Daily Podcasts Video Research

The CJN Daily with Ellin Bessner

Newsmaker conversations from The Canadian Jewish News, hosted by Ellin Bessner, a veteran broadcaster, writer and journalist.
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21 Apr
The CJN Daily's political panel weighs in on the 2025 federal election
The CJN Daily episode features a political discussion with experts from various Canadian political backgrounds analyzing the potential impact of Canadian Jewish voters in the upcoming 2025 federal election. They delve into the complex dynamics involving economic issues, Israel's security, and the rise of antisemitism as key factors influencing the Jewish vote.
17 Apr
Rabbi Louis Sachs speaks out about being sued by his former synagogue in Toronto
Rabbi Louis Sachs discusses his legal battle with his former congregation, Beth Torah, which has sued him for breach of contract after he joined Beth Sholom. The episode delves into rabbinic career transitions and the challenges conservative synagogues face in maintaining membership and stability.
17 Apr
Rabbi Louis Sachs speaks out about being sued by his former synagogue in Toronto
Rabbi Louis Sachs faces a $750,000 lawsuit from his former synagogue, Beth Torah, over allegations of breach of contract after leaving for Beth Sholom. He claims these accusations are unfounded and intends to clear his name, highlighting broader challenges facing synagogues today.
15 Apr
This Canadian soldier helped liberate Bergen-Belsen—80 years ago today
Eighty years after the liberation of Bergen-Belsen, Jack Marcovitch's daughters recount their father's experiences as a liberator and the subsequent impact on his life. Despite his heroism, Marcovitch rarely spoke of the trauma he witnessed, which included the arrest of the camp's notorious commandant.
10 Apr
Let my elephants go: a new Canadian documentary spotlights animal welfare in zoos
Fern Levitt's new documentary, "Lucy: The Stolen Lives of Elephants," investigates the ethical concerns surrounding elephant captivity in Canadian zoos, drawing parallels between animal suffering and historical human atrocities. The film calls for freeing elephants like Lucy from captivity, emphasizing the need for public awareness and policy changes in animal welfare.
9 Apr
Olive Branch vs. Sobeys: A kosher food fight erupts in Thornhill
A controversy ignited in the Jewish community of Thornhill, Ontario, where a new kosher market, Olive Branch, accused the manager of a nearby Sobeys of threatening caterers with business loss if they supplied both establishments. This dispute, which unfolded just before Passover, fueled a public outcry and calls for a boycott that rippled through social media, raising questions about corporate ethics and community dynamics.
7 Apr
Why 72% of police-reported hate crimes in Canada remain unsolved
Experts discuss the troubling statistics from Statistics Canada's latest report, revealing that 72% of police-reported hate crimes in Canada remain unsolved, with a significant focus on anti-Semitic incidents. Issues of repeat offenders and systemic challenges in law enforcement are highlighted, with calls for better resource allocation and more stringent legal measures to address hate crimes effectively.
3 Apr
Canada has a secret list of suspected Nazis. This historian found the files online
Jared McBride and his students uncovered a trove of historical RCMP war crimes files detailing investigations into alleged Nazi war criminals who entered Canada, long thought to be secret but actually accessible online for five years. This discovery challenges the Canadian government's stance on maintaining confidentiality over its Nazi war criminals list, potentially altering the ongoing legal efforts by Jewish organizations to unveil these documents.
2 Apr
Jewish Canadians in Israel could impact election results back home
Elliot Gluck has created a website, IsraelVotes.ca, to facilitate voting for the estimated 40,000 Canadians living in Israel, making it easier for them to participate in the upcoming Canadian federal election. Despite facing online antisemitism, Gluck remains committed to ensuring that Canadians abroad can exercise their democratic rights, motivated by the potential impact of this voting bloc on election outcomes.
31 Mar
How Canadian Jewish business leaders are bracing for Donald Trump’s trade war
Canadian Jewish business leaders discuss strategies to navigate the economic impacts of Donald Trump's trade war, which is affecting industries reliant on U.S. markets. The episode features efforts by Noah Tepperman and Michael Wiesel to adapt through production adjustments and maintaining cross-border business relationships.
