Features
Dangers from the far-right in America explored in new book
By MARTIN ZEILIG “The United States is confronted by a serious domestic terrorist threat in addition to the foreign ones that have commanded our attention for the past two decades,” warn Council on Foreign Relations’ (CFR) fellows and leading terrorism experts Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware, says a review of “God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America” on the website of the Council on Foreign Relations (January 2, 2024).
“Their new book provides a definitive account of how ‘“violent extremism has woven itself into the fabric of national, state, and local politics,”’ from the tragedy that unfolded at a historic African American church in Charleston, South Carolina, in June 2015 through the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.”
Bruce Hoffman is the Shelby Cullom and Kathryn W. Davis Senior Fellow for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security at the Council on Foreign Relations. He is also a professor at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service; professor emeritus of terrorism studies at the University of St Andrews; and the George H. Gilmore Senior Fellow at the U.S. Military Academy’s Combating Terrorism Center. His Columbia University Press books include “Inside Terrorism “(third edition, 2017).
Jacob Ware is a research fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and at DeSales University. He serves on the editorial boards for the academic journal Studies in Conflict & Terrorism and the Irregular Warfare Initiative at the Modern War Institute at West Point.
Mr. Hoffman agreed to discuss the book in an email interview with The Jewish Post & News.
JP&N: Why did you decide to write this book now?
BH: The idea for this book came to me just a month into the global COVID lockdown. April 2020 was a dark, dangerous, and highly fearful and uncertain time. Odious conspiracy theories, that had been circulating for years, suddenly gained newfound momentum across the internet and social media. Indeed, within days of the lockdown, Jewish people were being blamed and vilified for creating the pandemic in order to profit monetarily from it.
Asians, persons of color, and immigrants, and others, were also being targeted for blame. Only weeks earlier I had been the target of a serious hate crime. Isolated at home, like most of the rest of the world, I had lots of time to think about what was happening and, I quickly reached the conclusion that I needed to return to my analytical roots.
To explain, I had begun my career as a terrorism and counterterrorism analyst in 1981 at the renowned American think-tank, The RAND Corporation. However, by the time that I joined its Security and Subnational Conflict Research Program, all the more prominent left-wing and ethno-nationalist and separatist terrorists active at the time had been taken by other members of the research team.
Surveying the remaining terrorist movements that had not yet been chosen, I decided to focus on the threat posed by neo-Nazi and neo-fascist groups then active in Europe. That in fact was the subject of my first ever professional publication.
Within only a couple of years, I expanded by focus to include their even far more dangerous American counterparts. I therefore studied intently violent, far-right terrorism in the United States from the mid-1980s through the September 11, 2001 attacks. Then, like most other terrorism analysts, my attention was diverted for the next two decades almost exclusively to al Qaeda and then the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL).
Meanwhile, terrorist attacks from violent, far-right extremists both in the United States and elsewhere had suddenly started to increase during the twenty-teens. In 2011, for instance, there were simultaneous, tragic terrorist attacks in Oslo and Utøya, Norway; four years later there was the horrific shootings of worshippers at a historic African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina; then in 2018 a gunman stormed into the Jewish Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh killing congregants; and in 2019 the attacks within weeks of one another on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand and a Jewish synagogue in Poway, California, and then that summer at a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas, clearly demonstrated that the same hateful ideology and bloody mindset that had fueled far-right violence during the closing decades of the twentieth-century, when I first began studying this phenomenon, had neither disappeared nor abated.
Accordingly, I approached my friend and colleague at the Council on Foreign Relations and Georgetown University, Jacob Ware, and proposed that we together write this book. And, we immediately began work on it.
JP&N: What is the extent of far-left terrorism in the U.S.A. and elsewhere in the world? Is there a connection between far-right and far-left extremists?
