What Is Happening Here | Canadaland Investigates
Canadaland
<p>Statistically, a Jew in Canada is now 9 times more likely to be a victim of a hate crime than a Jew in the United States. How did this happen in a country known for politeness, diversity, and social democracy? Is this even a real phenomenon, or is anti-zionism being misclassified as antisemitism?</p><br><p>Journalist and Publisher Jesse Brown is diving deep into the subject, travelling across Canada and speaking with Jews, anti-zionist activists, and high-profile public figures, all of whom have seen their lives change since October 7th, 2023.</p><br><p><em>What Is Happening Here</em> is available now — right here on Canadaland Investigates. Our critically-acclaimed and award-winning limited series, all in one place.</p><br><p><a href="http://canadaland.com/join" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">canadaland.com/join</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Recent Episodes
20 episodes#6 Antizionism Is Not Antisemitism
Is hatred against Jews calming down, or is it back for good? Is it correct to consider antizionism the new name of antisemitism, or is it a different ideology entirely? Finally, is antizionism actually pro-Palestinian?Credits: This series is a co-production of Canadaland and The Canadian Jewish NewsMade possible by the generous support of The Bissell Family Foundation, George Burger, Dan Debow, Gideon Hayden, Daniel Klass, Norman Levine, Nanette Okun, Leslie Scanlon, Marjorie Skolnik, Lee Zentner, and others. Written and Reported by Jesse BrownResearch and Story Editing by Kate MinskyOriginal Music by Socalled with Fred WesleySound Design, Mixing and Mastering by Caleb ThompsonEditorial Input from Michael Fraiman For a list of sources cited in this episode, please refer to this episode’s web page (link)To support Canadaland, visit http://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#5 Why Here?
Why is hatred against Jews so bad in Canada, specifically? Is it because of our government? Is it the failure of the police? Is it because of Muslim immigration? On this episode, three theories, and one conclusion. Credits: This series is a co-production of Canadaland and The Canadian Jewish NewsMade possible by the generous support of The Bissell Family Foundation, George Burger, Dan Debow, Daniel Klass, Nanette Okun, Leslie Scanlon, Marjorie Skolnik, Lee Zentner, and others. Written and Reported by Jesse BrownResearch and Story Editing by Kate MinskyOriginal Music by SocalledSound Design, Mixing and Mastering by Caleb ThompsonEditorial Input from Michael Fraiman This episode relied on video documentation of the protests at Bathurst and Sheppard filmed by many sources, but none more than Caryma Sa’d and her videographer, Lee.. Special thanks to them and to Jonathan Rothman of The CJN. For a list of sources cited in this episode, please refer to this episode’s web page (link)To support Canadaland, visit http://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#4 Inside the Antizionist Movement
Moez Zaman is the spokesperson for an antizionist protest that has taken place in the same Jewish neighbourhood in Toronto over 40 times. He says that his group has been unfairly characterized as antisemitic and pro-Hamas. So what do they really believe? What do their signs and chants actually mean? And what responsibility do they take for the impact they are having on their neighbours? Moez sits down for an uncommon exchange about his goals. This series is a co-production of Canadaland and The Canadian Jewish NewsMade possible by the generous support of The Bissell Family Foundation, George Burger, Dan Debow, Daniel Klass, Nanette Okun, Leslie Scanlon, Marjorie Skolnik, Lee Zentner, and others. Written and Reported by Jesse BrownResearch and Story Editing by Kate MinskyOriginal Music by SocalledSound Design, Mixing and Mastering by Caleb ThompsonEditorial Input from Michael Fraiman This episode relied on video documentation of the protests at Bathurst and Sheppard filmed by many sources, but none more than Caryma Sa’d and her videographer, Lee.. Special thanks to them and to Jonathan Rothman of The CJN. For a list of sources cited in this episode, please refer to this episode’s web page (link)To support Canadaland, visit http://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#3 “As a Jew”
