Former ambassador Vivian Bercovici gives top marks to Israel's new government

Last week, Israel's prime minister, Naftali Bennett, made his debut on the world stage at the United Nations General Assembly. Bennett has just passed the 100-day mark of his administration, after his coalition came together in June.

How has Bennett's government fared in those hundred-odd days? Canada's former ambassador to Israel, Vivian Bercovici, would give the new team an A if she were writing their report card.

Bercovici was a lawyer in Toronto when Stephen Harper appointed her as Canada's ambassador to Tel Aviv in 2014. She was let go just over two years later, after Justin Trudeau took office. (Her lawsuit against the Liberal government over her termination was settled earlier this year, but a non-disclosure agreement prevents her from speaking about it.)

Despite losing that job, Bercovici remained in Israel, where she continues to work as a business consultant, public speaker and writer. She joins today to discuss her thoughts about Canada’s relationship with Israel, the ongoing controversy over the U.S. funding the Iron Dome, how Israel has handled the pandemic and more.

What we talked about:

• Follow Vivian Bercovici on Twitter at @VivianBercovici
• Read: "Bercovici seeks to add PMO chief of staff to lawsuit" (thecjn.ca)
• Watch the short documentary Periphery on Vimeo

Credits

The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Victoria Redden is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network; find more great Jewish podcasts at thecjn.ca.