BH: Let me emphasize that politically-motivated violence—that is, terrorism—in the United States is not confined exclusively to the far-right. Indeed, prior to the January 6th, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol Building the most serious incident targeted Republication congressmen. In June 2017, a self-proclaimed supporter of progressive, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders opened fire at an early morning practice for the annual congressional charity baseball game. The then-House Majority Whip, Rep. Steve Scalise, was seriously wounded, along with five other persons. If not for the U.S. Capitol Police present as part of Rep. Scalise’s security detail, who killed the gunman, the outcome would likely have been very different. In another incident two years later, a self-professed anarchist tried to firebomb a Tacoma, Washington Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, before being shot dead by responding officers.
But with the exception of those two very serious incidents and some others of brawling, rioting, arson, and vandalism that occurred during Donald Trump’s 2017 presidential inauguration in Washington, DC, and in Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle, and some other cities following the death of George Floyd by police in 2021, the threat of violence from violent, far-left extremists has been less pervasive and less consequential than that from their counterparts on the far-right. Indeed, Professor Cynthia Miller-Idriss in her book, “Hate in the Homeland,” estimates that there were at least 75,000 armed and violently-inclined far-right extremists in the United States as of 2020—a number that likely completely eclipses that of violently-inclined far-left extremists in the United States: many of whom are not armed and lack the training and expertise possessed by those on the far-right fringe.
The only connection between the two is that they both ascribe to the strategy of “accelerationism.” First articulated by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels in their 1848 pamphlet, “Manifesto Of The Communist Party,” accelerationism today is embraced by both ends of the ideological spectrum who believe that the modern Western, liberal state is so corrupt and inept that it is beyond redemption and must be destroyed in order to create a new society and way of governance.
JP&N: What are the strategies for combating far-right terrorism?
BH: The book argues that the United States needs a comprehensive, wide-ranging, institutionalized strategy to effectively counter the threat to our democracy from violent, far-right extremism. Measures are required to strengthen American civil society more generally as well as to specifically target violent extremist groups, their activists and supporters, their propagandists and sympathizers, and their recruiters and financiers.
The policy recommendations we propose fall into three categories: short-term measures to create a stronger regulatory framework, with relatively immediate effects; medium-term measures to strengthen civil society, with impacts over the next five to ten years; and, long-term measures to build national unity and strengthen resilience that will benefit future generations and inoculate them against the allure of extremist ideologies.
This comprehensive counterterrorism strategy will require measures to combat extremists’ free reign online, efforts to build and support longer-term initiatives to prevent new radicalization, and the establishment of new laws to counteract the challenges in prosecuting perpetrators of far-right terrorist plots.
“God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America”
(Columbia University Press $28.95 USD)
Features
Best Jewish Neighbourhoods to Live in Ottawa
Ottawa’s Jewish community comprises a series of neighbourhoods that offer a range of amenities, community infrastructure, and housing options. Each area presents unique characteristics that cater to different lifestyle preferences and family needs.
Alta Vista: Supportive Community Near Healthcare and Recreational Facilities
Alta Vista stands out for its close-knit Jewish community, largely centered around Congregation Machzikei Hadas, an Orthodox synagogue. This neighbourhood provides easy access to healthcare facilities, including the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Hospital’s General Campus. Residents also enjoy nearby recreational opportunities, such as the Rideau Canal, Mooney’s Bay Park, and the Rideau River Pathway.
Housing options in Alta Vista range from single-family homes to more affordable townhouses and rental apartments. For families raising children in the Jewish tradition, school bus services to Torah Day School of Ottawa and Ottawa Jewish Community School add to the area’s appeal. While not the most densely Jewish neighbourhood, Alta Vista fosters a supportive and active sense of community life. Its proximity to downtown Ottawa also makes it a convenient choice for professionals who value both community and accessibility. Adding to its charm is the abundance of green spaces and quiet streets, perfect for families seeking a peaceful environment.
Centrepointe/Craig Henry: Highest Jewish Population in Ottawa
As the neighbourhood with the highest concentration of Jewish residents in Ottawa—comprising around 1,700 people—Centrepointe and Craig Henry offer a balance of housing choices, from single-family homes to townhomes and row houses. This area is home to the Torah Day School of Ottawa, a local recreation center, and access to the Greenbelt, making it particularly attractive to families.
