'We recognise that these comments have offended many viewers'
Radio-Canada has suspended one of its reporters for uttering antisemitic comments during a live TV broadcast.
The company has penalised journalist Élisa P. Serret following comments made on Radio-Canada Sept. 15, which the broadcaster described as “stereotypical, anti-Semitic, erroneous and prejudicial allegations against Jewish communities.”
Correspondent Élisa Serret, reporting from Washington on U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Israel, stated in French that “the Israelis, in fact the Jews, finance a lot of American politics and control a big machine,” according to a CBC report.
She also said that America’s major cities and Hollywood are “run by Jews.”
Immigrants and those supporting newcomers in Alberta are seeing a rise in hostility and racist narratives, according to a previous report..
In an official statement, Radio-Canada said Serret’s remarks were “unacceptable” and that they violate Radio-Canada’s Journalistic Standards and Practices.
The comments “in no way reflect the opinion of the public broadcaster,” said the company. “As a result, the News department has decided to relieve the journalist of her duties until further notice.”
Radio-Canada also acknowledged the impact of the incident, stating, “We recognise that these comments have offended many viewers. We sincerely apologise to them and to the Jewish community.”
'Serious internal reflection' on 'hateful rhetoric'
Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, the government’s special adviser on Jewish community relations and antisemitism, said Serret’s comments were “textbook tropes that are antisemitic under the IHRA definition,” referencing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s guidelines, according to a CBC report. Housefather said it is a positive development that Radio-Canada has apologised, relieved Serret of her duties, and made clear it is unacceptable to use that sort of language.
Despite the suspension, Eta Yudin, Vice-President – Quebec, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said that the incident “cannot be allowed to pass without serious internal reflection on the damage such hateful rhetoric inflicts on our democratic values.”
She added: “Antisemitism is corroding the fabric of our society. Its persistence is made possible by the very environment that enables it. We expect Canada’s national public broadcaster to recognise this reality and to take concrete steps to ensure that neither such comments – nor the systemic issues that enabled them to be aired – are ever allowed again on Canadian airwaves.”
Employers have a liability when racism and antisemitism bleed into the workplace, according to one expert.
How to combat antisemitism in the workplace
Antisemitism is not “a relic of the past,” says Felicity Menzies, principal consultant and CEO at Culture Plus Consulting.
“It is a pressing issue that directly affects individuals today. It impacts mental health, a sense of belonging, and the ability to work free from fear. As antisemitic rhetoric and violence escalate, organisations must respond swiftly and decisively,” she said via LinkedIn.
Employers can respond to antisemitism by doing the following, she said:
- Make clear and direct statements condemning antisemitism. They should also reinforce their zero-tolerance policies for discrimination.
- Encourage open discussions. Set up safe spaces where Jewish employees feel comfortable sharing their concerns.
- Provide training on antisemitism to help employees and managers understand its modern forms.
- Update anti-discrimination and harassment policies so they explicitly cover antisemitism.
- Recognise Jewish holidays and cultural practices to show that you value all employees equally.
- Partner with Jewish organisations, support educational initiatives, and participate in campaigns against antisemitism.
“Senior leaders play a vital role in shaping workplace culture,” says Menzies. “They must actively listen, acknowledge challenges, and take meaningful action. By leading with empathy and conviction, they send a clear message that antisemitism has no place in their organisation.”
