Episode 35: Introducing Michelle Dor, Executive Director of StandWithUs Canada

Meet Michelle Dor, the new Executive Director of StandWithUs Canada.Michelle’s path to the role has been anything but conventional: teacher, vice principal in her 20s, partisan politics, Jewish community leadership, and now the helm of an organization focused on fighting antisemitism through Israel education. In Episode 35 of The Schmooze, Don and Jared sit down with Michelle to talk about what StandWithUs actually does, why education matters so much in the fight against antisemitism, and how students can be equipped not simply to argue, but to think critically, communicate effectively, and know when a conversation is worth having.Michelle also shares her vision for the next chapter of StandWithUs Canada: strengthening its alumni network, expanding its presence across the country, reaching more students in communities like Calgary, and bringing education and training into workplaces and businesses. We discuss:• Michelle’s unexpected journey from education to politics to Jewish advocacy• What StandWithUs does in Canada• Why facts and knowledge can be a form of “armor”• How to speak with people who have absorbed misinformation• Why human connection matters in fighting antisemitism• The difference between productive dialogue and walking into a hostile environment• StandWithUs programs for high school and university students• Expanding StandWithUs programming in Calgary and across Canada• Training opportunities for schools, businesses and community organizationsAnd one thing many people may not realize: StandWithUs’ student programs, school presentations and business training are offered without fees and are supported by donors. Episode 35: Introducing Michelle Dor, Executive Director of StandWithUs CanadaIf you care about Jewish education, Israel advocacy, combating antisemitism, or simply learning how to have better conversations in an increasingly polarized world, this is a Schmooze worth having.