Jews against Israel have been front and centre in the antizionist movement, their voices featured regularly in media coverage about the conflict. Their very existence lends credibility to the assertion that antizionism is not antisemitic. (To donate funding so we can complete this series, email [email protected]) But how representative are they of the Jewish community as a whole? Is their presence being weaponized against Jewish institutions, or are they willingly weaponizing their own Jewishness? And what do these individuals have to say about the presence of antisemitism in their movement? Dave Meslin is a self-described antizionist Jew. He sits down for an in-depth interview. CORRECTION (November 27, 2025): an earlier version of this episode mistakenly reported that a group of protesters shouted racist slogans while marching with Palestine Youth Movement at their October 4th, 2025 demonstration. While these protesters were demonstrating on October 4th at the advertised site of the PYM event, they did not in fact participate in the march.Credits: This series is a co-production of Canadaland and The Canadian Jewish NewsMade possible by the generous support of The Bissell Family Foundation, George Burger, Dan Debow, Daniel Klass, Nanette Okun, Leslie Scanlon, Marjorie Skolnik, Lee Zentner, and others. George Burger, Dan Debow, Daniel Klass, Marjorie Skolnik, and Lee Zentner.Written and Reported by Jesse BrownResearch and Story Editing by Kate MinskyOriginal Music by SocalledSound Design, Mixing and Mastering by Caleb ThompsonEditorial Input from Michael Fraiman For a list of sources cited in this episode, visit our website.To support Canadaland, visit http://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#2 The Purge
To donate funding so we can complete this series, email [email protected] Let’s look at some complicated cases. These are not Jews who were discriminated against for being Jewish. Indigo CEO Heather Reisman, teacher Laurie Allen, politician Selina Robinson, professor of medicine Ted Rosenberg – all were arguably targeted for their views and actions, not for their ethnicity. But does that mean it wasn’t discrimination or hate? And how far into our institutions has this movement gone?Credits: This series is a co-production of Canadaland and The Canadian Jewish NewsMade possible by the generous support of George Burger, Dan Debow, Daniel Klass, Marjorie Skolnik, and Lee Zentner.Written and Reported by Jesse BrownResearch and Story Editing by Kate MinskyOriginal Music by SocalledSound Design, Mixing and Mastering by Caleb ThompsonEditorial Input from Michael Fraiman For a list of sources cited in this episode, visit our website.To support Canadaland, visit http://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#1 Unsafe or Uncomfortable?
To donate funding so we can complete this series, email [email protected] statistics say that a Jew in Canada is now 9 times more likely to be the victim of a hate crime than a Jew in the United States. Others dispute this data, and say antizionism is being conflated with antisemitism. So what’s the truth? Host Jesse Brown begins to investigate, by talking to everyday people who say they have experienced discrimination firsthand. Credits: This series is a co-production of Canadaland and The Canadian Jewish NewsMade possible by the generous support of George Burger, Dan Debow, Daniel Klass, Marjorie Skolnik, and Lee Zentner.Written and Reported by Jesse BrownResearch and Story Editing by Kate MinskyOriginal Music by SocalledSound Design, Mixing and Mastering by Caleb ThompsonEditorial Input from Michael Fraiman For a list of sources cited in this episode, visit our website To support Canadaland, visit http://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Introducing: What Is Happening Here (Official Trailer)
Some say Canada is currently in the throes of a horrible surge of anti-Jew hatred. Others say that anti-zionism is being conflated with antisemitism.So which is it? And who is to blame for it — activists, or Israel?What is Happening Here is a co-production of Canadaland and The Canadian Jewish News. Series debuts on November 17th. Become a Canadaland supporter now and listen to the whole series plus bonus episodes, ad-free. https://canadaland.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're in the Fight of Our Lives
Canadaland covers Canada, period.If there was ever a time to support Canadian news, it’s now. Go to canadaland.com/join and become a supporter today. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 6: Finesse
"Who just wants to be a nice guy?"This show is only possible because people like you believe in it and support it. By becoming a Canadaland supporter, you will be supporting rigorous independent journalism and journalists and making sure many more investigations like this one get published. Just go to canadaland.com/join (Canadian listeners) canadaland.com/investigates (everywhere else)You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 5: DOs and DON’Ts
"I think this podcast is a bad idea."This show is only possible because people like you believe in it and support it. By becoming a Canadaland supporter, you will be supporting rigorous independent journalism and journalists and making sure many more investigations like this one get published. Just go to canadaland.com/join (Canadian listeners) canadaland.com/investigates (everywhere else)You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 4: You Should Be Thankful
