Breaking the Narrative

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 the Toronto District School Board.

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.

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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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