HMTC IN THE NEWS

NEWS12 Long Island November 14, 2024
'Survivor Torah Project' comes to Long Island
Cecilia Dowd

A Torah hidden for decades is now being restored by Holocaust survivors. Local survivors gathered at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County on Thursday to help bring the scroll back to life. After spending more than 70 years hidden beneath a sofa, a Torah entrusted by a rabbi to his neighbor in Poland during the Holocaust is now making its way around the globe - and being restored letter by letter.

Holocaust survivors are penning the letters, each with so much meaning behind them. Rosalie Simon’s mother and brother were murdered in a concentration camp. The 93-year-old survivor helped restore the Torah on Thursday. She told News 12, “It meant a lot to me” to be able to honor her mother and brother.

Jonny Daniels, who travels with the Torah and is making the project possible, told News 12, "It's a very powerful experience."

10/29/24 CBS NY: HMTC Storyteller, Dana Arschin is featured

Sunday, October 6, 2024 News12 Long Island

HMTC honors the victims of the October 7, 2023 attack on Israeli civilians with a commemorative plaque mounted on a 2.5-ton stone. The event was attended by elected officials, Holocaust survivors, and a survivor of the Nova concert tragedy.

HMTC Hosts Emotional Memorial to Honor Victims of October 7th Hamas Attack

by Bernie Furshpan

On Sunday, October 6, 2024, the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center (HMTC) held a solemn outdoor commemoration to honor the victims of the October 7th Hamas attack on Israeli civilians. The event featured a poignant display of a memorial stone and plaque, symbolizing the lives lost and the community’s commitment to remembrance.

The ceremony was opened by HMTC Executive Director Moji Pourmoradi, who emphasized the importance of honoring those who perished in the brutal attack. Pourmoradi expressed her deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and solidarity shown by those in attendance, underscoring the collective effort needed to stand with Israel during such grief.

Rabbi Howard Stecker led the audience in a prayer for the hostages taken during the attack, adding a spiritual dimension to the event. U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi followed with remarks reaffirming his unwavering support for the Jewish community and the State of Israel. Suozzi’s words resonated with many, reinforcing the importance of standing united in the face of terror.

One of the most powerful moments came when Shir Zohar, a survivor of the Nova Festival, shared her harrowing account of October 7, 2023. Zohar detailed her narrow escape from the violent attack, painting a vivid picture of the horror she experienced at the hands of Hamas militants.

Board Members Russell Burman, Michael Trager, and Jolanta Zamecka took to the podium next, reading the names of American citizens who lost their lives in the massacre. Their readings brought the global impact of the tragedy into sharp focus, reminding attendees of the far-reaching consequences of the violence.

The emotional tone continued as Holocaust survivor Renee Silver recited "The Oak Tree" by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr., a poem that speaks to resilience in the face of adversity. Her reading, filled with personal history and hope, provided a moment of reflection on the strength of the human spirit in overcoming tragedy.

HMTC Chair Alan Mindel closed the event with powerful words of resolve, reminding attendees of the ongoing need to confront evil and asserting that Israel will continue to stand strong against those who seek its destruction. The event concluded with a moment of silence, a final tribute to the victims.

The commemoration was a collaborative effort by HMTC staff, volunteers, board members, and the broader community. It served as both a memorial and a call to action, ensuring that the lives lost are not forgotten and that the fight against hatred continues.

The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center welcomes Gilad Erdan, the former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. and U.N.

by Jaime Keslonsky

On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center (HMTC) had the privilege of hosting Gilad Erdan, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States and the United Nations. Erdan served as Israel’s representative at the U.N. from 2020 to 2024, following his tenure as a member of the Knesset for the Likud party from 2003 to 2020. Throughout his diplomatic career, Erdan has been a steadfast advocate for Israel, using his platform to challenge what he describes as the United Nations' moral failings.

Former Israeli Ambassador, Gilad Erdan [Photos: Gideon Karliner]

Erdan has gained widespread attention for his impassioned speeches at the U.N., where he has repeatedly condemned the institution’s response to the October 7 massacre in Israel. Notably, he has accused the U.N. of being "morally bankrupt" and complicit through its silence. According to Erdan, Israel represents one-tenth of 1 percent of the world’s population, yet it receives 70% of the U.N.’s condemnations—more than Iran, Russia, North Korea, and Syria combined. He argues that the U.N.'s actions have caused immense damage to Israel’s reputation. Erdan's bold gestures, such as wearing a yellow star to evoke the U.N.'s historical inaction, publicly displaying the phone number of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to suggest the U.N. call him for a ceasefire, and holding up images of Israeli children murdered by terrorists in January 2023, have made headlines worldwide. He has fought tirelessly to expose the truth and defend his nation from forces that “seek to destroy what all of us have fought so hard to build.” Erdan also provided an update on the situation in Gaza, particularly regarding progress in Rafah. Since Israel entered Rafah a few months ago, over 2,300 terrorists have been eliminated, and their brigade has been completely decimated—all without collateral damage. Erdan emphasized that Israel has shown the world that there is no military more moral and resolute than the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

HMTC Board Member, David Rosen; Exec. Dir., Moji Pourmoradi
[Photos: Gideon Karliner]

“The IDF is fighting much more than the war in Gaza,” Erdan emphatically stated. Additionally, he passionately proclaimed, “Israel is the vanguard of civilization!” He underscored that this is a message the Jewish people should continually reinforce. For those interested, Erdan's speeches, in which he continues to advocate for Israel and its supporters, are available on his YouTube channel.

