8 Sep 2025
As the UN General Assembly meets this week, they’ll have a vocal new critic: Linda Frum
Linda Frum, newly appointed chair of UN Watch, discusses her concerns over the UN's alleged anti-Israel bias and the potential dangers of countries, including Canada, recognizing Palestinian statehood. Frum and UN Watch executive director Hillel Neuer criticize UNRWA and highlight issues within the UN regarding the possible appointment of Iran to the UN Human Rights Council.
5 Sep 2025
Harvard experts warn Diaspora Jews are suffering from ‘traumatic invalidation’ after Oct. 7
Ellin Bessner discusses with Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern a condition termed 'traumatic invalidation' that affects Diaspora Jews exposed to widespread denial and weaponization of their trauma post-October 7. This mental health issue is reflected in anxiety, depression, and even PTSD, and is exacerbated by societal dismissal of Jewish experiences in the context of global conflicts involving Israel.
3 Sep 2025
How Ottawa’s Jewish community is reacting to the Loblaws stabbing attack
The episode covers the community's response to the antisemitic stabbing at an Ottawa Loblaws, shedding light on the victim's recovery and the broader impact on local Jewish security. Interviews with community figures discuss the incident's implications and call for practical political action beyond mere statements.
29 Aug 2025
Menschwarmers: This Canadian athlete drew a swastika on a Jewish student’s dorm room. The New York Yankees drafted him anyway
The episode discusses how the New York Yankees drafted Canadian shortstop Core Jackson despite his past incident of drawing a swastika on a Jewish student's dorm room. Journalist Keith Law explains how this story illustrates themes of forgiveness and redemption, with Jackson having engaged in deep reflection and community engagement following the event.
27 Aug 2025
Greatest Hits: After escaping the Jasper forest fires, this tourist couple found safety in the Jewish community
Sharon Chodirker and Chaim Bell, a Toronto couple, share their harrowing experience of escaping the Jasper forest fires, aided by the Jewish communities in Kamloops, B.C., and Canmore, Alberta, including remarkable hospitality from the local Chabad. The episode highlights the crucial role of Jewish communal support during crises, including the improvisation of rescue accommodations for evacuees.
25 Aug 2025
Greatest Hits: Wayne and Shuster’s kids are helping to bring their parents’ classic comedy skits to a new generation
Wayne and Schuster, a legendary Canadian comedy duo known for their literate slapstick, are being revived by their children and a Toronto theatre company to bring their classic skits to a new generation. Despite obstacles in securing broadcast rights from the CBC, the team has launched a national stage tour featuring reinterpretations of their iconic skits such as "Rinse the Blood Off My Toga."
20 Aug 2025
Greatest Hits: The bat mitzvah turns 100: Meet the oldest celebrant in Canada—and one of the youngest
Ellin Bessner explores the history and evolution of the bat mitzvah in America and Canada, marking its 100-year anniversary. The episode highlights two significant figures: Miriam Lieff, one of Canada's earliest bat mitzvah celebrants, and Naomi Hochman, who is about to celebrate her own, showcasing how Jewish traditions evolve and embrace egalitarian values.
18 Aug 2025
Greatest Hits: Sharon, without Lois or Bram, transforms her classic career into a family business
Sharon Hampson of the famed children's music trio Sharon, Lois & Bram is rejuvenating her musical career with a family band that includes her daughter and grandsons. Together, they adapt their classic songs for a new generation, engaging audiences both live and on social media platforms like TikTok.
15 Aug 2025
‘We weren’t even considered Jewish’: Documentary searches for filmmaker’s cultural identity
Kai Balin explores his Jewish identity in the documentary 'Son of a Seeker,' following the revelation that his family's conversion wasn't recognized by the Orthodox community. His journey involves retracing his family's Holocaust history across continents and grappling with questions of cultural and religious identity.
13 Aug 2025
Israel’s new plan to recapture Gaza: Is history repeating itself 20 years later?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's newly announced plan to evacuate a million Palestinians from Gaza City and retake control has drawn international criticism and internal divisions within Israel. John Shulman, a negotiation expert, compares this to the 2005 Gaza Disengagement, stressing the importance of negotiation and dialogue in avoiding conflict and achieving durable peace.
