Breaking the Narrative

This week, Jesse sat down with Goldie Ghamari, an Iranian-Canadian activist and former MPP. Having immigrated to Canada from Iran as a child, Goldie has spent decades speaking out against the Iranian regime and the IRGC, drawing from her firsthand understanding of the regime’s tyranny.

She speaks with Jesse about the urgency of dismantling the IRGC, the future of Iran, and the Iranian people’s pursuit of freedom. They also discuss the growing problem of extremism in Canada and how rising anti-Western sentiment is creating a dangerous environment for democracy and Canadians alike.

This week, Jesse sat down with Toronto-based artist Taiga Bentley, Owner/Director of Olga Korper Gallery and Founder of the Reframe Arts Fellowship, an immersive arts and culture experience in Israel for Canadian professionals in the visual arts space, in partnership with StandWithUs Canada.

Jesse and Taiga discuss the connection between art and Judaism, how October 7th changed her worldview, and how it inspired her to share her Jewish pride and push back against antisemitism. Taiga also reflects on how, in the aftermath of that day, many in the art world were not welcoming toward pro-Israel perspectives, and how antisemitism has increasingly taken hold in creative communities.

Reframe Arts Fellowship: https://www.reframeartsfellowship.com/
Olga Korper Gallery: https://www.olgakorpergallery.com/

On this episode, Jesse sits down with Natasha Pein, co-founder and Senior Executive Leader of the Stop Antizionism Initiative (stopaz.org) and author of Unmasking Antizionist Tactics: A New Face of Old Hate. Through her work, Natasha examines antizionism as a contemporary manifestation of antisemitism through rigorous research, strategic analysis, and actionable education.

Jesse and Natasha break down what antizionism is, where it came from, and why it has become increasingly socially acceptable today. They also discuss how it impacts student life on campus and what an effective response to it actually requires from institutions.

On this episode, Jesse sits down with a small group of young Israelis hosted by StandWithUs Canada during a week of campus visits, student dialogues, and community events. The group participated in our WordSwap program, which brings Israeli voices to Canadian campuses, countering the reductive and often distorted portrayals of Israelis promoted by antizionist activists on campus. Coming from Druze, Ethiopian, and Argentine backgrounds, they showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Israel and the deep pride they feel for their country.

The group shares their personal experiences from October 7, describing where they were and how that day affected them. They also reflect on what it means to live in Israel today, a nation that endures immense challenges yet sustains a resilient spirit that carries over generations.

On this episode, we welcome back former Member of Parliament Kevin Vuong, who used his platform in government to unapologetically champion a pro-Israel voice, even in the face of threats and continued antagonism.

Kevin joins Jesse for a candid conversation about the alarming rise of antisemitism in Canada, the disruptive anti-Israel protests that unfolded in our streets, and the growing concern that hate speech targeting Jewish and pro-Israel communities has been left to grow unchecked.

They also examine Iran’s destabilizing role in global conflict and assess how Canadian political leaders are responding - or failing to respond - to the challenges facing our country at home.