Unapologetically Jewish

Unapologetically Jewish

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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. Aug 28

    Stop Calling It Contemporary Antisemetism

    Matthew Taub explores the enduring nature of anti-Semitism, its adaptation over time, and the importance of recognizing Jew hate in all its forms. He emphasizes that Jew hate is timeless, evolving with societal language and politics, and calls for clear recognition and naming of anti-Semitism today. Key Topics The historical consistency of Jew hate and its adaptation to societal changes The importance of naming and recognizing Jew hate in all its forms The distinction between criticism of Israel and anti-Semitism The dangers of collective responsibility and guilt The societal language that enables hate to evolve The moral clarity needed after October 7th and the danger of victim-blaming The concept of the 'acceptable Jew' and conditional tolerance The importance of recognizing Jew hate in contemporary contexts Takeaways Jew hate is timeless and adapts to societal language and politics. Criticism of Israel is not automatically anti-Semitic, but can become hate if it targets Jews collectively. Recognizing Jew hate requires understanding its evolution and current expressions. Condemning swastikas and Holocaust denial is easy; recognizing modern anti-Semitism is harder. Jewish sovereignty and power are now part of the conversation, changing the dynamics of hate. Chapters 00:00 The timeless nature of Jew hate and societal language 02:24 The inconsistency and conspiracy theories of Jew hate 05:09 Distinguishing criticism of Israel from Jew hate 08:24 The moral framework used by Jew haters across eras 11:15 The acceptable Jew and conditional tolerance 12:13 The return of Jewish sovereignty and its challenges 13:42 The lesson of Jewish history: hate adapts 14:14 Recognizing Jew hate in your own time 15:10 The importance of calling out Jew hate directly 16:08 Stop sanitizing Jew hate and call it what it is

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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
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Unapologetically Jewish

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