"Stoking Islamophobia in Canada, especially in this volatile moment, is not only irresponsible, it is dangerous. Islamophobia and antisemitism are both forms of hate and must be opposed with equal resolve."
July 11, 2025
Dear Michael Weisdorf, Lila Sarick, and Michael Fraiman,
I am writing to express deep alarm regarding the recent episode of the North Star podcast, “Qatari money is quietly fuelling anti-Israel rhetoric in Canada, new report warns.”
In this episode, Ellin Bessner accuses Zohran Mamdani of being a “virulent, anti-Israel, anti-Semite, who wants to wipe Jews off the world.” This kind of defamatory language is entirely unfounded and falls far outside the norms of ethical journalism. Notably, the transcript is listed as a news article on your website. This designation carries an expectation of adherence to journalistic standards.
Bessner goes on to claim that Mamdani is part of a “global network” that includes “terrorists,” implying belief in a far-reaching Islamist conspiracy. Such rhetoric is not only Islamophobic but also echoes dangerous, conspiratorial tropes that have no place in a credible media outlet.
Her guest, Charles Asher Small, went so far as to say, “Canadians need to be proud to be called Islamophobic.” Rather than challenge this incendiary statement, Bessner merely notes that the Canadian Jewish News might face pushback without any critical response of her own.
The Canadian Jewish News states that it is committed to delivering “meaningful and informative content with the highest of journalistic standards.” At a minimum, I urge you to issue an editor’s note addressing the serious violations in this episode and to include an apology in the next podcast.
Stoking Islamophobia in Canada, especially in this volatile moment, is not only irresponsible, it is dangerous. Islamophobia and antisemitism are both forms of hate and must be opposed with equal resolve.
Regards,
Jason Toney