The State of Affairs – Details, episodes & analysis

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The State of Affairs

Avi Abraham Benlolo

News

Frequency: 1 episode/99d. Total Eps: 12

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.

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Data updated on 01/08/2026

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"There Is No Exodus of Jews from Montreal" - Why Beryl Wajsman is Fighting Back

Thursday, July 30, 2026 • Duration 23:53

“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.

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

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ISRAEL’S DEFINING MOMENT: IRAN, HAREDI UNREST AND THE ELECTION OF A LIFETIME

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 • Duration 28:45

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.

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"You Can't Pick and Choose When Your Morals Apply": Brad Bradford on Antisemitism and the Future of Toronto

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 • Duration 32:31

The future of Toronto is consequential for the Jewish community. Many are wondering if they should stay. Toronto mayoral candidate Brad Bradford joins Dr. Avi Abraham Benlolo on The State of Affairs for a conversation about leadership, courage and Toronto’s future. Addressing antisemitism, Bradford says that standing up for people targeted because of their faith may sometimes be difficult, but it is consequential and important. His message is unequivocal: “You can’t pick and choose when your morals apply—and that’s what it comes down to: moral clarity and values, strength, courage and conviction.” Bradford explains why defending one community protects every community and why public officials must apply their principles consistently. The discussion also turns to the everyday concerns shaping life across Toronto: public safety, the TTC, housing affordability, gridlock, rising taxes, struggling small businesses and declining city services. How can Toronto restore confidence, improve accountability and become a city that works better for everyone? Hear Bradford’s vision for building a safer, stronger, prosperous and inclusive Toronto.

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"Explosive" Interview with former Gaza Aid Worker Exposing Terror, Complicity and Corruption

Monday, July 20, 2026 • Duration 21:23

From wearing a Keffiyah as a teen in England to working 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".

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

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

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 • Duration 29:10

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.

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

Friday, July 10, 2026 • Duration 10:11

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.

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

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 • Duration 26:52

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.

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

Monday, July 6, 2026 • Duration 17:14

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.

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

Sunday, July 5, 2026 • Duration 09:12

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.

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

Season 1 · Episode 1

Thursday, July 2, 2026 • Duration 15:47

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.

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The State of Affairs – Details, episodes & analysis

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The State of Affairs – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

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Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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RSS feed quality and score

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Latest published episodes

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