The availability of light rail transit further connects Centrepointe/Craig Henry to Ottawa’s downtown core, creating a convenient commuting route. Access to kosher facilities, such as College Square Loblaws and Greenbank Metro, enhances everyday living for observant Jewish households. In addition, the neighbourhood’s libraries, parks, and community events contribute to a vibrant and welcoming environment for residents of all ages. With its family-friendly amenities and growing popularity, it remains a top choice for Jewish families moving to Ottawa.
Exploring Jewish Community Centers and Everyday Amenities
Jewish community centers across Ottawa serve not only as hubs for cultural and religious events but as practical connectors to local neighborhoods. For example, the Soloway Jewish Community Centre in Westboro/Carlington provides easy access to activities and programs for all ages. This proximity to cultural and educational facilities makes the neighborhood appealing for those seeking a close-knit community atmosphere.
In Centrepointe/Craig Henry, amenities such as nearby libraries, parks, and kosher sections at stores like College Square Loblaws enhance the appeal of the area. Those searching for homes for sale in Ottawa might find these neighborhoods offer a balance of community resources and lifestyle conveniences. The presence of Jewish schools and synagogues ensures that residents can maintain a deeply connected lifestyle without extensive travel across the city. Additionally, the Soloway Jewish Community Centre frequently hosts events, fostering connections among residents and enriching the cultural fabric of the area.
Westboro/Carlington: Hub of Organized Jewish Life
Westboro and Carlington are central to Jewish life in Ottawa, hosting the Jewish Community Campus, which includes the Soloway Jewish Community Centre, Ottawa Jewish Community School, and Hillel Lodge Retirement Residence. The neighbourhood is also home to multiple synagogues, a mikvah, and several Jewish camps.
Beyond its Jewish infrastructure, Westboro/Carlington provides proximity to Gatineau via bridge connections and access to green spaces along the Rideau Canal. A mix of apartment buildings, townhomes, and single-family properties characterizes the housing market in this area, offering options for a range of budgets. Community members often benefit from the area’s cohesive environment as a focal point for everything from religious services to family-friendly activities. With its walkable streets and bustling local businesses, this area attracts families and young professionals alike. Its location also offers convenient access to shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, making it a vibrant and dynamic choice.
Additional Insights on Ottawa’s Jewish Community
Ottawa’s Jewish population is estimated to be around 14,000, representing 1.2% of the city’s total population. Demographically, the community skews slightly older than the overall Jewish population in Canada, with a median age of 41.7 years. Between 2001 and 2011, the Jewish population in Ottawa showed modest growth of 2.8%, adding 375 people during that period.
Several smaller Jewish hubs, such as Orleans, Kanata/Stittsville, and downtown Ottawa, also exist. However, these areas lack the strong community infrastructure found in Alta Vista, Centrepointe/Craig Henry, and Westboro/Carlington. Orleans offers spacious suburban homes and access to outdoor spaces, while Kanata/Stittsville is known for its family-friendly vibe and growing commercial sector. Downtown Ottawa, though not a primary Jewish hub, offers urban conveniences and proximity to cultural institutions, making it a viable option for younger professionals and those seeking a more cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Tips for Prospective Residents
When exploring Jewish-friendly neighborhoods in Ottawa, consider factors such as proximity to schools, synagogues, and kosher facilities. Families may prioritize areas like Centrepointe/Craig Henry or Westboro/Carlington for their established community resources, while professionals might lean toward Alta Vista or downtown for convenience and accessibility. Additionally, understanding the housing market trends and visiting community centers can provide valuable insights into which neighborhood best fits your needs. For those considering a move, scheduling a tour of these neighborhoods can provide first-hand experience of their community feel and amenities.
