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Episode 64: Ordinary Heroes with Bernie Furshpan and Guest Martin Hausvater

In this powerful episode of Ordinary Heroes on hmTv, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with author Martin Hausvater to explore the extraordinary legacy of his family’s survival, resistance, and resilience spanning three generations and multiple countries. From a poverty-stricken childhood in Romania to apprenticeship in Hungary, military heroism in World War I, secret currency operations, and ultimately escape from Nazi persecution—Martin’s grandfather lived a life shaped by faith, ingenuity, and unyielding strength.

Martin shares riveting, often harrowing stories handed down through his family: how his Orthodox grandfather upheld his Jewish traditions even while imprisoned in Italy; how he outwitted police in Hungary; and how his family funneled the equivalent of $120 million to support the Jewish underground during WWII. The episode also highlights the courage of Martin’s father, a U.S. Navy sailor who stood tall against antisemitism, and Martin’s own reflections on inherited strength in the face of hatred.

A moving reminder of the Jewish spirit to survive and fight back, this episode is a tribute to the unsung heroes in our families—and a call to action in the face of rising antisemitism today.

Now streaming on all major podcast platforms.
Martin Hausvater’s book “Hausvater” is available on Amazon Kindle and soon in hardcover.
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