Following his departure as Israel's ambassador, Gilad Erdan has most recently taken on the role of Global President of Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster response, ambulance, and blood bank service. He spoke about why he chose this role and why he believes it is a perfect fit for him.

Internationally recognized as the "Red Star of David," Magen David Adom plays a vital role in delivering life-saving services across the nation. Erdan asserts his continued commitment to defending Israel, though now on a different front. He highlighted the evolving nature of threats against Israel, noting that while past conflicts were largely fought on military fronts, today’s enemies target Israeli civilians, using new tactics such as international political pressure, social media campaigns, and direct attacks on the home front. He pointed to the use of terror tunnels, indiscriminate missile fire, and the use of "GoPro" cameras during the October 7 Hamas assault as part of a broader strategy to instill fear and destabilize Israel.

Event attendees [Photos Gideon Karliner]

While the Israel Defense Forces protect the country’s borders, Erdan stressed that Magen David Adom plays a vital role in defending the people within, responding to emergencies, and saving lives. Equipped with advanced life-saving technology and a team of 35,000 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics, MDA stands ready to deploy within moments of an emergency. Their services extend beyond war zones, responding to everyday medical emergencies across Israel—from heart attacks to traffic accidents to childbirth. Unlike smaller rescue operations that may serve specific communities, MDA is legally mandated to serve the entire nation, including all religious and ethnic groups.

In 2023 alone, MDA rescue vehicles were dispatched 1.5 million times — approximately once every 20 seconds. As Israel faces increased violence along its borders, the dedication and expertise of MDA’s medics are critical to saving lives.

Erdan thanked the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center (HMTC) for their quick response in raising $160,000 to acquire a new ambulance after 14 MDA ambulances were destroyed in the October 7 Hamas attacks. This act of solidarity, he said, has reinforced to Israelis that they are never alone in their struggle. If you want to learn more about Magen David Adom or donate, please visit their website at https://afmda.org.

Nassau County Legislator, Mazi Pilip; Former Israeli Ambassador, Gilad Erdan
[Photo: Gideon Karliner]

Sept 12, 2024

Let's Imagine: Learning from the Leaders of the Imagine Awards.

HMTC's Executive Director participated in a panel alongside other award-winning non-profit organizations at the Imagine Awards. Watch the full webinar to discover how non-profits are addressing today's challenges in management, fundraising, and the integration of new technologies to enhance their growth and impact.

Friday, September 6, 2024

Governor Hochul and Steve Israel have a panel discussion about antisemitism today and moderated by Dana Arschin.

News12 Long Island - LI man with ties to family discusses tragic death of hostage
Sep 2, 2024 Thema Ponton

The 23-year-old Israeli American, whose funeral was held Monday in Israel, was one of the six hostages found dead in a tunnel in Gaza.

"For it to end in this horrific way...there are just no words for it." said Alan Mindel, Board Chair of the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County, about the death of Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

The 23-year-old Israeli American, whose funeral was held Monday in Israel, was one of the six hostages found dead in a tunnel in Gaza.

Mindel tells News 12 he went to school in Israel years ago with Hersh's father and since Hersh was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, Mindell and others who went to the school have been part of a social media group, praying for Hersh's return and supporting his parents.

"There was this beautiful child, young adult, who had so much to live for and has been taken from so many people that loved him. It's just a horrific feeling for so many of us." said Mindell.

News12 Long Island - Hate Crime Surge
Aug 28, 2024 Kevin Vesey
Hate crimes up 69% statewide since 2019

The report says Jewish people were targeted the most, with 44% of the total bias incidents in 2023 aimed at them.

A new report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli shows hate crimes up 69% since 2019. The report says Jewish people were targeted the most, with 44% of the total bias incidents in 2023 aimed at them. Around one-third of the hate crimes had to do with race, ethnicity or national origin. 17% were against members of the LGBTQ+ community, mostly gay men. The trend holds true for Long Island, where hate crimes have also been on the rise. The report recommends a multifaceted approach rooted in communication and understanding.

June 24, 2024 NBC4 NYC - Manhattan DA drops charges against Columbia protesters; community outraged; HMTC Chairman Alan Mindel spoke at Press Conference

June 24, 2024 Fox5 NYC - Manhattan DA drops charges against Columbia protesters; community outraged; HMTC Chairman Alan Mindel spoke at Press Conference

June 24, 2024 New York Post - Manhattan DA drops charges against Columbia protesters; community outraged; HMTC Chairman Alan Mindel spoke at Press Conference

NEWS12 | Monday | May 20, 2024
HMTC’s & Claire Friedlander Upstander Awards Dinner

NEWS12 | Monday | May 6, 2024
HMTC’s New ‘Survivor’ Exhibit

CBS2 Baltimore | Monday | May 6, 2024
Holocaust Survivors Share Their Story

Newsday | Monday | May 6, 2024

America’s Hope on NTD News | Friday | May 4, 2024

HMTC Marketing Director, Bernie Furshpan speaks about the hope for the future of Amercia with Fox News and NTD News Anchor, Kelly Wright.

