantry Division, known as the Big Red One.

The conversation explores Leon’s decision to volunteer after Pearl Harbor, the antisemitic harassment that contributed to his transfer into the armored forces, and his transformation into an expert marksman and Sherman tank gunner. Mark explains the tank’s five-man crew, Leon’s responsibility for selecting ammunition and engaging targets within seconds, and the advantages and vulnerabilities of the M4 Sherman against German Panther and Tiger tanks.

Mark also shares how research and archival footage confirmed stories he once found difficult to believe, including soldiers wearing tuxedos and top hats in a liberated European town. His father’s experiences reveal both the terror of armored combat and the humor that helped young soldiers preserve their humanity during war.

The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv | Host: Richard Acritelli | Guest: Mark Drexler

Executive Producer and Director: Bernie Furshpan

A production of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County

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▶️ youtube.com/@hmTv-hmtc

─── CHAPTERS ───

0:00 Introduction
0:19 Welcome and guest introduction
1:05 Mark Drexler’s career in education and love of history
2:15 Leon Drexler volunteers after Pearl Harbor
3:22 Growing up among World War II veterans
4:56 Reconstructing Leon’s military service
5:35 The tuxedos and top hats story confirmed
7:52 Humor and humanity during war
8:37 Antisemitic harassment and joining a tank crew
9:41 Surviving three destroyed Sherman tanks
13:19 Operation Cobra and the Allied advance
13:40 The 745th Tank Battalion and the Big Red One
15:10 Tank training and expert marksmanship
15:59 Inside a five-man Sherman tank crew
18:30 The split-second decisions of a tank gunner
20:53 From Brooklyn civilian to combat soldier
21:38 Planning Operation Overlord
23:00 Allied deception and the Atlantic Wall
24:36 Preparing for D-Day and Part 2 preview
25:49 hmTv outro

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#FogOfWarAndHumanity #MarkDrexler #LeonDrexler #ShermanTank #WorldWarII #Normandy #DDay #OperationOverlord #745thTankBattalion #BigRedOne #JewishVeterans #HMTC

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Ordinary Heroes | Ep. 649: Theresa Cannistraci Farrell: Comedy Connects and Heals | HMTC

With only two pints of blood remaining in her body, Theresa Cannistraci Farrell was rushed into critical care. Even after receiving 22 pounds of fluid, platelets, and plasma, she found a punchline. Humor was not minimizing the danger. It was helping her survive it.

On Ordinary Heroes, host Bernie Furshpan speaks with his longtime friend, actress, producer, comedian, improviser, and Tea Time host Theresa Cannistraci Farrell. Theresa recalls stepping onto a stage at four years old, being rejected from The Godfather because she did not “look Italian,” performing in theater and comedy clubs, pausing her career to raise her daughter, and eventually returning to entertainment.

The conversation explores Theresa’s brain tumor, multiple surgeries, serious car accidents, internal bleeding, and the family members who helped save her life. Through every crisis, she has relied on faith, gratitude, family, and laughter. She believes she survived for a reason: to entertain people and put smiles on their faces.

Bernie and Theresa also discuss Jewish and Italian family traditions, comedy’s ability to confront prejudice, the unifying power of the arts, and Theresa’s childhood group of friends from Italian, Greek, Polish, Jewish, and Puerto Rican backgrounds. Her message is simple: life is short, appreciate people while they are still here, and never give up on the work you love.

Ordinary Heroes on hmTv | Host: Bernie Furshpan | Guest: Theresa Cannistraci Farrell

Executive Producer and Director: Bernie Furshpan

A production of the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County

🌐 hmtcli.org
🎙 buzzsprout.com/2449781
▶️ youtube.com/@hmTv-hmtc

─── CHAPTERS ───

0:00 Introduction
0:17 Welcome and guest introduction
1:19 Why artists must support one another
2:28 Performing from four years old
3:54 Rejected from The Godfather
5:38 The Weight of Memory and Jewish-Italian family bonds
6:51 Life is short, appreciate people now
8:15 Laughter as medicine and a bridge
10:02 Using comedy to confront antisemitism
11:48 Theresa’s comedy career and return to performing
12:45 Brain surgery and life-threatening medical crises
15:46 Finding purpose through entertainment
16:31 How comedy and the arts unite people
17:54 The childhood friends who became “the United Nations”
19:00 Influencers and the changing entertainment industry
22:04 Tea Time, perseverance, and never giving up
25:22 A final joke from Theresa
26:26 Closing reflections
27:06 hmTv outro

