The new season of Chosen For What? begins with a timely and urgent conversation about the rise of antisemitism globally, and what that means for Jewish communities today. Host Tommy Schnurmacher brings together multiple voices to explore how antisemitism is showing up in modern society, how it is being experienced across generations, and why these conversations matter now more than ever.

Rabbi Lisa Grushcow offers insight into how antisemitism is being discussed and understood within Jewish communities, while Mollie Bowman, a third-generation descendant of Holocaust survivors and Managing Director of Living Links, speaks to the importance of educating young people and empowering them to respond. Shoshana Cenker shares a deeply personal perspective, reflecting on what it means to raise children in a world where fear and visibility are once again part of daily life for many Jewish families.

The episode also examines the evolving language surrounding antisemitism, including the rise of anti-Zionism in academic and public spaces. Anthropologist Adam Louis-Klein breaks down how certain narratives and terminology are being used today, and why understanding these distinctions is critical in recognizing modern forms of hate. This conversation connects directly to broader questions people are asking today, including what antisemitism looks like in 2025, how Holocaust memory shapes Jewish identity, and why Holocaust education remains essential in combating hate and misinformation.

Chosen For What? is brought to you by the Foundation for Genocide Education, a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that every student understands the history and lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides. To learn more about their work, or to make a donation, please visit GenEd.org.

After the incredible success of season one of Chosen For What?, we're thrilled to announce that season TWO begins on April 29th.

Season two of Chosen For What? starts April 29th, with new episodes dropping every Wednesday. Be sure to follow or subscribe, so that you don't miss a single episode!

Heidi Berger, founder and president of the Foundation for Genocide Education, joins Tommy Schnurmacher on Chosen For What? to share the story behind her life's mission: ensuring that every student understands the history and lessons of genocide.

Inspired by her late mother's experience as a Holocaust survivor, Heidi began her work as an educator and film producer, creating an interactive video presentation that brought her mother's story to life. But what began as a personal project soon revealed a shocking truth; many students (and even teachers) had never learned the meaning of the word "genocide." That realization led Heidi to establish the Foundation for Genocide Education, a registered non-profit dedicated to helping governments integrate genocide education into high school curriculums across Canada and beyond.

In this podcast, Heidi discusses the powerful story of her mother's survival, the urgent need for genocide education, and the ongoing challenge of keeping these lessons alive for future generations. She also shares what it's like speaking to students across North America and the reactions that continue to move her the most.

Chosen For What? is brought to you by the Foundation for Genocide Education, a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that every student understands the history and lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides. To learn more about their work, or to make a donation, please visit GenEd.org.