Five thousand years ago the Minoans, Europe’s first great civilization, flourished on the island of Crete. Yet in their heyday, they mysteriously disappeared. Archaeologists are finding evidence of a massive tsunami that devastated the Minoans – and may have spawned the myth of Atlantis.

The acclaimed Visions series makes an aerial pilgrimage to Israel, the world’s only Jewish state. Stunning high-def aerial footage showcases Israel in all its diverse glory, witness the magnificence of the country’s many holy sites, see such modern achievements as the ingenious irrigation system that makes a desert bloom.

“A Walk to Beautiful” tells the stories of rural women who make their way to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, seeking treatment for obstetric fistula, a life-shattering complication of childbirth that was once common in the pre-industrial United States but that is now relegated to the poorest regions of the world.

All May, Thirteen is broadcasting special Asian programming for Asian Pacific Heritage month, telling stories from the entire Pacific Rim, from east to west, the islands of Fiji to expatriates in the U.S., stories from as far as India to as near as New York. See listings:

In this episode of Real Moms, learn the facts about the centuries old practice of waterbirthing; watch the story of two remarkable disabled mothers; and discover the roller coaster ride of pre – and post-natal emotions. Watch the full episode:

Last month, P.O.V. exec. director Simon Kilmurry served on the jury for this specialized film festival, which is in its 10th year. He gives a detailed report about what he saw, what he liked, and the state of the documentary in the middle east region. Go to the P.O.V. blog.

It’s Yom Ha’atzmaut–in honor, we’ve linked to a number of Israel stories from the last few years: the ecosystem of the River Jordan, Israeli Sesame Street, Punk Rock and Poetry in Israel, the U.S. Presidential candidates’ positions on Israel issues, and many more. See all stories here.

Morgan Sparks, who, at Bell Labs, came up with the first practical version of the transistor, passed away this week at the age of 91. See more about Sparks and the history of the transistor.

Ten years ago, Religion & Ethics ran three episodes of their weekly show devoted to Israel at 50 years. What is different now?
Episode 1: Israel’s role over the past 50 years
Episode 2: Israel: A State for the Jews or a Jewish State?
Episode 3: Israel through the eyes of it’s Non-Jewish Citizens