Breaking the Narrative

In this episode of Breaking the Narrative, host Jesse sits down with two bold voices from the medical world: Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, an associate professor of family medicine at the University of Ottawa, and Dr. Lior Bibas, a cardiologist and president of the Association of Jewish Physicians of Quebec. Together, they explore the growing threat of antisemitism, not just in public discourse but within healthcare settings, academia, and professional life.Through candid conversation, they shed light on the challenges of speaking out against hatred in professional environments and the responsibility each of us has to confront antisemitism when we see it. We hope you enjoy the episode.

In this episode of Breaking the Narrative, Jesse is joined by Michael Hollander of Choueke Hollander, a Montreal-based law firm. Since October 7th, Michael has committed a great deal of time to supporting students on campus, and has been effective in protecting them from discrimination and bigotry. As a result, he is amongst the leading experts in the rights of Canadian students, and the challenges Jewish and pro-Israel students face on campus today. Hollander offers students practical guidance on navigating hostile environments, understanding their legal rights, and building confidence in advocacy. He shares strategies to create lasting impact within student communities while protecting themselves through legal and strategic tools. His insights equip students to stand proudly for their values and for Israel, while navigating the complexities of campus life with clarity and confidence.

Join barrister Natasha Hausdorff, an international law expert and Legal Director for UK LFI Charitable Trust, as she tackles pressing issues surrounding Israel's legal status. She discusses how international law is misapplied, the implications of Palestinian statehood recognition, and the harmful impact of media misreporting. Natasha emphasizes the need for accurate legal advocacy, challenges the double standards faced by Israel, and highlights the importance of grassroots efforts to combat misinformation. Her insights shed light on the complexities of the ongoing conflict.

In this episode of Breaking the Narrative, Jesse sits down with Jacqui Dressler, Senior Director of Advocacy at Hillel Ontario. In the face of modern campus antisemitism, the two discuss the ways in which our organizations are working together to support Jewish and pro-Israel students as the new school year begins. Jesse and Jacqui share insights from the frontlines of student advocacy, and discuss what needs to change for students to feel safe participating in Jewish life on campus. Most importantly, they highlight the importance of empowering student leaders to be the champions they are for promoting peace and coexistence on their campuses.

In this episode of Breaking the Narrative, Jesse sits down with Michael Dickson, Executive Director of StandWithUs Israel. Michael opens up about the fight against antisemitism, the challenges of public diplomacy in the digital age, and what the world can learn from Israel’s resilience. From the October 7 aftermath to the ongoing battle of narratives on campuses and online, this conversation dives deep into the strategies, stories, and values shaping the global Jewish community today.Tune in for an inspiring and timely conversation about advocacy, resilience, and why standing with Israel matters now more than ever.

In this episode of Breaking the Narrative, Jesse sits down with Drew Sylver, a student leader, former Emerson Fellow, and former member of the Concordia Student Union. Drew shares his unique perspective from the frontlines of campus life, opening up about the challenges Jewish students face, the rise of antisemitism at Concordia, and how students can take matters into their own hands to make a difference.This candid conversation highlights what it means to be a Jewish student leader today, navigating activism, identity and why building strong voices on campus is more important than ever.

In this powerful episode of Breaking the Narrative, Canadian journalist Dahlia Kurtz shares her deeply personal and professional journey confronting antisemitism. From enduring Jew hatred firsthand to continuing the legacy of her father, who stood on the front lines against antisemitism in Canada, Dahlia offers an unfiltered look at what it means to speak truth in an increasingly hostile world.

In this episode, Jesse is joined by Eylon Levy, the former Israeli government spokesperson who became one of the most recognizable voices defending Israel in the aftermath of October 7. They discuss the ongoing war in Gaza, the mounting threats from Iran and its proxies, and the global silence surrounding the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. Eylon offers sharp insight into the moral challenges of urban warfare, and the international pressure campaign that often ignores Israeli suffering. A powerful and timely conversation by one of the brightest minds on the situation so make sure to tune in!

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.Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/standwithuscanada/?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X/Twitter:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/StandWithUsCA