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.

Mustafa Akyol, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and author renowned for his insights on Islam and liberty, joins the discussion. He explores the tensions between Islam and Western civilization, the complexities of governance and individual freedoms in Islamic contexts, and the roots of extremism. Akyol emphasizes that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is primarily political, not religious. He also addresses the increasing search for meaning among the youth today, advocating for balance between tradition and openness in faith.

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.