Unapologetically Jewish

Unapologetically Jewish
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Welcome to the Unapologetically Jewish Podcast — where Jewish identity, truth, resilience, and courage take center stage. Hosted by Matthew Taub, this podcast tackles the issues others avoid: rising antisemitism, media narratives, public safety, Jewish pride, Israel, advocacy, politics, culture, recovery, resilience, and the future of Jewish life in Canada and beyond. Through raw conversations, powerful interviews, investigative discussions, and unapologetic commentary, the podcast brings together activists, journalists, politicians, survivors, community leaders, creators, and everyday voices

  1. Oct 30

    Europe Is Not a Warning its a Preview with Erin Molan

    Journalist Erin reflects on her recent visit to Israel, including entering Gaza and Hamas tunnels, and meetings with Israeli leaders. In conversation with host Matthew Taub, she discusses how firsthand reporting shapes her views on the war, civilian suffering, and the challenges Western governments face in identifying and responding to extremist threats.Key TopicsErin describes entering Gaza in an IDF jeep, seeing Hamas tunnels, and the emotional weight of recalling the October 7 hostage abductions.She recounts meetings with Israel's president, foreign minister, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including questions about leadership pressures and Israel's security outlook.Erin argues that reporting from firsthand observation can challenge narratives formed through social media and images without context.She says concern for Palestinian civilians can coexist with support for efforts to defeat Hamas, which she identifies as a source of ongoing danger to Gaza's residents.Erin offers a stark contrast between willingness to die protecting others and willingness to take lives, describing it as central to how she views the conflict.Matthew and Erin discuss how governments in Australia, Canada, and other Western countries address terrorism and political extremism.Erin argues that leaders must be willing to identify and discuss threats before they can respond effectively. TakeawaysI wanted to understand where Israel stood when it came to the Islamic regime of Iran.I just kept thinking of the images I'd seen of hostages being taken back into Gaza on October 7.I don't have words to describe it.If you support Israel, it doesn't mean that you want babies in Gaza to die.Without Hamas they have a chance.One side is willing to die to save other side is willing to die to take lives.Until our governments, respectively, are able to identify the threat and acknowledge it and understand it, they will never be able to defeat it.If you can't even name it, how the hell do you expect to be able to defeat it?Europe is the greatest. It's not a warning, it's a preview.How do you know who you're fighting if you don't know who you're fighting?Chapters00:00 Erin returns from Israel with firsthand reporting from Gaza02:17 Entering Gaza and walking through Hamas tunnels04:32 What meetings with Israeli leaders revealed07:12 Netanyahu, wartime resolve, and when to reflect09:23 What Western journalists should see firsthand11:16 Israeli concern for civilians in Gaza14:12 A stark distinction in how each side approaches life15:44 How Western governments identify extremist threats18:31 Erin's concerns about the West's trajectory19:05 Why understanding the Muslim Brotherhood matters

  2. Sep 29

    North American Jews Are at a Crossroads - with Rabbi Elchanon Poupko and Matthew Taub

    This interview with Rabbi Elchanan Poupko explores the current state of Jewish communities in North America and Canada, emphasizing the importance of activism, unity, and fighting back against anti-Semitism. It highlights the challenges faced post-October 7th, the need for stronger community responses, and practical steps to empower Jews to stand up and protect their rights. Action ItemsIncrease community activism and protestsFile lawsuits against anti-Semitic actionsStrengthen Jewish educational institutionsEngage younger generations in activismHold politicians accountable through protests and campaigns Key TopicsJewish community resilienceImpact of October 7th on diaspora JewsLegal actions against anti-SemitismCommunity activism and protestsStrengthening Jewish education and institutionsChapters00:00 Introduction to Unapologetic Jewish Identity01:45 The Betrayal of the Social Contract05:38 The Shift in Jewish Community Dynamics09:15 The Need for a Stronger Jewish Presence13:17 The Resilience of Canadian Jewry17:08 The Call for Unity Among Jews20:40 Confronting Anti-Semitism Together26:18 The Evolution of Progressive Judaism26:46 Empathy and Internal Struggles in the Jewish Community28:11 The Need for Aggression Against Anti-Semitism29:50 Political Accountability and Community Action32:18 Mobilizing the Younger Generation34:28 Fear and the Need for Courage in Activism36:17 The Disparity in Addressing Anti-Semitism38:15 Community Response and Solidarity40:44 Transformative Community Actions45:51 Optimism and Continued Resistance

    North American Jews Are at a Crossroads - with Rabbi Elchanon Poupko and Matthew Taub

  3. Sep 23

    Pay to Pray - The rising security costs for Jewish communities in Canada with Matthew Taub

    Matthew Taub discusses the alarming reality of security costs faced by Jewish communities in Canada in 2026, highlighting the broader implications for freedom, safety, and community resilience. The rising security costs for Jewish communities in Canada The analogy between pay for slay and pay to pray The implications of security costs on Jewish freedom and community life The role of government and community organizations in ensuring safety The importance of systemic change over temporary security measures

  4. Sep 15

    Mark Carney’s Real Strength and the Conservative Blind Spot with Anthony Koch

    In this episode, Anthony Koch, a political strategist and Orthodox Jew, shares insights on Canadian politics, the rise of Pierre Poilievre, anti-Semitism, and the future of Canada. We explore strategies for conservatives, the impact of political messaging, and how Jewish identity plays a role in confronting anti-Semitism. Key TopicsCanadian political landscape and futurePierre Poilievre's leadership and public perceptionAnti-Semitism in Canada post-October 7thPolitical messaging and campaign strategiesRole of Jewish identity in national security and communityChapters00:00 Introduction to Anthony Koch and Canadian Politics 02:12 Pierre Poilievre: The Man Behind the Persona 04:07 The Conservative Party's Election Challenges 05:48 Mark Carney's Role and Political Vulnerabilities 07:56 Canada's Electoral Dynamics and Demographic Shifts 12:07 Canada-U.S. Relations and Sovereignty 15:00 The Role of Media and Campaign Strategies 20:13 The Impact of October 7 and Anti-Semitism 24:51 Jewish Identity and Community Resilience 30:04 The Future of Canada and Jewish Community in a Changing World

