Breaking the Narrative

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

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

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

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

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