──────────────────

#OrdinaryHeroes #TheresaCannistraciFarrell #Comedy #StandUpComedy #HealingThroughHumor #Resilience #LaughterHeals #Entertainment #HumanConnection #Perseverance #TeaTime #HMTC

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The UN, Society, and Antisemitism | Ep. 648: Ugoji Eze: Confronting Antisemitism at the UN | HMTC

As a child caught in the Nigerian-Biafran Civil War, Dr. Ugoji A. Eze became a refugee and later endured ridicule in a London school. Sitting in that classroom, she made a decision that would shape her life: she would become a lawyer and make a difference in the world.

On The UN, Society, and Antisemitism, host Dr. Susanne Seperson speaks with the international human rights lawyer about her journey from Biafra to London, the United States, and the United Nations. Dr. Eze reflects on the influence of her parents, the transformative power of education, and her commitment to refugees, displaced people, women, children, and communities affected by war.

The conversation examines antisemitism within the United Nations, the disproportionate scrutiny directed at Israel, and the need to recognize antisemitism as a threat to international peace and security. Dr. Eze shares how she resisted political pressure, organized a major UN program with Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor, and continued speaking out despite warnings that her advocacy could marginalize her.

She also discusses building dialogue between Israeli and Nigerian leaders, challenging negative perceptions, educating young people, and preventing prejudice from taking root. Guided by the principle of tikkun olam, Dr. Eze calls upon individuals, institutions, and governments to help heal a fractured world through courage, education, and meaningful engagement.

The UN, Society, and Antisemitism on hmTv | Host: Dr. Susanne Seperson | Guest: Dr. Ugoji A. Eze, Esq.

Executive Producer and Director: Bernie Furshpan

A production of the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County

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🎙 buzzsprout.com/2449781
▶️ youtube.com/@hmTv-hmtc

─── CHAPTERS ───

0:00 Introduction and guest biography
3:06 From Biafra to life as a refugee
4:33 School bullying and choosing to become a lawyer
7:12 Family, education, and rebuilding a life
8:46 Refugee labels and survivor identity
9:52 Journey to the United States and United Nations
10:42 Education as a gateway to opportunity
13:42 Family legacy and support for Israel
16:08 From UNHCR intern to UN advocate
18:42 Antisemitism as a threat to international peace
20:58 UN bias against Israel and the need for action
22:57 Educating the next generation
23:54 Israel, political criticism, and antisemitism
25:42 Preventing hatred and healing a fractured world
27:24 Building dialogue between Israel and Nigeria
29:48 Faith, peacebuilding, and tikkun olam
30:16 Closing reflections
31:04 hmTv outro

──────────────────

#UNSocietyAndAntisemitism #UgojiEze #Antisemitism #UnitedNations #HumanRights #Israel #Refugees #Peacebuilding #TikkunOlam #Education #MoralCourage #HMTC

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The Dana Download | Ep. 647: Talin Esh: Finding Wisdom Within the Wounds | HMTC

At seven years old, Talin Esh Sarraf felt unseen. English was her second language, she struggled in school, and life at home was difficult. Then a teacher introduced her to poetry. For the first time, Talin felt that she existed, belonged, and had found a language for everything she carried inside.

On The Dana Download, host Dana Arschin Kraslow speaks with the Iranian-born American poet, author, and artist about her collection, I Am Here. Talin explains how poetry became a refuge, how motherhood transformed her life, and how she learned to embrace identity as an “and,” not an “or”: Jewish, Persian, and American.

The conversation explores heartbreak, grief, faith, creativity, authenticity, artificial intelligence, and the importance of living in the present. Talin also reads the title poem, “I Am Here,” and describes writing as a spiritual download that allows her to receive words rather than simply create them.

Reflecting on her mother’s mental illness, her father’s death, broken relationships, and family conflict, Talin shares the philosophy that now guides her life: finding wisdom within her wounds. Her journey reveals how pain can become poetry, identity can become strength, and faith can emerge from life’s most difficult moments.