27 Mar
This Holocaust survivor rediscovered her Jewish roots decades later—thanks to a Canadian genealogist
Jewish genealogist Stanley Diamond helped uncover the true identity of Maria Vasitinskaya, born Rivka Silber, who was left in a ditch during the Holocaust and raised as a Christian, by connecting her with her surviving Jewish relatives decades later. Author Amy Fish shares the story's journey to publication and her personal connection to the tale, revealing the profound impact of family reunions on Holocaust survivors.
26 Mar
We asked Pierre Poilievre about federal funding for UNRWA. Here’s what he said
Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, emphasized stopping federal funding to UNRWA, an organization he links to terrorist activities, during a media roundtable. He also criticized Liberal policies on crime and advocated for stronger security measures to combat antisemitism and lawlessness in Canada.
24 Mar
We watched Al-Quds Day in Toronto. Here’s what we heard
The episode examines the contentious Al-Quds Day protest in Toronto that drew about 2,000 participants advocating for a free Palestine, including some spreading antisemitic messages. Despite heightened police presence and counter-protests, disturbing elements such as chants, harassment of journalists, and support for banned organizations were prominent, sparking calls for municipal bans on these demonstrations.
20 Mar
Why was a Toronto suspect released on bail after being charged with terrorism-related hate crimes against Jews?
A Toronto man accused of hate crimes and terrorism-related charges against the Jewish community was released on bail, sparking outrage and concern among community leaders. Jewish voices are questioning the judicial decision, emphasizing the continued threat of antisemitism, even as legal measures prove challenging.
19 Mar
Remembering a global genealogist, a Romanian survivor, B'nai Brith's CEO and more community builders recently lost
This episode honors five Canadian Jewish leaders from various provinces who have recently passed away, each leaving behind a significant impact on their communities through advocacy, philanthropy, and public service. It features touching reflections and discussions of their contributions to Jewish life in Canada and beyond.
17 Mar
Israel urges 60,000 evacuated residents to move back to the battered north: some fear it's still not safe
The Israeli government is urging thousands of evacuated northern residents to return home after a ceasefire with Hezbollah, though many remain apprehensive about safety and infrastructure stability. Interviews with Metula residents and community leaders reveal a mix of determination to return and fear of future conflict.
13 Mar
The Onion, but make it Jewish: Meet the Canadian brothers behind a new pro-Israel comedy news site
Canadian brothers Eric and Ryan Turkienicz have created 'The Daily Brine,' a satirical news site offering comedic takes on the situation in Israel, tackling serious topics with humor. Their platform has gained notable attention, reflecting a desire for humor amidst dark times and offering a unique pro-Israel voice that engages beyond the Jewish community.
12 Mar
This pro bono legal team has helped over 550 Canadian victims of antisemitism since Oct. 7
The episode discusses the establishment and impact of the CIJA Legal Task Force, a pro bono legal team that has assisted over 550 Canadian victims of antisemitism since October 2023. The episode also features interviews with key figures from the initiative, highlighting their efforts in tackling cases of antisemitism in universities, workplaces, and public institutions, amid a perceived failure of political and institutional protection for Jewish communities.
10 Mar
Key Passover imports will be exempt from tariff war with U.S., Ottawa confirms
Ottawa has temporarily exempted key kosher-for-Passover food imports from U.S. retaliatory tariffs, providing relief to Canadian Jewish communities amidst rising prices. However, with the exemption ending post-Passover, there is significant concern about future affordability and supply of kosher products, prompting discussions about local production solutions.
6 Mar
Stephen Bronfman starts new global Jewish climate fund to counter Trump's cuts to environmental protection
Stephen Bronfman has launched the Jewish Climate Trust to mobilize Jewish philanthropic efforts towards combating climate change, particularly in light of Donald Trump's environmental policy rollbacks. The Trust aims to fund initiatives in North America and Israel, leveraging Jewish values and Israeli eco-technology to drive change globally.