11 Aug 2025
Montreal attack aftermath: 'Every single one of us is a moving target'
In the wake of a violent attack on a haredi man in Montreal, Jewish leaders call for increased security and concrete governmental actions to combat growing antisemitism. The incident highlights the vulnerability of Jewish communities amid rising hate crimes and political tensions in Canada.
8 Aug 2025
Advocates urge Jews to march in Montreal’s Pride parade after ban reversal
After initially banning two Jewish organizations due to a controversial article and accusations of hateful discourse, Montreal's Pride parade organizers reversed their decision, allowing Ga'ava and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) to participate. This incident highlights underlying tensions between pro-Israel Jewish advocacy and the broader LGBTQ+ community, illustrating the complexities of intersectional identity and the ongoing challenges faced by queer Jews advocating for representation and inclusion.
6 Aug 2025
Mikveh makeover: A U.S. charity helped build or renovate 10 ritual baths across Canada
U.S.-based Mikvah USA has funded the renovation and construction of ten mikvehs in Canada, significantly enhancing Jewish community life in these areas. Despite political tensions influencing consumer behavior, Canadian Jewish communities have embraced this American assistance, highlighting the central role of mikvehs in Jewish life and the collaboration across borders.
1 Aug 2025
Hope for peace or terrorist appeasement? Two experts weigh in on Canada recognizing Palestinian statehood
Canada's announcement to recognize Palestine as a state has sparked significant debate in the Jewish community, with Prime Minister Carney outlining conditions agreed upon with the Palestinian Authority. Experts discuss the implications of this decision, illuminating concerns about the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the potential impact on Canada's international standing.
1 Aug 2025
Hope for peace or terrorist appeasement? Two experts weigh in on Canada recognizing Palestinian statehood
Canada's decision to recognize Palestinian statehood has sparked a major debate among Canadian Jewish communities and international observers. Analysts Jon Allen and Alan Kessel provide contrasting perspectives, questioning the timing, implications for peace, and the adherence to legal and diplomatic norms.
30 Jul 2025
Why Canada should follow Israel’s lead and help protect the Druze in Syria
Canada's Druze community is urging the Canadian government to intervene in the ethnic violence against the Druze in Syria's Sweida province. The episode discusses the ongoing crisis, the recent Israeli military intervention, and the dire humanitarian situation, as Canadian Druze share personal stories of loss and the urgent need for international action.
28 Jul 2025
Pain lingers despite guilty plea by the man who defaced Canada's Holocaust monument
The episode discusses the guilty plea of Iain Aspenlieder, who defaced Canada's National Holocaust Monument with red paint, writing "FEED ME" as a political statement about Gaza. The Jewish community's reactions are explored, highlighting the fear and pain caused by the act and the debate on whether it was motivated by hate or misguided activism.
25 Jul 2025
Nautical nachas: This summer, welcome Shabbat on a boat in the Laurentians
In the Laurentians, Jewish cottagers participate in unique pre-Shabbat celebrations on boats, forming flotillas to welcome the Sabbath with music, prayers, and community. Organized by Howard Stotland and Rabbi Emanuel Carlebach, these gatherings foster Jewish unity and inspire participants while allowing non-Jewish locals to join in the festivities.
23 Jul 2025
Deborah Lyons shares why she quit as Canada’s antisemitism envoy: ‘It was hard to get people to speak up’
Deborah Lyons discusses her resignation as Canada's Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, citing frustration with the lack of support from Canadian business, religious, and political leaders. As a non-Jewish ally, she highlights her efforts to fight antisemitism and reflect on her experiences within the role amidst increasing challenges.
21 Jul 2025
This doctor quit a Canadian medical body after they published an article praising members of Hezbollah
Dr. Michael Kalin resigned from the College of Family Physicians of Canada after they published an article he and many others believed praised Hezbollah, a terrorist organization in Canada. His action highlights a broader concern about the medical body’s inability to address the situation, prompting discussions on ethics and representation within professional organizations.