The Schmooze

Something in Canada feels different.It is not always easy to name, but more and more people are feeling it. A sense that something foundational has shifted. That the country they recognize is no longer quite the same.In this episode of The Schmooze, we sit down with Michael Westcott, founder of Allies for a Strong Canada, to explore what is driving that feeling and what can be done about it.This is not simply a conversation about antisemitism, though that is where many people first began to notice the change. It is a deeper discussion about civic engagement, silence, and the growing gap between what Canadians believe and what is being reflected in public life.Michael shares how a grassroots movement of over 30,000 Canadians has formed around a simple idea. That ordinary people, when given the tools and the confidence to act, can have far more influence than they realize.We talk about:• Why social media is not a substitute for real engagement• How civic responsibility has quietly eroded over time• What it actually means to participate in a democracy• And why silence creates space for the loudest voices to define the momentThis conversation is not about partisanship. It is about whether Canadians still believe in the values that built the country, and whether they are willing to defend them.If you have felt that something is off, but have not been able to fully articulate it, this episode will resonate.

What if the problem isn’t hate… but distance?In this episode of The Schmooze, Don sits down with Michelle Mather and Kim Kitai of Bridges YYC — an initiative bringing people together in a way that actually works.Not through debate.Not through headlines.Through Shabbat dinner.From the wake-up call of October 7th to a simple but powerful realization:Most people don’t hate what they know… they just don’t know at all.This conversation explores:Why most people don’t hate Jews, they simply don’t know themThe moment everything changed after October 7thThe difference between being an “ally” and being a real friendWhy shared experiences matter more than informationHow one dinner can completely change perspectiveBecause when people sit at the same table…something shifts.

What does it mean to choose something you don’t have to choose?Noy Leyb grew up in Calgary. Like many Canadian kids, his path could have led anywhere. Instead, he made a decision that would define his life, he chose to leave it all behind and serve as a lone soldier in the IDF.In this Yom HaZikaron episode, we go beyond headlines and politics and into something far more personal:• What it really takes to join the IDF from abroad• The mental and physical reality of becoming a soldier• The difference between supporting Israel and living it• The bond of brotherhood that never leaves you• And how October 7 changed everythingThis is a conversation about identity, sacrifice, and responsibility.And for Noy, it’s not just a story from the past.He’s still fighting.🎧 Listen now.

What makes someone step into a fight that isn’t theirs?In this episode of The Schmooze, we sit down with Jean-Luc Mudingayi, Alberta Campus Advisor & Advocacy Associate for Allied Voices for Israel, to explore what real allyship actually looks like.Jean-Luc didn’t grow up in the Jewish community. He didn’t have to enter this space. But through his experiences on campus, his background, and his values, he chose to step in, and hasn’t looked back.We talk about:• What it means to be an ally when it’s not easy• The reality on campus before and after October 7• Why some voices are dismissed — and why others carry differently• The role of leadership, identity, and courage in today’s climateThis is a conversation about choice, conviction, and showing up.🎙️ The Schmooze — Calgary’s Jewish Community PodcastHosted by Don & Jared

Rabbi Ilana Krygier Lapides, also known as the Rocky Mountain Rabbi, joins The Schmooze for a powerful and deeply personal conversation.Born and raised in Calgary as the daughter of Holocaust survivors, Rabbi Ilana’s life has been shaped by memory, resilience, and a commitment to Jewish community. From her early leadership in BBYO to over a decade as a Holocaust educator, her journey has touched nearly every corner of Jewish Calgary.But this episode goes deeper.We explore:• The legacy of Holocaust survival and its impact across generations• The emotional toll of Holocaust education• Her decision to step into the rabbinate• The role of joy, identity, and spirituality in modern Jewish life• And how the story of Passover resonates in today’s worldAt a time when Jewish identity feels both challenged and renewed, this conversation asks an essential question:How do we carry the past… while still choosing life, meaning, and joy?