Conclusion
Ottawa offers a variety of neighborhoods that cater to the needs of its Jewish community, each with its own distinct advantages. Whether you’re drawn to the supportive community of Alta Vista, the family-friendly environment of Centrepointe/Craig Henry, or the organized hub of Jewish life in Westboro/Carlington, there’s a neighborhood to suit every lifestyle. Smaller hubs like Orleans and Kanata/Stittsville also provide unique opportunities for those seeking quieter suburban living.
Choosing the right neighborhood involves balancing proximity to community resources with personal lifestyle preferences. From access to synagogues and schools to recreational opportunities and housing options, Ottawa’s Jewish neighborhoods provide a rich tapestry of choices. No matter which area you select, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to support and connect you. Start exploring today to discover the perfect place to call home in Ottawa’s vibrant Jewish community.
Features
“Braunsteins on the broom” revisited
By GERRY POSNER Step back in time to 1958. It’s February and the Manitoba Curing Championships are starting in Winnipeg for the right to play in the McDonald Brier. Who should be competing but two Jewish boys from the south end of Winnipeg, Terry and Ron Braunstein? Terry was all of 18 while Ron was only 17. Also on the team were Ray Turnbull and Jack Van Hellemond.
The team competing for the Manitoba championship was skipped by Marno Frederickson. Although few expected the youngsters to have gotten this far, there they were in the final and, ultimately, they prevailed. As Manitoba champs they were entitled to compete in Victoria, BC in March of that year in the McDonald Brier.
Now, just getting to participate in the Manitoba playdowns was by itself a bit of good fortune. First, It was only because Terry came home from school in Texas where he was on a track scholarship in Houston that allowed him even to be around, available, and ready to play. Events in Texas had soured him on the University of Houston and that was exacerbated by his asking a black athlete, a running star, for some running tips. The coaches disapproved of that interaction, told Terry so warned him not to do it again. That – plus other factors led Terry to abandon the track programme.
So, Terry packed up, came home to Winnipeg and was out of school for that year as a result. But he had time to curl and the Maple Leaf rink as well as the Granite Club were inviting. It did not hurt that the uncle of the Braunstein boys was Eph Portigal, a mover and shaker at the Maple Leaf Club. In fact, Terry has always made clear, as did Ron, that their uncle Eph was instrumental in teaching the boys some curling strategy, a significant part of every curling game.
To be clear, the boys had curled some before as they grew up for a chunk of their early years in Binscarth, Manitoba where their father, Dr. David Braunstein was a physician.The boys, as they were then, had (and always have had) what might be called some serious athletic genes. Anyone who can remember Dr. Dave will recall that, among his many abilities in sports, he was a fastball star.
That the athletic gene was prominent in the Braunsteins became evident to me long ago. I recall the day when I first came across the Braunstein brothers and was in awe of what they could do athletically. It was about 1955 and the Braunstein family had moved to Winnipeg. They were living temporarily with the Portigals on Wellington Crescent – near my home on Cordova Street. Up until that time, I fancied myself as a bit of an athlete. Then I met Ron and Terry Braunstein. I saw them playing baseball on Wellington Crescent so easily and smoothly as if they were born with a glove in utero. Right then and there, at age 12, I realized, just how lousy I really was. I have always commented that, of the people I knew personally, the Braunsteins were the best athletes I had ever seen to that point. Of course, in truth, the range of my relationships at that time was slender, so they had few to compete with on my radar screen.
Now, the story of even getting to compete for the Manitoba Curling Championships was more complicated as the team had their lead drop out at the last minute. The rest of the team needed a replacement and had about 24 hours to submit a new name or they would not be allowed to enter. Terry remembered playing against a young kid earlier who had impressed him, but didn’t know how to reach him. “Him” was Jack Van Hellemond, not yet 16. Terry thought that Jack curled at the Belgian Club so he went there that night and luckily found Jack, invited him to play on his team. Jack agreed, but Terry still had to get consent from Jack’s parents and the principal at his school. All of that happened in less than 24 hours.