    Mark Carney’s Real Strength and the Conservative Blind Spot with Anthony Koch

  5. Sep 10

    Carney, Macron and Burnham Don't Care About Palestinians with Bassem Eid

    In this episode, Bassem Eid shares his insights on the Palestinian perspective, the impact of Western policies, and the realities on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank. He discusses leadership, the possibility of a two-state solution, and what Palestinians truly want from Israel and the international community.TakeawaysWestern governments are using Palestinians to serve their own agendas.Most Palestinians want dignity, jobs, and freedom of movement, not the destruction of Israel.Settlement removal in Gaza did not lead to peace, and Gaza's situation worsened after Israel's withdrawal.Leadership corruption and internal conflicts are the main barriers to Palestinian statehood.A true Palestinian state requires building strong institutions and economy first.Recognition of a state without clear borders and governance is meaningless. Palestinians in the West Bank are fed up with their leaders and seek change.The two-state solution is currently unrealistic due to ongoing conflict and leadership issues.Israel is the only true democracy in the region, and Palestinians could benefit from cooperation.Western policies often ignore the realities and desires of ordinary Palestinians.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:58 Palestinian Voices and Western Policies03:48 Impact of Boycotts and International Attitudes06:13 Leadership, Corruption, and Internal Palestinian Issues08:09 Settlements and Gaza: Myths and Realities09:58 Canada's Recognition of Palestine and Its Implications12:09 Building a Palestinian State: Challenges and Realities13:51 Historical Mistakes and Lessons from Gaza15:53 The Daily Life and Aspirations of Palestinians17:54 The Future of Two-State Solution and Leadership20:08 Governing a Future Palestinian State21:57 Palestinians' Desires and Misconceptions23:54 Settler Violence and Israeli Security25:59 Possibility of a Two-State Solution Today27:53 Final Reflections and Hope for the Future

    Carney, Macron and Burnham Don't Care About Palestinians with Bassem Eid

  6. Sep 9

    Canada's Israel Double Standard

    In this episode, Matthew Taub critically examines Canada's recent foreign policy actions regarding Israel and Palestine, questioning the effectiveness and coherence of these measures. He highlights the lack of measurable outcomes from Canada's recognition of Palestine and the implications of new sanctions against Israel. Taub argues that the actions taken appear more as political gestures rather than a strategic approach to achieving a two-state solution, raising concerns about legality and accountability in Canadian foreign policy. takeaways Canada's recent actions against Israel raise questions about effectiveness. Recognition of Palestine was based on unmet conditions. Canada's foreign policy appears to lack coherence and measurable outcomes. Sanctions against Israel may be more about political optics than impact. Settlement exports are a small part of Israel's economy. The legal framework for sanctions remains unclear. Canada's foreign policy may be driven by political value rather than national interests. The impact of sanctions on Palestinian workers is uncertain. Questions of legality arise when comparing products from Jewish and Palestinian businesses. The need for transparency in foreign policy actions is critical.

  7. Sep 4

    Why Supporters of Israel Must Stop Playing Defensive

    For the last three years (and beyond), the dynamic has been predictable: anti-Israel groups organize a campaign, protest, event or effort, and pro-Israel Canadians stand up to challenge the hate.But does it have to be that way? While it may be that anti-Israel activists enjoy foreign funding and support, that does not explain it all. So what must be done?In this conversation, HonestReporting Canada assistant director Robert Walker is joined by Matthew Taub, founder of Unapologetically Jewish.

  8. Aug 28

    From Moscow to Israel: Uri Kurlianchik's Journey of Unapologetic Defense

    In this compelling interview, Uri Kurlianchik shares his journey from the Soviet Union to Israel, his evolving political views, and his insights on Israel's security challenges, the importance of being unapologetic, and strategies for proactive activism against anti-Semitism and global threats. Key TopicsUri's background and journey from Moscow to IsraelIsrael's security challenges and proactive defenceStrategies for activism and countering anti-SemitismChapters00:00 From Moscow to Israel: A Personal Journey03:30 The Prelude to Conflict: Signs of Change06:44 The Day of Reckoning: October 7th09:51 Taking Action: Grassroots Support for Troops12:01 Navigating Online Backlash: The Price of Speaking Out15:40 The Settler Identity: A Complex Narrative18:07 Proactive vs. Reactive: A Community's Challenge25:25 The Future of Conflict: Generational Perspectives28:59 Living in Samaria: Reality vs. Media Portrayal39:14 Global Perspectives: Combating Anti-Israel Sentiment47:30 Vision for Peace: Coexistence and Moving Forward

    From Moscow to Israel: Uri Kurlianchik's Journey of Unapologetic Defense
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About

Welcome to the Unapologetically Jewish Podcast — where Jewish identity, truth, resilience, and courage take center stage. Hosted by Matthew Taub, this podcast tackles the issues others avoid: rising antisemitism, media narratives, public safety, Jewish pride, Israel, advocacy, politics, culture, recovery, resilience, and the future of Jewish life in Canada and beyond. Through raw conversations, powerful interviews, investigative discussions, and unapologetic commentary, the podcast brings together activists, journalists, politicians, survivors, community leaders, creators, and everyday voices

Information

  • Creator
    Unapologetically Jewish
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Unapologetically Jewish

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