Ep 612: The Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen and guest Gal Atia on hmTv

Ep 612: The Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen and guest Gal Atia on hmTv

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Israeli Bond on hmTv, host Gal Swisa Cohen welcomes Gal Atia, Head of Delegation and Chief Program Officer for North America at the Jewish Agency for Israel. Gal shares his personal journey from serving as a basketball coach at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin to leading one of the Jewish Agency’s most important North American missions. Through stories from summer camp, shlichut, and Jewish communal life, he explains how Israeli emissaries build lasting relationships, strengthen Jewish identity, and create meaningful bridges between Israel and Jewish communities across North America. The conversation explores the power of shlichut, the unique role of Israeli emissaries, the impact of summer camps, the importance of partnerships, and the Jewish Agency’s work after October 7. Gal also discusses programs such as Campers Together, which brings Israeli children from impacted communities to North American camps, and reflects on why this moment calls for collaboration, action, and renewed mutual responsibility. This episode offers an inspiring look at how personal connection, purpose, and people-to-people relationships can strengthen the bond between Israel and Jewish communities around the world. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/support]

Ep 611: Many Voices. One Community with Gaitley Stevenson Mathews and guest Kate Csillag on hmTv

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Many Voices. One Community on hmTv, host Gaitley Stevenson Mathews welcomes Kate Csillag, founder of Knit with Kate, for a warm and inspiring conversation about the power of knitting, crocheting, service, and human connection. Kate shares how fiber arts have been part of her life since childhood and how she now uses knitting and crochet to bring people together across Glen Cove, Bayville, libraries, senior centers, temples, and community spaces. What begins with yarn and needles becomes something far greater: a place of belonging, friendship, healing, and purpose. Together, Gaitley and Kate explore how creative arts can bridge differences, reduce loneliness, and build community among people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Kate also discusses her group’s charitable work, including a remarkable veterans drive that collected more than 1,600 handmade and donated items, as well as ongoing donations of blankets and other items to veterans, shelters, and those in need. This heartfelt episode reminds us that community can be built one stitch, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/support]

Ep 610: Many Voices. One Community with Gaitley Stevenson Mathews and guest Gina Florio on hmTv

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Many Voices. One Community on hmTv, host Gaitley Stevenson Mathews welcomes Dr. Gina Florio, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Molloy University, for a thoughtful conversation about education, leadership, mentorship, and the lasting value of a liberal arts foundation. Dr. Florio shares her personal journey from growing up in Middle Village, Queens, to discovering her passion for laboratory-based chemistry at Vassar College, continuing her academic path through Purdue University and Columbia University, and ultimately dedicating her career to higher education. She reflects on the professor who helped change the trajectory of her life and how that experience continues to inspire her work with students today. Together, Gaitley and Dr. Florio explore the deep connection between science and the arts, the importance of curiosity and creativity, and the role of educators in helping students find confidence, purpose, and direction. They also discuss Molloy University’s commitment to service, community, ethical leadership, first-generation students, and the changing needs of Long Island’s diverse student population. This inspiring conversation reminds us that education is not only about acquiring knowledge. It is about building character, strengthening community, and preparing students to serve the greater good. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/support]

Ep 609: Disrupting Hate with Ken Schachter and guest William G Holst on hmTv

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Disrupting Hate on hmTv, host Ken Schachter welcomes William G. Holst, former assistant county attorney in Suffolk County, longtime member of the Smithtown Anti-Bias Task Force, and author of Bicentennial Trifecta. Together, they explore how bias and hate can surface even in communities that see themselves as welcoming, and why early education is essential in preventing hate from taking root. Holst reflects on the origins of the Smithtown Anti-Bias Task Force, created after swastikas were found on a high school graduation field in Commack, and discusses the importance of school-based programs, bias-free zones, community partnerships, and helping young people understand that hateful acts are not harmless pranks, but deeply damaging messages. The conversation also touches on the changing diversity of Long Island, the challenge of proving intent in hate crime cases, and the ongoing need for local action, awareness, and education. The episode concludes with a look at Holst’s background in journalism, law, military service, and his historical fiction novel Bicentennial Trifecta, which follows an Army journalist during America’s Bicentennial year. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/support]

Ep 608: The Dana Download with Dana Arschin and guest Rhonda Fink-Whitman on hmTv

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/fan_mail/new] Ep. 608: The Dana Download with Dana Arschin and Guest Rhonda Fink-Whitman on hmTv In this episode of The Dana Download, host Dana Arschin welcomes author, educator, and Holocaust education advocate Rhonda Fink-Whitman for a powerful conversation about memory, responsibility, and action. Rhonda, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, shares the story behind her book 94 Maidens, which tells the true story of her mother’s survival and Rhonda’s journey to uncover sealed Nazi documents about her family’s fate. She also discusses her graphic novel, Daughters of the Holocaust, which reimagines daughters of survivors as modern-day fighters against antisemitism and Holocaust denial. The conversation also explores Rhonda’s years of advocacy for mandatory Holocaust education, including her viral “Mandate Video,” her role in helping advance Holocaust education legislation across multiple states, and her current efforts to strengthen Holocaust education requirements in Pennsylvania. Through personal family history, educational activism, and an urgent call to preserve memory, this episode reminds listeners why Holocaust education must not be optional and why the responsibility to teach future generations belongs to all of us. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/support]