The Anti-Defamation League is a prominent New York-based NGO that’s been operating for well over 100 years. While initially focused on combating antisemitism, the ADL has expanded its focus to include other forms of hate and prejudice.
However, since the barbaric attacks in Israel on October 7, the ADL has – for good reason – focused much of its efforts on the unprecedented rise of Jew-hatred throughout the US and around the world. That's included helping to sound the alarm about the situation in Canada.
Released earlier this year, the ADL’s Global 100 Survey found that 46 per cent of the world’s adult population – an estimated 2.2 billion people – harbour deeply entrenched antisemitic attitudes. In Canada, approximately 2.6 million adults, or 8 per cent of the population, hold elevated levels of antisemitic attitudes.
To discuss the ADL's work and the present threat landscape, Jonathan Greenblatt joins The Promised Land. Since becoming the ADL's CEO in 2015, Greenblatt has modernized the organization and refocusing it on the mission it's had since its 1913 founding: fighting the defamation of the Jewish people, and securing justice and fair treatment for all.
Amidst surging antisemitism, terrorism, and social division, and at a time when Israel continues to fight an unprecedented war with Hamas and other terrorist organizations – seeking to liberate dozens of hostages – the governments of France, the UK, and Canada – agreed to recognize Palestinian statehood.
For many, both Jews and non-Jews alike, this move doesn’t just feel theatrical – it feels dangerous – it feels like a betrayal. To discuss this, and other issues like activist journalism and the prospects of a two-state solution – Casey Babb is joined by Matti Friedman.
Matti is an award-winning journalist and thought-leader whose work as a reporter has taken him from Israel to Lebanon, Morocco, Moscow, the Caucasus, and Washington, DC. A former Associated Press correspondent and essayist for the New York Times opinion section, he currently writes for The Free Press. He was born in Toronto and lives in Jerusalem with his family.
Since October 7, the world has witnessed an alarming surge in disinformation, antisemitism, and targeted violence—old lies dressed in new rhetoric, spreading hatred and division across the Western world. Amid this darkness, a small but powerful group of voices has emerged to challenge the chaos with clarity, truth, and reason. One of the most eloquent and incisive among them is Natasha Hausdorff.
A lawyer and expert in international law, armed conflict, and national security, Natasha brings a uniquely informed and courageous perspective to these troubled times. With degrees from Oxford and Tel Aviv, a fellowship at Columbia, and experience clerking for the President of Israel’s Supreme Court, she now serves as Legal Director for UK Lawyers for Israel Charitable Trust.
In this episode of The Promised Land, we explore the legal and moral complexities of the current crisis, the shifting landscape in the UK, and what Natasha would say to Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak if given the chance.
In this episode of the Promised Land podcast, MLI Senior Fellow Casey Babb sits down with Hussein Aboubakr Mansour, an Egyptian-American intellectual and senior research fellow at the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Recording on June 18th during the sixth day of hostilities, they explore the strategic implications of Israel's strikes on Iran's nuclear program and whether the United States will join the fight.
Hussein brings his expertise on Middle Eastern geopolitics, foreign funding of universities, and regional dynamics to analyze why this confrontation was inevitable given Iran's nuclear ambitions and Israel's existential imperatives. The conversation covers the realistic prospects for regime change in Iran, the ongoing Gaza conflict and hostage situation, and why traditional solutions like the two-state solution may be counterproductive.
They also examine shifting Arab attitudes toward Israel, particularly among Gulf elites, and discuss the rise of Western radicalism and anti-Semitism. Hussein argues that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become a complex system of international political maneuvering rather than a genuine bilateral dispute.
