Defending Our Future. Protecting Our Past.
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.
Back to Campus: What Can Jewish Students Expect?
Back to Campus: What Can Jewish Students Expect?
The State of Affairs
A federally commissioned study of approximately 900 Jewish postsecondary students found that 95.7 per cent had experienced or witnessed antisemitism. Seventy per cent said their institution does not take antisemitism seriously, 68 per cent described campus as unsafe for Jewish students, and 22 per cent reported experiencing or witnessing physical violence directed at Jews. In this episode, Avi Abraham Benlolo speaks with the President and CEO of the Association for Canadian Studies and Metropolis Institute, Jack Jedwab about whether antisemitism has become systemic, why Jewish students are concealing their identities, how professors and student organizations contribute to the climate, and why university complaint systems have lost credibility. They also examine new polling showing a sharp decline in Canadian attitudes toward Judaism and ask whether campuses are reflecting a broader social crisis—or helping create it. The State of Affairs is created by The Abraham Global Peace Initiative, a prominent Canadian think-tank working to counter antisemitism, defend Israel and promote democracy.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-state-of-affairs/id1701508624?i=1000783009818
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'Core of Palestinian Aspiration Built on Destroying Another Nation'
Can an Arab Muslim defend Zionism while warning the West about the dangers of political Islamism? In this episode of The State of Affairs, Saudi-born peace advocate Loay Alshareef joins Avi Abraham Benlolo for a fearless discussion about Israel, antisemitism and the battle between peace and extremism. How did learning Hebrew and studying Jewish history transform Loay’s understanding of Zionism? Why does anti-Zionism so often descend into open antisemitism? What does the growing influence of radical ideology in Europe and North America mean for Western democracy? From the Jewish people’s ancient connection to Jerusalem to the threats posed by Iran and the Houthis, Loay confronts the forces working to perpetuate conflict. Can the Abraham Accords withstand today’s regional turmoil? Is Saudi-Israel normalization still possible? And why does Loay remain convinced that Arab-Israeli peace will ultimately prevail? (August 10, 2026)
Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-state-of-affairs/id1701508624?i=1000782022829
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THE NEXT OCTOBER 7? THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY’S 70,000-MEMBER ARMED FORCE
Could the next October 7-style attack come from Judea and Samaria? In this episode of The State of Affairs, Avi Abraham Benlolo speaks with Lt.-Col. (res.) Maurice Hirsch about his warning that the Palestinian Authority has built a military-capable force of approximately 70,000 armed personnel. More than 70,000 are reportedly stationed in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) —compared with only 12,000 permitted under the Oslo Accords. How did this force grow so dramatically? Why are its personnel allegedly being trained in sniping, artillery, armoured warfare, shoulder-fired missiles and parachuting? With Qalqilya only 14 kilometres from the Mediterranean, which Israeli cities would be threatened if these weapons were turned against Israel? Did Western funding and Israeli weapons transfers help create this danger?
Does PA security coordination protect Israelis—or primarily preparing for war against them? Did the PA’s salaries and employment benefits for released terrorists help senior Hamas leaders prepare for October 7? Most importantly, what must Israel do now to prevent another October 7th catastrophe?
Listen https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-state-of-affairs/id1701508624?i=1000779725461
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The State of Affairs podcast is produced by The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI). To support our work, please visit us at www.agpiworld.com
"There Is No Exodus of Jews from Montreal" - Why Beryl Wajsman is Fighting Back
"There Is No Exodus of Jews from Montreal" - Why Beryl Wajsman is Fighting Back
The State of Affairs
“JEWS AREN’T ALLOWED HERE” A Montreal woman told a Jewish father at La Fontaine Park that dogs were allowed despite a nearby ban, launched an expletive-filled rant and declared in French: “Jews aren’t allowed here.”
How did Montreal reach this point? Why have Jewish schools been struck by gunfire, synagogues attacked with incendiary devices and visibly Jewish residents assaulted and intimidated? Are political leaders confronting this crisis—or merely condemning each new incident before moving on? Has unchecked anti-Zionist incitement normalized hatred and helped turn hostile rhetoric into violence? Do police and prosecutors possess the resources, authority and political support needed to protect Montreal’s Jewish community? And after generations of Jewish life and achievement, can Montreal still offer Jewish families a safe and hopeful future?
In this episode of The State of Affairs, Avi Abraham Benlolo asks journalist, lawyer, civic leader and the President of the Institute for Public Affairs of Montreal, Beryl Wajsman what is happening to Montreal—and why he remains determined to stay, fight back and reclaim the city. (July 30, 2026)
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-state-of-affairs/id1701508624?i=1000779124557
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The State of Affairs podcast is produced by The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI). To support our work, please visit us at www.agpiworld.com
ISRAEL’S DEFINING MOMENT: IRAN, HAREDI UNREST AND THE ELECTION OF A LIFETIME
ISRAEL’S DEFINING MOMENT: IRAN, HAREDI UNREST AND THE ELECTION OF A LIFETIME
Do Israelis want a third round of war against Iran? In this episode of The State of Affairs, former Canadian Ambassador to Israel Vivian Bercovici, joins AGPI's Chairman and CEO, Avi Abraham Benlolo for a candid assessment of Israel at a crossroads. How are Israelis coping after war, terrorism, trauma and political division? What do the current demonstrations by the Haredi community mean for Israel’s future, military service and the principle of shared national responsibility? Israel’s upcoming election is the most consequential in its history: what exactly will voters be deciding—and is there a leader capable of uniting the country? How do Israelis view the alarming rise of antisemitism in Canada and around the world? Finally, what message of hope, optimism and resilience does Ambassador Bercovici leave with us? Find out this and more on the latest episode of The State of Affairs. The Abraham Global Peace Initiative is a prominent Canadian think-tank that counters Antisemitism, defends Israel, advances democracy and promotes The Abraham Accords. (July 28, 2026)
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-state-of-affairs/id1701508624?i=1000778731165
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Read more content about the fight to defend and protect freedom and democracy at www.agpiworld.com
"Explosive" Interview with former Gaza Aid Worker Exposing Terror, Complicity and Corruption
From wearing a Keffiyeh as a teen in England to working in Gaza to changing her mind about Israel, Development economist and Aid Inferno author Dr. Emily Brearley has witnessed Gaza’s aid system from the inside—and what she saw challenges the world’s assumptions. In this explosive episode of The State of Affairs, Dr. Brearley joins Dr. Avi Abraham Benlolo to expose how Hamas exerts influence over humanitarian operations, examine UNRWA’s controversial role, and confront the international community’s failures before and after October 7. Can aid reach civilians without empowering terrorists? Did institutions ignore the warning signs? And can Gaza ever be rebuilt for peace? This is a firsthand account of corruption, complicity and the battle for Gaza’s future, as captured in Dr. Brearley's book, "Aid Inferno". (Added July 20, 2026)
Listen on Apple Podcasts (or spotify): https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-state-of-affairs/id1701508624?i=1000777573466
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Read background article about the effort to defund UNRWA: https://agpiworld.com/eye-on-un
Read more content about the fight to defend and protect freedom and democracy at www.agpiworld.com
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
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