In any event, the boys did get in, with Ray Turnbull as second, Ron as third and Terry as skip. Not for a second did any of them think they would win the Manitoba Curling Championship event. In the end though, they were victorious at the Winnipeg Arena. I was there and that is a memory etched in my mind.
Off to Victoria in March of 1958 they went and again, nobody thought they had a real chance of winning the Brier. Yet, they played so well that at the end of the week, their team ended in a tie with one of the legends of the game, Alberta’s Matt Baldwin. That forced a sudden death championship, winner take all. I recall sitting close to my radio following every shot as the game progressed. I was crestfallen when they lost in a very tight match. But, as a sports writer then for the Kelvin High School Et Cetera newspaper, as it was then called, I had the chance to write a column for the paper which had the headline “ Braunsteins on the Broom.” It was my first real writing experience that led to the publication of an article about the trip to the Brier for the Braunstein rink. Terry had graduated from Kelvin while Ron was still a student there. I thank Ron and Terry for the part they played, even if was inadvertent, in my budding writing career. This article just revisits that time and place.
The entry of the young Braunsteins into what was then the main event in the world of curling in 1958 caused a major change in the rules of the Canadian Curling Association. That a team with two 18-year-olds, as in Terry and Ray, a 17-year-old in Ron, and the 16-year-old Jack, could compete with adult men was too much for the veterans of the game, so a separate junior competition was created, which exists to this day. Thank the Braunsteins for that rule change.
And yet, that defeat in 1958 did not deter the Braunstein brothers at all as they continued to compete for many more years, ultimately winning Manitoba again in 1965 and going once more to the Brier, this time in Saskatoon. They had an almost unblemished record and won the Canadian championship with a team consisting of Terry as skip, the very well known Don Duguid as third, Ron at second and Ray Turnbull as lead. That was a big day for the boys, the Granite Curling Club and indeed Jews all over the Province of Manitoba who shared the moment vicariously with the Braunsteins. Unfortunately, the team lost in the World Championship in Scotland to a USA team skipped by Bud Somerville. That Ron had to bow out of the event owing to his medial school obligations might have been the factor that caused that loss. We will never know. What we can suggest however, is the fact that the USA win jump started the game in the USA, eventually createing an impetus to get Curling recognized officially as a sport in the 1998 Winter Olympics. Thank the Braunsteins (even in defeat) for that contribution.
The Braunsteins also changed the game slightly when they adopted a more finesse style rather than the hitting game so prevalent until that time. Maybe that change allowed the team to be so dominant. Whatever the reason, what is certain is that when Terry Braunstein won the Canadian Curling Championship in 1965 he was then the youngest skip to win it at age 25, also the first Jewish skip to win. My best guess is that brother Ron Braunstein was the first Jew to win as a second. Prove me wrong.
Even after 1965, Terry continued to be a major player in Manitoba for many years in the curling community. He had to play without Ron, as Ron had continued his medical career and ended up, after a stint in L.A., moving to Vancouver. Terry participated in 14 Manitoba Provincial Championships. He won three car bonspiels and several cash bonspiels, as well as the Grand Aggregate for most victories in the Provincial play downs in 1969, 1971 and 1977. And there were other honours bestowed upon him throughout his carer, including an induction into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, an honour given later to Ron in 2013. Even as a senior Terry Braunstein excelled, competing in several Provincial Championships. In 1994 and 1995 his rink won the Manitoba Seniors’ Championionship. He even participated in the Master’s competition in 2006.
Now, curling was far from the only sport the brothers starred in, as baseball was at least as great a passion for them – and they played at a high level. They loved baseball as they were raised on it by their father. Moreover, both Ron and Terry became very good golfers ( though Ron was quite clear that he was never in Terry’s league). Of course, during all this time, both brothers had careers in which they were involved for a long time. Ron was a prominent psychiatrist in Vancouver, working in a Vancouver hospital for most of his career in the outpatient child and adolescent department. During his career he was significantly committed to the training of young psychiatrists. Given that there is so much thinking in the world of curling, I suggest that it is not such a long stretch from curling to psychiatry. That suggestion would need input from Ron and others who have had two kinds of careers. Save that thought for another article.