Long Island Imagine Awards | Wednesday | May 1, 2024

CBS NEW YORK | Monday | April 16, 2024

NEWS12 LONG ISLAND | Sunday | April 14, 2024

HMTC Exec. Dir. Moji Pourmoradi makes a comment about security and safety after Iran’s missile attack on Israel.

NEWS12 LONG ISLAND | Friday | April 5, 2024

Holocaust survivors share stories with students in Port Jefferson

Dr. Bernie Furshpan's father was just 10 during the Holocaust, the same age as some of the students he spoke with. Holocaust survivor, Meir Usherovitz, a survivor from the Auschwitz death camp also spoke with students Friday in Port Jefferson. They shared their personal experiences and stories from concentration camps. Dr. Bernie Furshpan's father was just 10 during the Holocaust, the same age as some of the students he spoke with. "I used the story of my dad to show how low people can go, but hopefully they will be inspired to do better in their generation to eradicate hate altogether."

MARCH 11, 2024 - The Militant |Opponents of Jew-hatred condemn harassment of NY mosque

FEBRUARY 21, 2024 - Glen Cove / Oyster Bay Record Pilot | Dr. Christopher Probst, Director of Education for HMTC is interviewed about addressing the rise of antisemitism.

FEBRUARY10, 2024 - MID-ISLAND TIMES | Plainview-Old Bethpage School District Hears from Dr. Christopher Probst, Director of Education for HMTC

FEBRUARY 3 2024 - LIHERALD.COM BY ROKSANA AMID PUBLISHED

January 30, 2024 - CBS Channel 2 News Coverage: Swastika Found in Pt. Washington School

January 26, 2024 - Fox5 News Coverage: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

January 26, 2024 - CBS Channel 2 News Coverage: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

January 27, 2024 - BBC World News Coverage: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Town of Oyster Bay Holocaust Remembrance Day 2024

Number of Holocaust survivors down to 245,000 globally, 14,655 in New York State

NEWSDAY BY ROBERT BRODSKY PUBLISHED: JANUARY 26 2024

Nassau County Comptroller attends Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County Tribute Dinner

LONG ISLAND.COM BY CHRIS BOYLE PUBLISHED: JANUARY 22 2024

Comptroller Phillips had the opportunity to congratulate and thank honoree and Holocaust survivor, Leo S. Ullman, for continuing to share his story and for giving lectures.

On Tuesday, January 16th, 2024, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips joined the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County (HMTC) at their Annual Tribute Dinner, in support of their mission to teach about the history and lessons of the Holocaust through education and community outreach.

Comptroller Phillips had the opportunity to congratulate and thank honoree and Holocaust survivor, Leo S. Ullman, for continuing to share his story and for giving lectures at universities, churches, synagogues, and many civic associations as part of tolerance education.

Each year at the Annual Tribute Dinner, the HMTC pays tribute to Holocaust Survivors, and high-profile civic, community, and business leaders.

Holocaust Survivor Gilda Zirinsky Engages with Fifth Graders

On January 5th, 2024, Holocaust Survivor Gilda Zirinsky delivered her heartfelt testimony to 5th-grade students from the North Shore School District. As a child survivor herself, the students were able to connect and relate to Gilda's fears, values, and feelings as a young girl, making this presentation all the more powerful.

December 13, 2023 - News Coverage Hanukkah at HMTC: The Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center in Glen Cove teamed up with Dough Doughnuts to make special Hanukkah doughnuts. News 12's Nicolette Schleisman was in Glen Cove reporting how the proceeds of these doughnuts will be used to fight injustice.

November 15, 2023 - News Coverage: Antisemitic graffiti found in two Long Island Schools. HMTC Director of Education, Christopher Probst, speaks to reporters about this incident.

November 9, 2023 - News Coverage: On the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht or "Night of Broken Glass", we look to commemorate those whose lives were lost or forever changed by the events of November 9th, 1938. Full story.

November 5, 2023 - News Coverage: HMTC and The Daffodil Project join together to memorialize the 1.5 million children who were killed during the Holocaust by planting 1,500 daffodil bulbs on the grounds of HMTC.

October 22, 2023 - News Coverage: Candlelight vigil in Glen Cove offers prayers to those impacted in the Israel-Hamas conflict

September 10, 2023 - TV coverage: HMTC Checkmate Hate Fundraiser

January 19, 2023 News12: HMTC stands up against a rise in anti-Semitism

November 25, 2019 CBS: HMTC Vandalized

2017 CBS NY: Bishop John Barres visits HMTC

Oct 23, 2016 PBS THIRTEEN: Treasures of New York

October 20 2016 LITV: HMTC celebrates National Volunteer Awareness Week