The Prelude to Genocide: Antisemitism, Memory and Moral Urgency in Canada

In this powerful episode of The Promised Land, host Dagny Pawlak speaks with Éloge Butera, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide and a member of the Jewish community, about the rising tide of antisemitism in Canada and the world. Drawing from his unique perspective, Butera reflects on the dangerous parallels between the rhetoric surrounding Jews today and the language used in the lead-up to historical genocides, including his own traumatic experience in Rwanda. As incidents of hate and violence against Jews increase, Butera discusses the critical role of media, political narratives, and international organizations in either curbing or exacerbating these dangers. With the rise of anti-Zionism, especially following the October 7th attacks, Butera warns of the long-term consequences of ignoring or downplaying these ideologies, urging the world to recognize the destructive potential before it’s too late. This episode offers a sobering look at how unchecked hate can escalate and the urgent need for action to defend Jewish communities worldwide.