What happens when ideology enters policing—and a community is forced to respond?In this episode of The Schmooze, Don and Jared sit down withStacey Leavitt-Wright, CEO of the Jewish Federation of EdmontonOver the past few weeks, Edmonton has found itself at the center of a growing national conversation.A routine visit to Israel by the city’s police chief sparked a political firestorm.But as the situation unfolded, it became clear this was about far more than a trip.This conversation explores:How Israel became the focal point of a local controversyThe role of political leadership and public pressureWhat rising antisemitism looks like in real timeThe responsibility—and cost—of speaking for a communityAt one point, Stacey puts it plainly:“Israel was on trial.”And yet, out of that moment came something unexpected:community strength, unlikely alliances, and a broader awakening.This is a conversation about leadership, courage, and the kind of country Canada is becoming.

In this follow-up episode, we reconnect with Kaveh after our initial conversation in late January, when Iran was in the midst of widespread protests that received little global attention. Since then, the situation has evolved significantly.We explore what is happening inside Iran today, the strategic dynamics shaping the conflict, and the broader implications for the region and beyond.The conversation also touches on the role of global powers, the challenges facing the Iranian people, and the potential risks that could extend far beyond the Middle East.This is a timely and in-depth discussion that aims to bring clarity to a complex and rapidly changing situation.

In this timely episode of The Schmooze, Don and Jared sit down with Edmonton City Councillor Mike Elliott to discuss the controversy surrounding Edmonton Police Chief Warren Driechel’s recent trip to Israel and the political fallout that followed.Councillor Elliott brings a rare combination of civic leadership, policing experience, and moral clarity to the conversation. A former RCAF pilot, police officer, staff sergeant, and police association leader, he offers a grounded perspective on why professional policing exchanges matter, why municipal leaders should focus on local governance, and why double standards in public discourse are so corrosive.The conversation explores political pressure, civic responsibility, antisemitism in Canada, public safety, leadership, and the growing tension between moral courage and political expediency.This is one of our most urgent and important episodes to date.Take action and show your support for Chief Dreichel here: 26-03-12 Edmonton Chief Driechel - CIJA Action Hub

Don is back in Calgary, and this episode of The Schmooze picks up right where the last conversation left off, with snow outside, a lot on our minds, and plenty to talk through.Jared and Don discuss the emotional whiplash of returning home from Israel, the ongoing realities facing Israelis and the Jewish diaspora, and the larger context surrounding the conflict with Iran and its proxies. They also examine the role of media, political leadership in Canada, public discourse, and the challenges facing Jewish communities across the country.The conversation also turns inward, focusing on Calgary, community leadership, and the importance of staying unified even when there are disagreements. One of the core themes of this episode is that strong communities are built not by tearing each other down, but by staying in dialogue, asking hard questions, and working toward common purpose.This is a timely, candid, and deeply personal conversation about resilience, clarity, and the work still ahead.

🎙️ Emergency Episode – Live from IsraelIn this urgent new episode of The Schmooze, Don joins us live from Tel Aviv after waking up to air raid sirens marking the start of Operation Roaring Lion.Over the past 36 hours, he’s gone to a bomb shelter more than 30 times. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, he shares what it’s like on the ground right now — the sirens, the uncertainty, the tragic losses, and the remarkable calm and resolve of everyday Israelis.We discuss:• What daily life looks like between alerts• The Home Front Command warning system• The mood in Israel right now• Iranian civilians protesting their regime• Media narratives abroad• What strength, resilience, and Zionism mean in this momentThis episode is emotional, honest, and deeply personal. It’s not analysis from afar — it’s lived experience in real time.🎧 Listen now and share with someone who wants a clearer picture of what’s happening.Am Yisrael Chai. 💙

In this episode of The Schmooze, Don and Jared sit down with Rabbi Mark Glickman of Temple B’nai Tikvah in Calgary for an honest, respectful conversation about what it means to lead with principle in complicated times.We talk about Reform Judaism (what it is, what it values, and how it approaches modernity), the diversity of views inside a single congregation, and how Rabbi Glickman has worked to keep people at the table since October 7 — without pretending disagreements don’t exist.We also discuss:When anti-Zionism overlaps with antisemitism (and when it doesn’t)Why Jewish communities struggle with internal dissentInterfaith relationships after October 7: abandonment, new allies, and hard truthsThe controversial decision to invite Mayor Jyoti Gondek to Temple for dialogueUpcoming Temple programming and ways to connectUpcoming events mentioned:Scholar-in-Residence — March 13–14 with Dr. Andrew Rehfeld, President of Hebrew Union CollegeTemple Israel Trip — October (open beyond the congregation)