The Dana Download on hmTv | Host: Dana Arschin Kraslow | Guest: Talin Esh Sarraf

Executive Producer and Director: Bernie Furshpan

A production of the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County

Explore I Am Here by Talin Esh:
🌐 https://www.lulu.com/shop/talin-esh/iamhere/paperback/product-m2kdw9d.html

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🎙 buzzsprout.com/2449781
▶️ youtube.com/@hmTv-hmtc

─── CHAPTERS ───

0:00 Opening
0:18 Welcome and guest introduction
1:23 A mutual connection and building community
3:11 Persian Jewish geography and family heritage
4:01 Discovering poetry at seven years old
6:22 Finding community and belonging
7:43 Motherhood, art, writing, and many full-time roles
9:15 Identity as an “and,” not an “or”
11:22 Talin reads “I Am Here”
12:37 Writing as a spiritual download
14:43 Becoming a published author
16:08 Living in the present and remaining authentic
18:17 Doing, trying, and letting go of perfection
19:42 The Messianic era, AI, and human fulfillment
21:48 Finding wisdom within life’s wounds
23:30 Faith, Jewish heritage, and purpose
25:00 Closing reflections
25:36 hmTv outro

──────────────────

#TheDanaDownload #TalinEsh #IAmHere #Poetry #PersianJewish #JewishIdentity #IranianAmerican #Motherhood #Healing #Faith #FindingPurpose #HMTC

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The Israeli Bond | Ep. 646: Bentzi Kohn & Franc Contreras: Preserving Family Memories | HMTC

A Holocaust survivor’s memories had been carefully written on pieces of paper, yet her own family had never seen them. That realization helped inspire Bentzi Kohn and Franc Contreras to create FamLife, a private digital platform where families can preserve, enrich, and share the stories that shape their identity.

On The Israeli Bond, host Gal Swisa Cohen speaks with the FamLife co-founders about combining artificial intelligence with the tradition of writing names and stories on the backs of family photographs. Through WhatsApp and other familiar tools, families can submit photographs, videos, documents, voice recordings, and personal stories. An AI agent asks questions, adds context, and organizes each memory on a private chronological timeline.

Bentzi and Franc also discuss their international backgrounds, meeting during their MBA studies in Israel, and the personal experiences that shaped their mission. FamLife has grown to approximately 550 families, completed three school pilot programs, and was selected for Israel’s GEFEN educational program. Its family-roots projects allow students to interview relatives and create a living archive that continues long after the classroom assignment ends.

Their goal is to bring FamLife into schools, communities, and homes around the world. As Franc explains, ancestry and identity are not important to only one culture. They are foundations of our shared humanity.

The Israeli Bond on hmTv | Host: Gal Swisa Cohen | Guests: Bentzi Kohn and Franc Contreras

A production of the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County

Explore FamLife and begin preserving your family’s legacy:
🌐 https://famlife.co.il

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🎙 buzzsprout.com/2449781
▶️ youtube.com/@hmTv-hmtc

─── CHAPTERS ───

0:00 Introduction
0:18 Welcome and guest introduction
1:06 Meet Franc Contreras and Bentzi Kohn
2:14 What is FamLife?
3:08 The Holocaust survivor story that inspired the idea
5:27 Why family memories become lost
6:25 Creating a modern family photo album
9:38 Using AI to build a private family timeline
11:00 From a startup idea to 550 families
12:19 Bringing family-roots projects into schools
13:49 The founders’ roles and shared purpose
16:35 Connecting families across great distances
17:34 Israel’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
20:58 Wix recognition and FamLife’s global vision
23:10 GEFEN approval and international expansion
25:18 How families can begin preserving their stories
26:27 Closing reflections
28:18 Closing voiceover

──────────────────

#TheIsraeliBond #FamLife #BentziKohn #FrancContreras #FamilyMemories #FamilyHistory #DigitalLegacy #ArtificialIntelligence #FamilyRoots #JewishEducation #IsraeliStartups #HMTC

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In Episode 645 of It’s All About the Children on hmTv, hosts Carin and Sami continue their conversation with 16-year-old student activist Ryan Golditch.