Hussein Aboubakr Mansour is an Egyptian-American intellectual specializing in modern intellectual history. His work focuses on Arab political thought, Arab intellectual history, and the globalization of antisemitism and revolutionary radicalism. Hussein previously served as an assistant professor of Hebrew language and culture at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California. His writings have appeared in Commentary, Tablet, Mosaic, and the Athens Review of Books. Hussein is a sought-after commentator and speaker on issues of antisemitism and extremism in the Middle East. In 2022, he was awarded the Per Ahlmark Award by the UN Watch for his advocacy for human rights, and in 2024, he was awarded the German Mercator Fellowship from the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien in Heidelberg. He is a senior research fellow at ISGAP, the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy.
Show notes:
- Hussein’s recent Substack article: https://critiqueanddigest.substack.com/p/why-america-must-join-israel-against
- Israel's 1981 strike on Iraq’s nuclear reactor : https://www.airandspaceforces.com/PDF/MagazineArchive/Documents/2012/April%202012/0412osirak.pdf
- Israel’s 2007 strike on Syrian nuclear reactor : https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/israels-2007-strike-syrian-nuclear-reactor-lessons-learned-iran
- Qatar and Al Jazeera : https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/dec/05/wikileaks-cables-al-jazeera-qatari-foreign-policy
- Civilian toll :
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-most-vulnerable-iranian-missile-destroys-rehab-center-for-disabled-kids/
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/live-blog/live-updates-israel-iran-reactor-hospital-rcna213904
https://www.timesofisrael.com/with-few-shelters-but-plenty-of-roadblocks-east-jerusalem-arabs-squeezed-by-war/
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/16/israeli-death-toll-rises-to-24-nearly-600-injured/
In this poignant episode of The Promised Land podcast, research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Mariam Wahba shares her deeply personal reflections on the tragic murder of her friend, Yaron Lischinsky, and Sarah Milgram, murdered by an anti-Israel fanatic in Washington, DC. Mariam recounts her shock at learning of their deaths, an event that seemed inevitable in the face of rising anti-Semitic and anti-American sentiment. As she navigates the complexities of grief and loss, she also underscores the urgent need for the West to confront the reality of globalized anti-Semitism, a growing threat that extends far beyond mere rhetoric.
From her experience growing up in Egypt as a Christian, Mariam provides unique insights into the persistent anti-Semitism and hostility faced by minorities in the Middle East. She delves into the complicated relationship between Egypt, Israel, and Gaza, shedding light on Egypt’s political calculus and the delicate balance it must maintain with its neighbor. Throughout the conversation, Mariam calls for greater awareness, solidarity, and action in confronting the rising tide of extremism and preserving the shared values of Western civilization.
In this episode, MLI Senior Fellow Casey Babb sits down with Loay Alshareef – a Saudi intellectual, historian, and prominent thought leader who has dedicated his career to promoting interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding across the Middle East. Loay challenges the narratives that dominate Western discourse—from the myth of Israel as a colonial enterprise to the deliberate misuse of the term “Islamophobia” to shield extremists from legitimate criticism. He draws a critical distinction between anti-Muslim bigotry, and the need to confront the very real threat posed by radical ideologies cloaked in religious legitimacy. This episode is a call to courage and discernment. It’s a warning—delivered with wisdom, grace, and unwavering conviction—from someone who knows exactly what is at stake.
In this episode, Casey Babb sits down with Ahmed Alkhatib, a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, to discuss the complex and evolving situation in Gaza, the rise of Hamas, and the broader implications for Palestinians and Israelis. Alkhatib, a former Gaza resident, shares his personal experiences growing up amidst the violence of the Second Intifada, the rise of Hamas, and the challenges of navigating life under constant tension. He discusses the nuances of Gaza’s internal political dynamics, the complexities of Palestinian identity, and the human cost of the ongoing conflict.
The conversation delves into Alkhatib's current work with Realign for Palestine, an initiative aimed at redefining Palestinian activism and fostering dialogue around a two-nation solution. They explore the recent shifts in public opinion, the misconceptions surrounding support for Hamas, and the way forward for a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With insights into regional geopolitics, Alkhatib provides a pragmatic yet hopeful vision for Gaza's future - one rooted in cooperation, self-determination, and resilience.
