Breaking the Narrative

This week, Michelle sits down with Nathan Ladovsky, owner of Toronto’s United Bakers – a beloved hub of Jewish food, connection, and community for more than 100 years.

As the fourth-generation owner, Nathan shares his journey into the family business and the story behind a restaurant that has built a lasting legacy in Toronto’s Jewish community. He talks about how United Bakers has evolved with the times while staying true to its traditions and core values, and how the rise in antisemitism has impacted Jewish businesses and the people they serve.

Grab a nosh and tune in for a warm and meaningful conversation about family, food, and Jewish identity.

The podcast is back!

In this episode, host Michelle Dor, Executive Director of StandWithUs Canada, is joined by Thornhill MP Melissa Lantsman, a tireless advocate for the Jewish community and a strong voice against antisemitism.

Michelle and Melissa discuss the critical issue of rampant antisemitism on Canadian campuses, what it means to represent one of Canada’s largest Jewish communities in Parliament, the power each of us has to use to speak up and advocate for change, and more.

This week, Jesse sits down with Simon Wolle, CEO of B’nai Brith Canada, for an important conversation about the rise of antisemitism across the country.

Drawing on the findings of B’nai Brith’s Annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, they discuss what the latest data reveals, the factors driving these trends, and the impact they’re having on Canadian Jewish communities. They also explore what governments, community organizations, and everyday Canadians can do to push back against hate and help build a safer future for everyone.

On this week’s episode, Jesse speaks with renowned dancer, singer, and social media activist Montana Tucker. Montana discusses what it meant to wear her now-iconic Grammys dress, adorned with a large yellow ribbon in honour of the hostages taken into Gaza on October 7, as well as the legacy of being the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors. She also reflects on her journey from entertainment influencer to pro-Israel advocate and how using her platform for this work has enabled her to educate millions about antisemitism and Israel.

Watch Montana's documentary, The Children of October 7, available on Paramount+. Featuring interviews with young survivors of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, this powerful documentary shares their firsthand stories of resilience and trauma.

This week, Jesse sat down with Goldie Ghamari, an Iranian-Canadian activist and former MPP. Having immigrated to Canada from Iran as a child, Goldie has spent decades speaking out against the Iranian regime and the IRGC, drawing from her firsthand understanding of the regime’s tyranny.

She speaks with Jesse about the urgency of dismantling the IRGC, the future of Iran, and the Iranian people’s pursuit of freedom. They also discuss the growing problem of extremism in Canada and how rising anti-Western sentiment is creating a dangerous environment for democracy and Canadians alike.

This week, Jesse sat down with Toronto-based artist Taiga Bentley, Owner/Director of Olga Korper Gallery and Founder of the Reframe Arts Fellowship, an immersive arts and culture experience in Israel for Canadian professionals in the visual arts space, in partnership with StandWithUs Canada.

Jesse and Taiga discuss the connection between art and Judaism, how October 7th changed her worldview, and how it inspired her to share her Jewish pride and push back against antisemitism. Taiga also reflects on how, in the aftermath of that day, many in the art world were not welcoming toward pro-Israel perspectives, and how antisemitism has increasingly taken hold in creative communities.

Reframe Arts Fellowship: https://www.reframeartsfellowship.com/

Olga Korper Gallery: https://www.olgakorpergallery.com/

On this episode, Jesse sits down with Natasha Pein, co-founder and Senior Executive Leader of the Stop Antizionism Initiative (stopaz.org) and author of Unmasking Antizionist Tactics: A New Face of Old Hate. Through her work, Natasha examines antizionism as a contemporary manifestation of antisemitism through rigorous research, strategic analysis, and actionable education.

Jesse and Natasha break down what antizionism is, where it came from, and why it has become increasingly socially acceptable today. They also discuss how it impacts student life on campus and what an effective response to it actually requires from institutions.

On this episode, Jesse sits down with a small group of young Israelis hosted by StandWithUs Canada during a week of campus visits, student dialogues, and community events. The group participated in our WordSwap program, which brings Israeli voices to Canadian campuses, countering the reductive and often distorted portrayals of Israelis promoted by antizionist activists on campus. Coming from Druze, Ethiopian, and Argentine backgrounds, they showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Israel and the deep pride they feel for their country.

The group shares their personal experiences from October 7, describing where they were and how that day affected them. They also reflect on what it means to live in Israel today, a nation that endures immense challenges yet sustains a resilient spirit that carries over generations.

On this episode, we welcome back former Member of Parliament Kevin Vuong, who used his platform in government to unapologetically champion a pro-Israel voice, even in the face of threats and continued antagonism.

Kevin joins Jesse for a candid conversation about the alarming rise of antisemitism in Canada, the disruptive anti-Israel protests that unfolded in our streets, and the growing concern that hate speech targeting Jewish and pro-Israel communities has been left to grow unchecked.

They also examine Iran’s destabilizing role in global conflict and assess how Canadian political leaders are responding - or failing to respond - to the challenges facing our country at home.

On this episode of Breaking the Narrative, we are joined by Dr. Alan Bostakian, an Iranian expat, change leader, and certified human rights consultant. With a background in human rights advocacy and as the founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting human rights victims, Dr. Bostakian has tirelessly championed the Iranian community, an effort made even more urgent by the current unrest in the region.

As a massive uprising unfolds in Iran, met with brutal massacres by the Islamic Republic, Dr. Bostakian and Jesse discuss the dire situation on the ground and what the international community can do to help. Dr. Bostakian shares his thoughts on whether the United States should intervene, how deeply the Iranian people desire change, and what it means for so many to be losing their lives in the pursuit of freedom.