"At that point it's really just survival mode."This show is only possible because people like you believe in it and support it. By becoming a Canadaland supporter, you will be supporting rigorous independent journalism and journalists and making sure many more investigations like this one get published. Just go to canadaland.com/join (Canadian listeners) canadaland.com/investigates (everywhere else)You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 3: Heavy Hitters
"It sounded like a multi-level marketing scheme. But for drug trafficking."This show is only possible because people like you believe in it and support it. By becoming a Canadaland supporter, you will be supporting rigorous independent journalism and journalists and making sure many more investigations like this one get published. Just go to canadaland.com/join (Canadian listeners) canadaland.com/investigates (everywhere else)You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 2: Move That Dope
"This sounds like easy money."This show is only possible because people like you believe in it and support it. By becoming a Canadaland supporter, you will be supporting rigorous independent journalism and journalists and making sure many more investigations like this one get published. Just go to canadaland.com/join (Canadian listeners) canadaland.com/investigates (everywhere else)You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 1: Bob's Your Oyster
"They pay you in coolness."This show is only possible because people like you believe in it and support it. By becoming a Canadaland supporter, you will be supporting rigorous independent journalism and journalists and making sure many more investigations like this one get published. Just go to canadaland.com/join (Canadian listeners) canadaland.com/investigates (everywhere else) You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Capitalism: Market Failure | Canadaland Investigates x Scene On Radio
Today we’re bringing you something a bit different, made by our friends at Scene On Radio: the debut episode of their seventh season, Capitalism.The world’s dominant economic system is on trial as it hasn’t been for at least half a century. Millions, young people especially, now see capitalism as the problem, not the solution. Others fear throwing out the baby with the bathwater. By John Biewen, with co-host Ellen McGirt. Interviews with John Fullerton, Cassandra Brooks and Charlene Brooks. Story editor: Loretta Williams. Music by Michelle Osis, Lilli Haydn, Alex Symcox, and Goodnight, Lucas. Music consulting by Joe Augustine of Narrative Music. Art by Gergo Varga and Harper Biewen. “Capitalism” is a production of the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University, in partnership with Imperative 21. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 6: The Trial
Back in Canada, Hassan Diab’s life is hanging in limbo. He may be arrested at any moment, and Canada’s government won’t ensure his safety. What does justice mean for the victims of the Copernic attack, and what does it mean for Diab and his supporters?This show is only possible because people like you believe in it and support it. By becoming a Canadaland supporter, you will be supporting rigorous independent journalism and journalists and making sure many more investigations like this one get published. Just go to canadaland.com/join (Canadian listeners)canadaland.com/investigates (everywhere else)You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 5: The Detention
Hassan Diab faces a new reality in Europe’s largest maximum security prison. But when Marc Trévidic is replaced by new investigative judges, the case is thrown into uncertainty - and Hassan's fortunes begin to shift.If you want to listen to the entire series right now without ads, become a Canadaland Supporter. Shows like ours cannot get made without your support. Go to canadaland.com/join.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 4: The Extradition
France requests that Hassan be brought to Paris to stand trial. One of Canada’s most respected lawyers takes the case and fights the extradition. As the hearings drag on for years, more people start to question the French evidence against Diab.If you want to listen to the entire series right now without ads, become a Canadaland Supporter. Shows like ours cannot get made without your support. Go to canadaland.com/join.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 3: The Professor
Hassan Diab, a sociology professor living in Ottawa, is finishing up his classes for the day when he learns that he is the primary suspect in France’s investigation into the Copernic synagogue bombing. At first, he doesn't believe this. But he begins to sense that he’s being surveilled. Then early one morning, he hears an unexpected knock on his door.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 2: The Investigation
After decades of dead ends, a young and ambitious judge - known for finding new ways to interpret old evidence - takes over the Copernic synagogue case. He narrows his search down to one man who he finds living a quiet life in the capital city of Canada.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.