Ryan reflects on visiting Auschwitz during the March of the Living and explains why seeing the victims’ shoes, hair and personal belongings created an understanding of the Holocaust that no textbook or film could provide. The discussion examines the consequences of inadequate Holocaust education, the spread of antisemitism and misinformation online, and the danger of allowing history to be distorted or forgotten.

Ryan also shares his experiences as a politically outspoken student in a public school, his commitment to civic involvement and his efforts to encourage other young people to become informed and engaged. Together, Ryan, Carin and Sami discuss American identity, Jewish pride, unity and the responsibility to learn the facts, challenge assumptions and replace the language of “us versus them” with a shared commitment to one another.

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In Episode 644 of It’s All About the Children on hmTv, hosts Carin and Sami welcome 16-year-old student activist Ryan Golditch for Part 1 of an engaging conversation about Jewish identity, political involvement, courage and the responsibility to speak out.

Ryan reflects on participating in the March of the Living and explains how visiting Auschwitz and other Holocaust sites gave him an understanding that no textbook or classroom lecture could provide. He also discusses advancing academically, his interest in public policy and his work establishing Rhode Island’s first high school Turning Point USA chapter.

The conversation explores the challenges Ryan has faced because of his political beliefs, including cyberbullying, doxxing, damaged friendships and efforts to silence his organization. Despite the opposition, Ryan remains determined to defend his values, confront antisemitism and misinformation, and encourage other young people to become informed, engaged upstanders.

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In Episode 643 of Ordinary Heroes on hmTv, host Bernie Furshpan welcomes acclaimed actor, author, and advocate Tovah Feldshuh for a powerful conversation about Jewish identity, storytelling, courage, and resilience.

Tovah reflects on her childhood, her extraordinary career spanning more than five decades, and her acclaimed portrayals of historic figures including Golda Meir and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She discusses the actor’s responsibility to preserve truth, move audiences, and bring history to life.

The conversation also explores the alarming rise in antisemitism, changes within the entertainment industry, the importance of Jewish pride, and the need to speak courageously while building alliances through compassion. Tovah also shares details about her new documentary, memoir, and the Feldshuh Fund for Women’s Health.

This candid and deeply personal episode reminds us to remember who we are, stand firmly against hatred, perform meaningful acts of service, and become shining examples of our shared humanity.

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In Episode 642 of The Dana Download on hmTv, host Dana Arschin Kraslow speaks with educator and Holocaust legacy advocate Lea Sigiel-Wolinetz, the daughter of two Holocaust survivors.

Lea shares the remarkable survival stories of her parents, her experience growing up as an only child in a survivor family, and how she came to embrace her responsibility as a member of the second generation. She also discusses her work preserving the history of the Jewish community of Częstochowa through the World Society of Częstochowa Jews and Their Descendants and her involvement in supporting the creation of the POLIN Museum in Warsaw.

The conversation also explores the story of Rutka Laskier, a Jewish teenager whose Holocaust diary inspired the musical Rutka. Lea explains how Rutka’s words continue to connect with young people and why diaries, interviews, and personal testimony are essential tools for preserving memory.

This moving episode highlights the power of education, storytelling, legacy, and one woman’s lifelong commitment to ensuring that the voices of Holocaust survivors and their descendants are never forgotten.

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In Episode 641 of Disrupting Hate on hmTv, host Kenneth Schachter speaks with Professor Adam Fuller, author of The Armed Jew: The Case for Jewish Gun Ownership and director of the Center for Judaic and Holocaust Studies at Youngstown State University.

Professor Fuller discusses why he became what he calls an “October 8 gun owner” following the Hamas attacks of October 7 and the continuing rise of antisemitism. The conversation explores why American Jews have historically been less likely to own firearms, the cultural and religious attitudes surrounding self-defense, and examples of armed Jewish resistance throughout history.

From the Maccabees and the Bielski partisans to Jewish soldiers, gangsters, lawmen, and gunslingers of the American West, Fuller challenges the stereotype of Jews as passive victims. He also examines Jewish law and rabbinic teachings on the obligation to protect life, Israel’s civilian gun policies, and the responsibilities that come with firearm ownership.

This thought-provoking episode considers the complex intersection of Jewish identity, personal security, history, faith, public safety, and responsible preparedness.

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