In this episode of Breaking the Narrative, host Jesse sits down with two bold voices from the medical world: Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, an associate professor of family medicine at the University of Ottawa, and Dr. Lior Bibas, a cardiologist and president of the Association of Jewish Physicians of Quebec. Together, they explore the growing threat of antisemitism, not just in public discourse but within healthcare settings, academia, and professional life.
Through candid conversation, they shed light on the challenges of speaking out against hatred in professional environments and the responsibility each of us has to confront antisemitism when we see it. We hope you enjoy the episode.
In this episode of Breaking the Narrative, Jesse is joined by Michael Hollander of Choueke Hollander, a Montreal-based law firm. Since October 7th, Michael has committed a great deal of time to supporting students on campus, and has been effective in protecting them from discrimination and bigotry. As a result, he is amongst the leading experts in the rights of Canadian students, and the challenges Jewish and pro-Israel students face on campus today.
Hollander offers students practical guidance on navigating hostile environments, understanding their legal rights, and building confidence in advocacy. He shares strategies to create lasting impact within student communities while protecting themselves through legal and strategic tools. His insights equip students to stand proudly for their values and for Israel, while navigating the complexities of campus life with clarity and confidence.
Barrister and International law expert Natasha Hausdorff returns to Breaking the Narrative for another powerful conversation. In this episode, we explore the latest false claims of Israel violating international law, the truths behind them all, and the double standard Israel is held to on the world stage. The law is black and white, and Natasha’s sharp insights and keen understanding help to illuminate the realities that support Israel’s moral war against Hamas, and claim to the Jewish state.
We were glad to include questions submitted by guests at our nationwide fireside chat series with Natasha this past June.
In this episode of Breaking the Narrative, Jesse sits down with Jacqui Dressler, Senior Director of Advocacy at Hillel Ontario. In the face of modern campus antisemitism, the two discuss the ways in which our organizations are working together to support Jewish and pro-Israel students as the new school year begins.
Jesse and Jacqui share insights from the frontlines of student advocacy, and discuss what needs to change for students to feel safe participating in Jewish life on campus. Most importantly, they highlight the importance of empowering student leaders to be the champions they are for promoting peace and coexistence on their campuses.
In this episode of Breaking the Narrative, Jesse sits down with Michael Dickson, Executive Director of StandWithUs Israel. Michael opens up about the fight against antisemitism, the challenges of public diplomacy in the digital age, and what the world can learn from Israel’s resilience. From the October 7 aftermath to the ongoing battle of narratives on campuses and online, this conversation dives deep into the strategies, stories, and values shaping the global Jewish community today.
Tune in for an inspiring and timely conversation about advocacy, resilience, and why standing with Israel matters now more than ever.
In this episode of Breaking the Narrative, Jesse sits down with Drew Sylver, a student leader, former Emerson Fellow, and former member of the Concordia Student Union. Drew shares his unique perspective from the frontlines of campus life, opening up about the challenges Jewish students face, the rise of antisemitism at Concordia, and how students can take matters into their own hands to make a difference.This candid conversation highlights what it means to be a Jewish student leader today, navigating activism, identity and why building strong voices on campus is more important than ever.
In this powerful episode of Breaking the Narrative, Canadian journalist Dahlia Kurtz shares her deeply personal and professional journey confronting antisemitism.
From enduring Jew hatred firsthand to continuing the legacy of her father, who stood on the front lines against antisemitism in Canada, Dahlia offers an unfiltered look at what it means to speak truth in an increasingly hostile world.
In this episode, Jesse is joined by Eylon Levy, the former Israeli government spokesperson who became one of the most recognizable voices defending Israel in the aftermath of October 7. They discuss the ongoing war in Gaza, the mounting threats from Iran and its proxies, and the global silence surrounding the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.
Eylon offers sharp insight into the moral challenges of urban warfare, and the international pressure campaign that often ignores Israeli suffering. A powerful and timely conversation by one of the brightest minds on the situation so make sure to tune in!
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Tamara Gottlieb and Aaron Kucharczuk, co-founders of JEFA (Jewish Educators and Families Association), for an unfiltered conversation about what Jewish students and families are facing in Ontario’s school system.
From antisemitic bullying to hostile classroom materials like the book P is for Palestine—featuring “I is for Intifada”—they share firsthand accounts of how bad things have gotten and how institutions are failing to protect Jewish children. This is not just about isolated incidents, but a broader cultural shift that’s leaving many Jewish families feeling silenced, unsafe, and abandoned by the very systems meant to support them.
We discuss the urgent need for accountability in education, how JEFA is leading the charge, and why staying silent is no longer an option.
This week on Breaking the Narrative, we’re joined by Collin May, former Chief of the Alberta Human Rights Commission. Collin was appointed to lead the AHRC in 2022 after years of involvement with the organization, but just before his term began, controversy erupted over a book review he wrote 13 years prior. That review of Efraim Karsh’s "Islamic Imperialism: A History" resurfaced in a media article, triggering intense public backlash.
