Episode Description
Halifax based community activist Rana Zaman has found herself in the midst of another smear campaign launched by Zionist lobbyists, and betrayed by the very institutions that once celebrated her.
Back in 2019, the NDP withdrew her hard fought nomination - citing a three year-old tweet and pressure from organizations like B'Nai Brith and the Atlantic Jewish Council. We hear that story firsthand from Rana, as well as the impact it had on her emotionally and professionally. Its sadly similar to many of the stories we've told on the show - and its happening to her all over again.
Her recent award, a Peace Medal from the YMCA, was quickly rescinded amidst a similar campaign from the AJC and other usual suspects. The YMCA did this despite already knowing Rana's history, and assuring her they would stand by her.
Its a personal story, but also an institutional one. The story is part of a larger pattern that has far reaching consequences for members, the social movements they create, and Canadian politics in general.
Hosted by: Jessa McLean
Call to Action: Sign a Petition Demanding the YWMC Reinstate Rana's Peace Medal
Related Episodes:
- Being Pragmatic inside the NSNDP, on the removal of another NSNDP candidate over their support for Palestine, and a discussion on the pros and cons of staying in the Party;
- Sidelining Socialism, Host Jessa McLean argues that the NDP and their failure to keep Left has shifted the Overton window in Canadian politics; or,
- Get the whole INSIDE the NDP Playlist.
End Song Credit: Sean MacGillivray (with permission)
More Resources:
- 'It's not about me': Rana Zaman speaks after YMCA rescinds her award - Halifax Examiner
- CJPME Foundation Statement (December 2025)
- On Rana Zaman: Some somebodies have some explaining to do - Halifax Examiner
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