hmTv at HMTC Podcasts Ep 56: Influential Origins with Alan Mindel and guest Michelle Ahdoot P1 on hmTv
Episode 56 of Influential Origins
Title: From Iran to Great Neck: A Story of Perseverance and Pride
Host: Alan Mindel | Guest: Michelle Ahdoot
In this powerful first part of a two-episode conversation, host Alan Mindel sits down with Michelle Ahdoot to explore the extraordinary story of her family’s journey from Iran to America. Michelle shares the inspiring path of her father, who left Iran in the post-Holocaust era to study medicine in Germany, and her mother, whose family had the foresight to immigrate to Queens in the 1940s.
Together, they discuss the evolution of the Iranian Jewish experience, the dramatic changes brought by the 1979 revolution, and the resilience of a community forced to rebuild in a new land. Michelle reflects on growing up in Great Neck, the cultural crossroads of Iranian and American identity, and the strength of women rising against oppression—both in Iran and abroad.
From early involvement with Birthright Israel to passionate advocacy with Friends of the IDF and leadership in the Great Neck school system, Michelle’s story is one of identity, perseverance, and generational pride.
Tune in to hear how one woman’s influential origins shaped not only her family, but her community—and how those roots continue to grow in the next generation.
Part Two continues with a look at the evolving experience of Jewish students on college campuses and Michelle’s growing role as a voice for Jewish pride and empowerment.
Tags: #InfluentialOrigins #IranianJewishHistory #Zionism #Birthright #GreatNeck #JewishPride #FIDF #ImmigrantVoices #JewishWomen #Israel #CommunityLeadership #FamilyLegacy #hmTv