Ron only recently retired after over 50 years of medical practice. He and his first wife, the lated Sue Harris, had three children, all of whom live in the Vancouver area. And to nobody’s surprise, the kids are seriously athletic. The eldest, Jon Braunstein, was, and is still a serious runner, as in marathons. Daughter Amy played competitive soccer in British Columbia. Son Dave, the youngest, competes regularly in Ultima. Some genes never change.
As for Terry, he was the founder and head honcho for Danli Promotions, a specialty advertising firm in Winnipeg and beyond. Danli, of course was named for son Danny and daughter Lisa, the children of Terry and his wife, the former Andrea Greenberg. Danny ultimately joined him in the business and is still active in the promotional industry to this day. My son Ari tells me that Danny is a star on the Squash court.
The Braunsteins have achieved much in sport, particularly curling. But if you talked to both of the brothers, you would know little of their accomplishments, as they remain very humble about what they did. That too is a Braunstein gene. They may be quiet about it. I am not.
Features
Canadian Fashion: Style That Speaks of Versatility and Culture
It’s so easy when the topic of fashion comes up to look toward Paris and Milan as the high fashion Meccas – but there are some other places that have some great fashion and are doing some cool things with said fashion. Places like Canada! Yes, you had that right, Canada. With its diverse cultures, immigrants, history, and influence from the globe, there is quite a lot of fashion that is absolutely something any self-respecting, curious, and creative fashion person would want to look at. Let’s peek into Canadian fashion, shall we?
A Celebration of Seasons
The climate is one of the essential contributors to Canadian style. Bound to an environment that shifts between freezing winters and cool summers, designers have figured out how to plan outfits that suit any period of the year. Beanies and lofty sweaters keep you warm in the lifeless of winter and light breezy materials for a blistering July.
When it comes to Canadian fashion, you need to pay attention to the elements. In Canada, you can never have too many coats! Look for top-quality options that will last you years. When you want to take on the Rockies or downtown Vancouver you’re going to need a trim-fitting parka or a chic wool coat. Whatever the weather, be prepared!
The Influence of Indigenous Art
Indigenous art is a cornerstone of Canadian fashion. Many designers incorporate traditional patterns, beadwork, and textiles in modern designs that speak to the cultural legacy of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.
Buying Indigenous-owned brands is a way to bring an extra layer of authenticity and purpose to your wardrobe. Plus, you’ll find these pieces give the style a whole new meaning with clothes that make a powerful statement.
Urban Meets Nature
Canada has several metropolitan fashion hubs – such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, where street-savvy style meets the great outdoors. Layering is a must-have for Canadian clothing; mixing slim fits with practical accessories such as scarves and boots means you’re covered in case the weather throws you a curveball.
For those who draw style inspiration from easy, breezy coastal cities, aim for casual cool with denim and flannel, plus off-duty sneakers that go well with everything. Meanwhile, the style-savvy women of Montreal gravitate toward lively prints, fitted jackets, and daring looks that dare to be different.
Canadian Fashion on the Global Stage
Canadian designers have been taking over the world fashion stage, from the modern simplicity of Smythe Blazers to the avant-garde vision of Erdem Moralıoğlu. The Canadian-style aesthetic hits the nail on the head while appealing to a global audience.
Style That Draws From Casino/Gambler Culture
If you find yourself attracted to the odd casino visit or you often find yourself on https://ca.crazyvegas.com/online-blackjack/, then you probably not only like the games themselves but the aesthetic and the fashion. Canadian fashion draws from this high-roller, over-the-top, yet luxury fashion. Think of the Oceans 11 here — and looking dapper like George Clooney!
Embrace the Canadian Fashion Spirit
There is a lot bubbling in the fashion scene in Canada that is often overlooked – but it really shouldn’t be. Between the Indigenous, global, and modern mixes that are coming together to create quite the unique fashion concoction – there is really a lot to love, draw some inspiration from and well – wear!
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