Collin shares his side of the story, the events that followed, and his perspective on free expression, cancel culture, and the state of human rights in Canada.
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On this episode of Breaking The Narrative, Daniel, a StandWithUs Canada alumnus from Western University, and Noa, a current Emerson Fellow at Toronto Metropolitan University, join us for a powerful and timely conversation on what it means to be Jewish on campus in Canada after October 7th.
Together, they shed light on the sharp rise in antisemitism across Canadian universities and share deeply personal stories about navigating hate, isolation, and activism in the face of growing hostility. As student leaders, both have been on the front lines, organizing events, building community, and pushing back against misinformation and intolerance.
But this episode goes beyond the challenges. Daniel and Noa reflect on how these experiences have deepened their Jewish identities, strengthened their sense of purpose, and inspired them to keep showing up, not just for themselves, but for the next generation of Jewish students.
This is a raw, honest, and ultimately hopeful conversation about resilience, leadership, and the path forward for Jewish life on campus.
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In this powerful episode of Breaking the Narrative, we sit down with Neil Oberman, Conservative candidate for Member of Parliament in Mount Royal and a lawyer at Spiegel Ryan LLP, to discuss the urgency of student activism and the importance of speaking up in the face of rising antisemitism.
Neil brings both his legal and political perspective to the conversation, highlighting the role of advocacy, accountability, and courage in today’s climate. We explore the challenges Jewish students face on Canadian campuses, the need for principled leadership, and how individuals can make a meaningful impact. From grassroots movements to legal frameworks, this episode offers a compelling look at how to stand strong against hate.
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In this episode, award-winning filmmaker and journalist Wendy Sachs joins us to discuss her powerful new documentary, October 8th — a searing exposé on the surge of antisemitism in America following Hamas' October 7th attack on Israel. Wendy reveals how antisemitic ideologies have infiltrated college campuses, social media, and the streets, with foreign regimes like Iran, China, and Russia fueling division and hate in the U.S. She explores the coordinated networks behind campus protests, the weaponization of disinformation by foreign governments, and the alarming impact this has had on Jewish students and faculty at Ivy League schools. Wendy also shares vital information for parents, students, and community leaders about the rise of antisemitism and the importance of standing up for truth, safety, and Jewish identity on campuses and beyond. October 8th is not just a documentary; it’s a wake-up call.
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In this powerful episode of Breaking the Narrative, we sit down with Miriam Haart—entrepreneur, speaker, and star of Netflix’s My Unorthodox Life—for an unfiltered conversation about Jewish identity, Israel advocacy, and the rising tide of antisemitism. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Miriam shares her personal journey navigating faith, activism, and online hate, while standing up for Israel in an increasingly polarized world.
Together, we discuss the challenges facing young Jews today, the intersection of Zionism and LGBTQ+ rights, and what it means to be unapologetically proud of who you are. Don’t miss this insightful and inspiring conversation!
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In this episode, we are joined by Barrister and International Law expert Natasha Hausdorff for a compelling discussion on the false claims of illegality being levied against Israel and the use of lawfare to delegitimize the Jewish state. She reveals how international courts and institutions are being weaponized to target Israel, all while turning a blind eye to genuine human rights violations around the world. We dive into that and much more, so tune in!
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In this episode, we welcomed Daughter of Iran, Elica Le Bon, for a powerful conversation on the rising wave of antisemitism on campuses and the broader assault on Western values like freedom, democracy, and human rights. She exposes the unsettling reality that many in the West—students and activists alike—are unknowingly aligning with oppressive regimes and terrorist organizations.
Elica also sheds light on the IRGC’s brutal suppression of basic freedoms in Iran, particularly for women and minorities, drawing a stark contrast between life under extremist rule and the liberties enjoyed in the West.
In this episode, we sit down with Member of Parliament Kevin Vuong to discuss his recent trip to Israel, the challenges of foreign interference, and his vision for restoring the Canada we all know and love. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of our nation.
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On the inaugural episode of Breaking the Narrative, we sit down with Shabbos Kestenbaum, a recent Harvard University graduate who has been at the center of a public battle with the university following the October 7th Hamas attacks. After accusing Harvard of failing to take action against rising antisemitism, Shabbos is now suing the institution. In this episode, he shares his personal experiences and gives a behind-the-scenes look at what's really happening on some of the world’s most prestigious campuses today
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Welcome to Breaking The Narrative, a podcast that confronts the rising issue of antisemitism and the delegitimization of Israel, both on Canadian campuses and across the country. In each episode, we highlight the tireless efforts of individuals, organizations, and leaders working to challenge hate, promote education, and foster meaningful dialogue. Through in-depth conversations with student leaders, community advocates, politicians, and influential speakers, we unpack the impact of antisemitism on Jewish communities in Canada and around the world. With updates from Israel and discussions on the growing rise of antisemitic incidents, Breaking The Narrative also explores strategies for creating safer, more inclusive environments for Jewish students and community members. Tune in for compelling insights and a closer look at the people fighting to change the narrative.