Today, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honour the memory of six million Jews and countless others who perished in one of humanity’s darkest chapters. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the catastrophic consequences of unchecked hatred, prejudice, and indifference. It is also a call to action to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are not forgotten and that such atrocities never happen again.
As a Jewish Canadian, a regular listener of the CBC, and a concerned citizen, I feel compelled to address an issue that resonates deeply with the significance of this day. Since before October 7, the day of the Hamas massacre in Israel, I have repeatedly written to CBC leadership urging them to address a troubling oversight: the consistent absence of Jewish mainstream voices on CBC airwaves. This absence is not only a symbolic gap but a dangerous one. Without Jewish voices contributing to the national discourse, we risk further marginalizing an integral community, perpetuating harmful biases, and failing to address the rise of antisemitism—especially in times when it is most critical to listen.
Canada is not immune to the growing wave of antisemitism. Recent studies and reports from organizations such as B’nai Brith Canada show a disturbing increase in antisemitic incidents across the country. A 2024 report by Statistics Canada highlights that hate crimes targeting Jewish individuals remain disproportionately high. These figures underscore the urgency of ensuring that the CBC—and other media outlets—reflect a broader, more inclusive spectrum of voices to help combat ignorance, bridge divides, and foster understanding.
As we mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we must amplify voices that echo these concerns. One such voice is journalist Terry Glavin, who, in his article “The Explosion of Jew-Hate in Trudeau’s Canada,” published on December 11, 2024, by The Free Press, sheds light on the disturbing rise of antisemitism in our country. In a December 15, 2024, interview on theBreaker.news Podcast, Glavin offered further insights into how this wave of hate is shaped by global events and historical precedents. His expertise—gained over two decades of interactions with key players in the Middle East—provides invaluable context for understanding the current climate. Yet, his voice remains underrepresented in major Canadian media, including the CBC.
Discussions about the Israel-Hamas war mustn’t overlook the fact that Hamas and other groups in the region explicitly advocate for the annihilation of Israel and the Jewish people. This crucial aspect is rarely, if ever, mentioned by the CBC. Ignoring it not only distorts the situation but also fails to acknowledge the existential threat that Israel and its people face, contributing to the increasing climate of hatred and antisemitism in our own backyards.
As we reflect on the Holocaust and its ongoing implications, we must also acknowledge the failures of international systems to prevent such atrocities. Raphael Lemkin, a Polish-born Jewish lawyer who coined the term “genocide,” inspired the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. However, as history has shown us—from Rwanda to China—the framework he established has not been sufficient to prevent future horrors. In 2025, we still grapple with the reality of genocide and persecution, a stark reminder of the need for robust education and action to combat any systematic attempt to “annihilate” a specific group, whether it be a national group, an ethnic minority or a religious group.
Alarmingly, studies reveal that individuals under 40 are increasingly unaware of even basic Holocaust facts, demonstrating an urgent education gap that must be addressed for those seeking to understand the Holocaust and how it intersects with an understanding of “genocide.” I recommend “What Was the Holocaust?” by PragerU, which provides a free, concise overview.
Furthermore, by excluding Jewish voices, the CBC fails to recognize that Western values are fundamentally rooted in Jewish values. In her groundbreaking new book, “The Founder’s Stone,” Melanie Phillips explains that what we refer to as “Western civilization” is the foundation of “civilization” as we understand it today. This includes principles such as the infinite value of each individual’s life and the importance of laws that equally respect the rights of all citizens, among others.
Given these alarming trends, I urge the CBC to take immediate action to ensure that Jewish voices are heard and represented in the national conversation. Specifically, I ask the CBC to:
- Commit to fostering a more inclusive and diverse media landscape that reflects the full spectrum of Canadian society, including the Jewish community.
- To actively incorporate Jewish perspectives, particularly those that address the realities of modern antisemitism and its impact on global conflicts, in its programming. This includes featuring experts like Terry Glavin, Melanie Phillips, and others who offer critical insights on these issues.
This issue goes beyond merely representing Jewish people; it is about upholding the values of inclusivity and truth in our media. By embracing Jewish perspectives, particularly those that address the rise of antisemitism, the CBC can help combat prejudice, educate the public, and foster a more informed and empathetic Canada.
In doing so, the CBC will not only honour the memory of those lost in the Holocaust but also ensure that such a history is never repeated. I ask you to reflect on the significance of this day and take immediate action to include Jewish voices in the public discourse—where they belong, now more than ever.
Sincerely,
Abigail Hirsch
A Concerned Listener
