Ever since Oct. 7, if you're a Jewish Canadian, odds are you've had a personal falling out. If you haven't personally, you likely know someone who has. Across the world, Jews have seen and heard shocking posts and comments by friends, acquaintances and colleagues.

This isn't a left-right issue. As we explore on today's episode of In Good Faith, The CJN's interfaith podcast miniseries, even within left-wing activist circles, friends have been torn apart in the aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israel.

On today's episode, you'll hear from two longtime friends: Ronit Yarosky and Ehab Lotayef. They've been friends for 20 years. She's Jewish; he's Muslim. She's lived in Israel, and served in the Israeli army before founding the Canadian branch of the Women in Black anti-war group; he's Egyptian and married a Palestinian woman, sitting on numerous Arab and Muslim Canadian councils. But despite having marched side-by-side in progressive protests for decades, a single comment on Oct. 8, 2023, caused what seemed like an irreparable rift in their lives for a year.

Hear how they fell apart—and came back together—on In Good Faith.

NOTE: This podcast has been developed in partnership between Jewish, Muslim, Arab and Palestinian community members to foster dialogue between our communities. Some listeners may find parts of this program offensive. All opinions belong to the participants, and do not reflect the views of The CJN staff, its board members or its donors.

Credits

• Hosts: Yafa Sakkejha and Avi Finegold


• Producers: Michael Fraiman and Zachary Judah Kauffman


• Editor: Zachary Judah Kauffman

This podcast is sponsored by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, with support from the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation.