Welcome to Metropolis, the weekly show where we tune into the populist pulse of la Metropole, Montréal.

Host Kalden Dhatsenpa chats with Niall Clapham Riccardo and Sarah Boivin from the Montréal chapter of Independent Jewish Voices to discuss their work advocating for a just and lasting peace in Palestine.

The three discuss rising hate experienced by Jewish and Muslim communities in Canada, how certain Jewish institutions are “instrumentalizing” this fear to further justify violence, as well as the role local municipalities are taking with policies for and against Palestinian solidarity.

The Mayor of Hampstead recently announced a $1,000 fine for people found tearing down posters of Israeli hostages. He said, “If someone is issued a fine and pays it, that money will be donated to Israel”. What role should institutions, and municipalities play in advocating for peace? Listen to the episode to hear the lively discussion on what is a watershed moment in history.

For our segment, Hello Good Byline, Savanna Craig shares her experience at what was the largest demonstration for Palestine in Montréal’s history. The 50 thousand person march ended at the new CBC offices to point the finger at the crown corporation for “lying” about the situation in Palestine. Savanna expands on the chant “every time the media lies, a neighbourhood in Gaza dies.” by examining headlines from local news. Yves Engler, one of the speakers at the march singled out the Gazette for a headline that has since been changed.

Kalden and Savanna also discuss the parallels and patterns between media narratives back in 2003 around the Iraq War and now in Palestine. What is the difference between a soldier and a militant? Between a conflict and a genocide? As Savanna points out, language and the rhetoric used around these events are incredibly influential in how they inform public opinion. Tune in for the full discussion.