In this episode of The Schmooze, we sit down with Adam Louis-Klein—writer, anthropologist, musician, and PhD candidate at McGill—to unpack a framework that’s reshaping how many Jews are responding to what’s happened since October 7.Adam argues that anti-Zionism isn’t merely “criticism of Israel” that sometimes crosses a line. He describes it as a distinct hate movement with its own ideology, its own “libels,” and its own trail of harm—especially in academia, media, and public life. We talk about how the discourse shifted over time, why the “genocide” accusation functions as a modern libel, and what it looks like to stop defending and start naming, describing, and holding the ideology itself to account.We also discuss Adam’s work through the Movement Against Anti-Zionism, why legacy organizations need a clearer vocabulary for the moment, and how communities can build “discursive infrastructure” now—before the next flare-up.Guest: Adam Louis-Klein (McGill; London Centre for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism; founder, Movement Against Anti-Zionism) Mentioned in this episodeVirtual event: “Never Forget: Montana Tucker on the Holocaust, Antisemitism, and Hope” (Calgary Public Library + Calgary Jewish Federation, Feb 22, 7:00–8:30pm MST, online) Friends of JNF Canada “Negev” event featuring Lt.-Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus (announced for June 7, 2026) Follow AdamMovement Against AntizionismAdam Louis-Klein

In this episode of The Schmooze, Don and Jared sit down with Mike Fegelman, Editor-in-Chief of HonestReporting Canada, to talk about media bias, journalistic malpractice, and what Canadians can do when coverage crosses the line.Mike shares his origin story — from spotting a “fight media bias” poster in Jerusalem to becoming one of Canada’s most persistent media watchdog voices — and explains how HonestReporting works: mobilizing everyday people to challenge misinformation, demand corrections, and push for fair, accurate, contextual journalism.We dig into:How journalism has shifted from reporting to activismWhy “media literacy” is now a survival skillCBC’s unique responsibility as a publicly funded broadcasterThe difference between opinion, advocacy, and newsWhy public complaints sometimes do lead to correctionsHow you can help (even without a platform or big following)Mike’s message is blunt: we can’t outsource responsibility anymore. If Canadians don’t push back, misinformation becomes policy — and hate becomes normalized.Links / Resources (add yours):HonestReporting Canada (subscribe + alerts): Exposing Canadian Anti-Israel Media Bias - HRCThe CBC report mentioned in the episode: New Report Exposes Systemic Anti-Israel Bias At CBC News - Honest Reporting Canada

We’re dropping this one early because Charlotte Korchuk is in Alberta this weekend for a live community program hosted by Friends of JNF Canada.In this passionate and wide-ranging conversation, Don and Jared are joined by Jay Cairns (Executive Director, Friends of JNF Canada – Alberta) and Charlotte Korchuk (Jerusalem Education Institute) to talk about Jewish identity, Zionist pride, and the urgent need for education that doesn’t just hand out talking points — it builds real understanding.We dig into:The “October 8th Jew” awakening — and why so many people feel alone, overwhelmed, and under-informedWhy knowledge becomes a “coat of armor” (and why soundbites aren’t enough)The difference between education vs. indoctrination: “not what to think, but how to think”How to navigate different audiences: uninformed, misinformed, apathetic, curious — and why the “mushy middle” mattersWhy parents are often the most neglected audience — and why education has to start at homeA powerful reframe: we don’t just need allies — we need friendsLive event: Diaspora, Israel, and the Go-ForwardCalgary: Sunday, Feb 8, 2026 — 7:00 PMEdmonton: Monday, Feb 9, 2026 — 7:00 PMRegister via Friends of JNF Canada (event details provided upon registration). Show notes and links:Ask Haviv Anything Podcast - with Haviv Retting Gur with Noam Weissman Episode to be found here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5tyj2C1ClLhKScXe9u7Y44?si=X60krvSPR-CDvlhBbyhTAQ

