The State of affairs

About State of Affairs

The State of Affairs is the flagship podcast of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative available on Apple podcasts and Spotify. It features exclusive interviews with influential leaders, policymakers, diplomats, business executives, academics, and global thinkers, the podcast examines the most pressing issues of our time. From democracy, human rights, and international affairs to antisemitism, leadership, business, and public policy, The State of Affairs delivers thoughtful conversations and incisive commentary that inform, challenge, and inspire.

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Mamdani, Emanuel & The Crisis of The Democratic Party: A Conversation with Malcolm Hoenlein on the Future of America

Malcolm Hoenlein has stood in the middle of global Jewish diplomacy for more than five decades. As Vice Chair and CEO Emeritus of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, he has advised presidents, prime ministers, and world leaders through some of the most consequential moments in modern history. In this exclusive episode of The State of Affairs, we examine his views about the rise of Zohran Mamdani, Rahm Emanuel's controversial criticism of Israel, and what we see is a growing crisis within the Democratic Party. We discuss if today's climate increasingly resembles the warning signs of 1933 and discuss the threats posed by Iran and Turkey. We ask Hoenlein whether the Abraham Accords—and the hope for lasting Middle East peace—can survive. Don't miss this compelling conversation with one of the Jewish world's foremost strategic thinkers and influential voices.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-state-of-affairs/id1701508624?i=1000776949711

"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. (Posted July 8, 2026).

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-state-of-affairs/id1701508624?i=1000775984888

"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. (July 6, 2026)

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-state-of-affairs/id1701508624?i=1000775708712

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

Lord David Wolfson of Tredegar in an engaging and 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. (July 5, 2026)

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-state-of-affairs/id1701508624?i=1000775246197