The State of Affairs

Avi Abraham Benlolo
  • 0.0 (0)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Daily

The State of Affairs is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by Dr. Avi Abraham Benlolo, featuring candid conversations with leaders, policymakers, diplomats, business executives, and changemakers from around the world. Each episode explores the defining issues shaping our time—from geopolitics, democracy, and national security to human rights, business, innovation, and global leadership. Through insightful interviews and informed analysis, The State of Affairs provides listeners with the context and perspectives needed to better understand today's rapidly changing world.

Episodes

  1. HAS THE WEST LOST ITS MORAL COMPASS? From Rahm Emanuel to UNRWA, the Human Rights Museum, and Canada's Security Crisis

    1d ago

    HAS THE WEST LOST ITS MORAL COMPASS? From Rahm Emanuel to UNRWA, the Human Rights Museum, and Canada's Security Crisis

    Has the democratic world lost its moral clarity? In this compelling episode of The State of Affairs, Dr. Avi Abraham Benlolo examines the growing double standard applied to Israel and the broader implications for democracy and human rights. Responding to Rahm Emanuel's controversial remarks in Israel, Avi argues that it is not Israel that has become isolated—but a world increasingly unwilling to distinguish terrorism from self-defence. He also reveals AGPI's latest advocacy efforts, including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights' response following Gail Asper's interview, a high-level discussion with the U.S. Agency for International Development's Office of Inspector General regarding UNRWA, AGPI's call for the United Nations to waive Philippe Lazzarini's immunity, the disturbing normalization of antisemitism highlighted by the harassment of Shopify President Harley Finkelstein, growing concerns over Iranian-linked threats to Canada's Jewish community, and AGPI's demand that Türkiye retract inflammatory anti-Israel rhetoric. This is a thought-provoking commentary on truth, accountability, leadership, and why moral courage has never mattered more.

    10 min
  2. "My Trust Has Been Completely Shattered": Gail Asper Speaks Out

    3d ago

    "My Trust Has Been Completely Shattered": Gail Asper Speaks Out

    What happens when one of the principal architects of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights says, "My trust has been completely shattered"? In this compelling episode of The State of Affairs, Dr. Avi Abraham Benlolo sits down with Gail Asper—Officer of the Order of Canada, Member of the Order of Manitoba, lawyer, philanthropist, and one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Drawing on decades of leadership and personal investment in the museum, Gail reflects on why she believes the institution has departed from its founding vision. The conversation explores the controversy surrounding the museum's "Nakba" exhibit, the importance of historical context, the story of Jewish refugees from Arab countries, concerns over the exhibit's placement beside the Holocaust galleries, the museum's governance and consultation process, and the broader challenge of promoting dialogue rather than division during a period of rising antisemitism in Canada. This is an insightful and deeply personal conversation about history, human rights, institutional responsibility, and whether one of Canada's most important cultural institutions can be restored to the principles upon which it was founded. 🎙️ Listen now. For more information about the Abraham Global Peace Initiative, visit www.agpiworld.com.

    27 min
  3. "I Haven't Left the Liberal Party—The Liberal Party Has Left Me": Senator Jerry Grafstein on the State of Canada

    5d ago

    "I Haven't Left the Liberal Party—The Liberal Party Has Left Me": Senator Jerry Grafstein on the State of Canada

    In this compelling episode of The State of Affairs, Avi Abraham Benlolo sits down with retired Senator Jerry Grafstein for a frank conversation about the future of Canada, the health of its democracy, and the rise of antisemitism. Senator Grafstein declares, "I haven't left the Liberal Party—the Liberal Party has left me," arguing that a national political party cannot thrive if Jewish Canadians are not treated equally. In his view, this reflects a troubling deterioration of Canadian democracy and is "a shame." He also warns that Toronto now experiences more antisemitism per capita than anywhere else in the world, calls for the deportation of IRGC operatives and supporters, and urges Canada to outlaw the Muslim Brotherhood by adding it to the country's list of terrorist entities. Throughout the discussion, he contends that the Western world is suffering from an absence of leadership and argues that moral clarity and character are the indispensable foundations of democratic leadership.

    17 min

  4. 6d ago

    The Canada We Remember... and the Canada We're Becoming

    Welcome to the inaugural commentary episode of The State of Affairs. Has Canada become wiser—or meaner? In this first commentary, Dr. Avi Abraham Benlolo examines one of the most consequential weeks in Canadian and international affairs. As Canada marks its 159th birthday, are we still the nation defined by freedom, civility, and shared responsibility, or are rising crime, social division, and growing intolerance reshaping our national character? This episode also explores Israel's resilience 1,000 days after the October 7 Hamas atrocities, the international debate over UNRWA, the rise of global antisemitism, and why defending democracy, human rights, and the rule of law has never been more important. Thought-provoking, principled, and unapologetically engaging, The State of Affairs offers informed commentary that goes beyond the headlines to examine the issues shaping Canada, Israel, and the democratic world. If you care about freedom, democracy, Israel, human rights, and the future of our society, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

    9 min

  5. Jul 2

    When Antisemitism Becomes Mainstream: Lord David Wolfson on the Battle for Democracy

    Avi Abraham Benlolo holds a substantive interview with Lord David Wolfson of Tredegar, engaging in a wide-ranging discussion on antisemitism and Jewish affairs in London and globally. The conversation addresses the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents, legal frameworks to combat hate, and the responsibilities of government in protecting Jewish communities. Lord Wolfson emphasizes the importance of the rule of law, accountability, and moral clarity in confronting extremism. The discussion explores international trends, the impact of geopolitical tensions, and the need for coordinated responses across democracies to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of Jewish communities worldwide.

    16 min
  6. Golda Meir

    08/27/2023

    Golda Meir

    No one doubts that Golda Meir was well intentioned and bore the burden between politics, Israel’s dependence on America and the weight of sending Israel’s sons and daughters to the front lines.  She said, “A leader who doesn't hesitate before he sends his nation into battle is not fit to be a leader”.  On the matter of blame, Meir quite rightly said: “There can be no doubt that the average man blames much more than he praises. His instinct is to blame. If he is satisfied he says nothing; if he is not, he most illogically kicks up a row”. In the end, Golda Meir and her government won the Yom Kippur War. Some 2,800 Israelis were killed in action and over 8,000 were wounded. The lessons of that war are still felt in Israel today. The Yom Kippur War was a lesson in humility and in absolute vigilance.  The future of Israel depends on it.

    11 min
  7. The Power of ONE: Theodore Herzl

    08/07/2023

    The Power of ONE: Theodore Herzl

    For more than 2,000 years, the Jewish people could only dream of returning to their promised land.  They lived in foreign lands where they were oppressed, beaten and murdered.  They suffered pogroms, inquisitions and the crusades. They were forced to live in ghettos, made to pay more tax and relegated to second and third class status simply because they were Jewish.   Along came Theodore Herzl. A nobody. Then everything changed.

    9 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

The State of Affairs is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by Dr. Avi Abraham Benlolo, featuring candid conversations with leaders, policymakers, diplomats, business executives, and changemakers from around the world. Each episode explores the defining issues shaping our time—from geopolitics, democracy, and national security to human rights, business, innovation, and global leadership. Through insightful interviews and informed analysis, The State of Affairs provides listeners with the context and perspectives needed to better understand today's rapidly changing world.

Information

  • Creator
    Avi Abraham Benlolo
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Avi Abraham Benlolo
  • Show Website
    The State of Affairs

You Might Also Like