Reisman's critical insights
Heather Reisman articulates concerns on rising antisemitism, Israeli portrayals, and political views
Indigo Books & Music CEO Heather Reisman has revealed she no longer supports Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling his conduct in the Gaza war "unbelievably unacceptable." Reisman, one of Canada's most prominent Jewish philanthropists and a major supporter of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, made the remarks on the Unholy: Two Jews on The News podcast, published August 4. Vancouver Sun reported the 40-minute interview marked a significant public break for someone long associated with pro-Israel advocacy.
Reisman and her company Indigo have faced repeated protests and boycott campaigns since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. Despite that pressure, she used the interview to speak candidly about antisemitism in Canada, her political views, and her complicated feelings about the Israeli government's direction. Edmonton Journal noted the interview was hosted by journalists Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland.
Reisman Breaks With Netanyahu Over Gaza Conduct
Reisman made clear she has split from Netanyahu personally, describing his behavior as "unbelievably unacceptable." According to Vancouver Sun, she stopped short of opposing Israel's right to defend itself but drew a firm line at the conduct of its current leadership. The distinction matters: Reisman has long been a visible Jewish community figure, making her criticism of Netanyahu notable within Canadian Jewish philanthropic circles.
She also addressed her views on two far-right Israeli Knesset members — Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Brantford Expositor reported she expressed serious concern about their influence on the Israeli government. Both politicians have drawn international condemnation for inflammatory statements about Palestinians.
Social Media Campaigns Fuelled Distorted Image of Israel
Reisman pointed to social media as a major driver of rising anti-Israel sentiment. She said online campaigns deliberately portrayed Israel as both a dominant military power and a country "starving children." According to Pincher Creek Echo, she argued this framing was designed to strip Israel of sympathy and paint it as an aggressor with no moral standing.
She described a coordinated effort to depict Israel as "a big, strong military" and "an economically sophisticated country starving children." The messaging, she said, was effective because it was simple and emotionally charged. It spread quickly on platforms where nuance rarely survives, she argued.
Left-Wing Movements Left Jews Behind, Reisman Argues
Reisman identified two specific forces she believes have fuelled antisemitism in Canada. First, she cited the "critical race social justice movement," arguing it has excluded Jewish people from its framework of protected groups. Second, she pointed to Canada's left-leaning union movement, which she said has a "fraught relationship with the Jewish community," according to Sault Star.
Her comments reflect a broader tension felt by many Jewish progressives who have long aligned with left-wing causes but found themselves sidelined in post-October 7 political debates. Reisman did not name specific organizations but framed the exclusion as systemic rather than isolated.
Indigo and Reisman Have Faced Sustained Anti-Israel Protests
Reisman has been a target of anti-Israel activists for months. Her stores have been picketed and her name has appeared in boycott lists circulated online. Chatham Daily News reported that both she and Indigo have been targeted numerous times since the conflict began. The protests stem largely from her personal ties to Israel and her philanthropy supporting Jewish causes.
Despite the pressure, Reisman chose to speak publicly and at length rather than stay silent. The podcast interview signals she intends to remain a vocal voice in the debate — but now from a position more critical of the Israeli government than before. Her shift could carry weight in Canadian Jewish donor and advocacy circles.
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