In this episode of The Promised Land, Senior Fellow Casey Babb sits down with David Hirsh, CEO of the London Centre for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism, to explore the resurgence of antisemitism in the 21st century. Together, they discuss the intersection of anti-Zionism and antisemitism, the impact of the October 7th attacks on Jewish communities worldwide, and the challenges of combating hate in an increasingly polarized world. With insights drawn from research, advocacy, and lived experience, this conversation highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response to antisemitism and the role of democratic resilience in countering intolerance.
In this episode, we are privileged to welcome Irwin Cotler to the show. Irwin is not just a scholar of human rights - he is one of its fiercest defenders. A former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, an advocate for political prisoners across the world, and now a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, he has spent his career exposing injustice, calling out hypocrisy, and standing where others have wavered.
MLI Senior Fellow Casey Babb sits down with Irwin to dissect the perilous state of the West - where free societies are paralyzed by their own moral confusion, where antisemitism has returned as an acceptable form of bigotry, and where the very principles that once held our civilization together are being abandoned in real time. We hope you enjoy the conversation.
In this episode, MLI senior fellow Casey Babb sits down with Susan Heller Pinto, Vice President of International Policy at the Anti Defamation League (ADL), to explore the enduring fight against antisemitism. As the world grapples with rising hostility toward Jewish communities and a resurgence of radical ideologies, the ADL's mission has never been more urgent. From grassroots advocacy to international collaborations, Susan shares how the ADL remains a leader in the struggle for justice and pluralism.
The conversation delves into the ADL's recent global survey, revealing both troubling signs of antisemitism and glimmers of hope in places like Canada. Susan's insights are a timely reminder that combating hate requires more than policy changes—it demands individuals willing to speak out and take action.
We invite you to listen, reflect, and perhaps find inspiration in this compelling conversation about how we can all stand against hatred.
In this episode, Peter Copeland, Deputy Director of Domestic Policy at MLI interviews Mark Sandler, a distinguished criminal lawyer, educator, and Chair of the Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism. Mark has an extensive background in addressing hate crimes and shaping policy responses to protests and public order challenges.
Together, they delve into the rising social tensions in Canada—escalating protests, demonstrations, and hate crimes—and the challenges and opportunities they present for law enforcement. They explore how policing can be improved to better manage these societal tensions, drawing on insights from Mark’s decades of experience.
In this episode of the Promised Land podcast, Deputy Director of Domestic Policy and Promised Land project lead Peter Copeland interviews Mustafa Akyol, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, where he focuses on the intersection of public policy, Islam, and modernity. Together, they discuss Islam and western civilization, sorting through the tensions that may exist, how those might be overcome, and the extent and limits of reinterpretation and reform in religion. They also cover Islamic extremism, the Israel-Palestine conflict, Mustafa’s new book The Islamic Moses, Islam’s relationship to the other Abrahamic religions, and the role of religion in contemporary society, as many increasingly turn to it in the postmodern era, in search of meaning and values.
Guest Biography:
Mustafa Akyol is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, where he focuses on the intersection of public policy, Islam, and modernity. He is the author of acclaimed books such as Reopening Muslim Minds: A Return to Reason, Freedom, and Tolerance, The Islamic Moses: How the Prophet Inspired Jews and Muslims to Flourish Together and Change the World, and Why, As a Muslim, I Defend Liberty. He was a long-time contributing opinion writer for The New York Times and teaches classes at Boston College and Foreign Service Institute. In July 2021, the Prospect magazine of the UK listed him among “The world’s top 50 thinkers.”
In this episode, we turn our focus to the power of interfaith allyship in confronting antisemitism and championing pluralism. Reverend Dr. Andrew Bennett is uniquely suited to this conversation. As Canada’s first ambassador for religious freedom, a Deacon of the Catholic Church, and the program director for faith communities at Cardus, his career has been devoted to fostering dialogue across divides. His work has consistently championed the belief that true pluralism rests on our shared humanity and the dignity inherent in every person.