This week on The Schmooze, we sit down with Ofer Idels, an Israeli historian and postdoctoral fellow in Israel Studies at the University of Calgary.Ofer breaks down Zionism in both academic and plain language, and explains why debates around “anti-Zionism” often function as debates about whether Jews are allowed to be active agents in history, rather than passive participants judged by others’ moral frameworks.We also discuss:Zionism as a modern response to the crisis of Jewish life in Europe“Self-determination” and what it means in lived termsWhy semantic debates can become a cul-de-sac, and what to focus on insteadThe campus climate in Calgary, and why Ofer’s experience has been unexpectedly positiveHow the Calgary Jewish community can better use academic resources already hereCommunity events mentioned:Feb 12 (12:00 PM MT, Zoom): Ofer’s speaker series talk, “From Horse Cadavers to Garden Plots: Concepts of Non-Human Nature and the Łódź Ghetto.”Feb 8 (JCC): Friends of JNF Canada event, “Diaspora Israel and the Go-Forward,” featuring Charlotte K. (Jerusalem Education Institute / StandWithUs).Connect with Ofer:Ofer can be found via his University of Calgary profile, and he welcomes community outreach for lectures, initiatives, and collaboration.

Iran is in turmoil. Nationwide protests that began with economic frustration have escalated into a direct challenge to the Islamic Republic, amid internet shutdowns, mass detentions, and reports of severe crackdowns.On this episode of The Schmooze, Don Schapira and Jared Shore are joined by Kaveh Shahrooz, a Toronto-based Iranian-Canadian lawyer, human rights activist, and Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Kaveh walks us through “Iran 101” (how Iran got here), what we can and can’t confirm about what’s happening right now, why much of the activist left has stayed quiet, and what Canadians can do today to support the Iranian people, including practical pressure points for MPs and enforcement against regime-linked actors in Canada.We also discuss the historic bond between Persians and Jews, the Iranian diaspora in Canada, and why solidarity matters now more than ever.

How does real community impact begin?In this episode of The Schmooze, Don sits down with Marnie Bondar and Dahlia Libin, whose volunteer leadership transformed Holocaust education and remembrance in Calgary.From the creation of Here to Tell to major public partnerships and survivor-centered education, their work has reached classrooms, cultural institutions, and tens of thousands of people across the city. What started as a “crazy idea” became a model of how passion, persistence, and responsibility can shape a community.This conversation explores leadership without titles, education that adapts to the moment, and the power of two people saying yes.🎧 Listen now.

In this episode of The Schmooze, we sit down with Yael Berkovich for an honest conversation about Jewish and Israeli identity in Canada — and what it means to live openly and authentically on campus today.Yael shares her journey from growing up in a Zionist household to navigating public school, university life, and student leadership, as well as the challenges Jewish students are facing in the post–October 7 climate. We explore pride, visibility, allyship, and why showing up still matters — even when it’s uncomfortable.A thoughtful, grounded conversation about identity, courage, and the next generation of leadership.

In this episode of The Schmooze, we sit down with Emile Scheffel, Managing Director of CJPAC (the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee).Emile shares his personal journey into Jewish advocacy, why civic engagement matters more than ever, and how real relationships — not outrage or slogans — shape political outcomes in Canada. We explore how Jewish Canadians and allies can meaningfully participate in democracy, combat antisemitism, and ensure our community’s voice is heard across the political spectrum.This is an honest, grounded conversation about showing up, building trust, and strengthening the future of Jewish life in Canada — one relationship at a time.

What happens when hate is tolerated long enough to feel “normal”?In this powerful episode of The Schmooze, we sit down with Rev. Mark Leach — Anglican pastor, lifelong ally, and founder of Australia’s grassroots movement Never Again Is Now Australia.Mark shares:What he witnessed after October 7 and why silence is never neutralHow the Bondi attack became a national wake-up callWhy antisemitism is not a Jewish problem, but a threat to Western democracyWhat everyday Canadians can do right now — and why writing your MP actually worksHow citizen movements like Allies for a Strong Canada turn concern into real accountabilityThis conversation is raw, urgent, and deeply human.If you care about Canada’s values, safety, and future — this is a must-listen.🎧 Listen, reflect, and share.Watch Mark stand tall on October 8th at the Sydney Opera House - (5) Pro-Palestinians chase Christian pastor holding Israeli flag in Sydney - YouTube

This special episode of The Schmooze was recorded in response to the Bondi Beach massacre and the questions it forces us to confront.We sit down with Shuv for a direct and urgent conversation about:The attack at Bondi Beach and what it reveals about modern extremismThe failure of mainstream media in Canada to report with clarity and moral consistencyWhy political leadership continues to repeat the same mistakes — and what happens when lessons are ignoredThe Liberal government’s approach to hate, extremism, and Bill C-9The growing inversion of truth and its impact on Jewish safety and Western democratic valuesThis is not a partisan discussion.It is a conversation about truth, accountability, and the consequences of denial.To our Jewish brothers and sisters: you are not alone.🔗 Learn more about Shuv’s work or support the mission at shuv.ca

37 years ago a young rabbi from Casablanca by way of PalmSprings landed in post-Olympic Calgary with his wife and a crazy dream: build the future of Jewish life in Alberta. Today, Chabad is the beating heart of our community, touching lives across every affiliation (and even those with none at all).In this warm, funny, and deeply moving conversation, Rabbi Matusof pulls back the curtain on:Why he jokingly tells people “Shabbat services are boring — come during the week instead” How Chabad exploded from one couple to 16rabbis/rabbanits and 50+ staff while staying 100% donor-funded and membership-freeThe real story behind the mayor drama of the last two years and why he chose light over grudgeThe breathtaking growth on the new Chabad campus (150–200kids in camp, 80 women showing up for Kabbalah class, teens in limos visiting sukkahs, and yes… the espresso is still flowing)Why Hanukkah’s message has never felt more urgent: “A little bit of light pushes away a lot of darkness”Plus: Don raves about Douglas Century’s new WWII rescuethriller “Crash of the Heavens” (hint: we’re booking Doug for a future episode).And of course — your personal invitation to Calgary’s biggest,warmest, most joyful Jewish night of the year:Monday, December 15th – 5:30 PMCalgary City Hall Atrium37th Annual Community Menorah LightingLive music, school choirs, magic show, hot soup, latkes, dreidels, raffles & thousands of us celebrating light together.Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your light.Details & donations: menorah.caThis episode will leave you proud, inspired, and ready to show up Monday night with a full heart.Chag Chanukah Sameach from Don, Jared, and the entire Schmooze family

A Conversation with Rob Nagus, CEO of Calgary Jewish FederationIn this episode of The Schmooze, Don and Jared sit down with Calgary Jewish Federation CEO Rob Nagus for a deep and candid conversation about Jewish life in Calgary. Rob shares his personal journey from Montreal to Edmonton, Toronto, and finally Calgary, reflecting on identity, community, and belonging along the way.Together, they unpack what Federation actually does—from advocacy and security, to community programming, to supporting schools, camps, and vulnerable families. The conversation also addresses the changing climate for Jews in Canada, the rise in antisemitism post–October 7, and why collaboration and engagement are more important than ever.Whether you’re deeply involved in Jewish Calgary or just starting to reconnect, this episode offers clarity, direction, and inspiration.Jared's Podcast Recommendation - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/what-is-happening-here-canadaland-investigates/id1438924421 Don's Podcast Recommendation -https://youtu.be/O4m_EL9Dj2U?si=yzsAveqoIexhQVT7

Welcome to the very first episode of The Schmooze — Calgary’s Jewish Community Podcast.In this intro, Don and Jared share why the show was created, what conversations they hope to spark, and how they plan to highlight the people, stories, challenges, and celebrations that shape Jewish life in Calgary.New episodes every week.Thanks for listening to Episode 1 — we’re just getting started.