Andrew sits down with your host, MLI Senior Fellow Casey Babb, whose expertise in counterterrorism and public policy offers a nuanced perspective to the discussion. Together, they delve into the troubling rise of antisemitism, the moral erosion in our public discourse, and the urgent need for solidarity between Christian and Jewish communities. They also explore Andrew’s work on a ground-breaking effort to build interfaith partnerships across Canada.
On November 18, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute hosted Arsen Ostrovsky for a compelling discussion on Israel's conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, exploring the broader implications for Canada and global stability. In this episode, we’d like to share that discussion with you.
Arsen Ostrovsky is a distinguished expert in international law and human rights, and the CEO of the International Legal Forum: a global network combating extremism, terror, and antisemitism. His work has taken him to the United Nations, the U.S. Congress, the British Parliament, and beyond, where he’s been at the forefront of advocating for justice in the face of rising global tensions. In this episode, Arsen delivers a comprehensive analysis of the multi-front war Israel faces spanning physical, legal, and narrative battlegrounds.
Interviewing him is the Macdonald Laurier Institute’s Senior Fellow Casey Babb, whose rich background in terrorism and international security ensures an incisive and thought-provoking discussion. Together, they explore the legal, ethical, and geopolitical dimensions of Israel’s ongoing struggle against terror and extremism, and the broader implications it carries for both Canada and the global community.
In this episode, MLI Senior Fellow Casey Babb interviews Urban Warfare expert John Spencer on Israel's complex battle against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Spencer outlines Hamas' guerrilla tactics, embedded within dense civilian areas where people ae used as human shields and which complicate hostage rescue efforts for Israel. The conversation highlights Israel’s precision airstrikes targeting Hezbollah’s military leadership, and its ground operations protecting the northern border. Spencer sheds light on the changing nature of modern warfare, Israel's humanitarian challenges and the difficulty of countering international criticism. A compelling look at the demands of urban warfare in the Middle East.
In this powerful episode of The Promised Land, host Dagny Pawlak speaks with Éloge Butera, a survivor of the Tutsi genocide in Rwanda and a member of the Jewish community, about the rising tide of antisemitism in Canada. Drawing from his unique perspective, Butera reflects on the dangerous parallels between the rhetoric surrounding Jews today and the language used in the lead-up to historical genocides, including his own traumatic experience in Rwanda. As incidents of hate and violence against Jews increase, Butera discusses the critical role of media, political narratives, and international organizations in either curbing or exacerbating these dangers. With the rise of anti-Zionism, especially following the October 7 attacks, Butera warns of the long-term consequences of ignoring or downplaying these ideologies, urging the world to recognize the destructive potential before it’s too late. This episode offers a sobering look at how unchecked hate can escalate and the urgent need for action to defend Jewish communities worldwide.
In this episode, MLI Senior Fellow Casey Babb speaks with Einat Wilf, an expert in Middle Eastern affairs, about the ideological underpinnings driving conflicts in Israel and the region. They discuss how Israel's recent period of perceived safety masked growing threats, highlighting the need to counteract ideologies like Palestinianism and Hezbollah's influence. Wilf argues for a comprehensive approach beyond military action, advocating for the global recognition of these ideologies' dangers. The conversation also touches on the psychological impact of hostages, the challenges Israel faces in defending itself internationally, and the urgent need for strategic and diplomatic measures.
In this episode of the Promised Land Podcast, MLI Senior Fellow Casey Babb sits down with Ambassador Immo Moed to discuss how the escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly in Israel, is reverberating through Canadian society. Ambassador Moed sheds light on the challenges facing Jewish communities in Canada as they confront rising tensions and antisemitism. With insightful analysis, we explore how global events are shaping local communities, influencing public discourse, and impacting Canadian values. Join us for a thoughtful conversation on the intersection of international conflict and its profound effects on our society at home.