# AVI LEWIS WANTS TO BE NDP LEADER Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94_WOQ_pHws Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/94_WOQ_pHws Generated: 2025-12-30T21:35:05.842+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview Avi Lewis, running for NDP leadership, argues that the party must propose solutions that break corporate strangleholds on every sector and return to the organizing principles of the 1930s movement, rather than relying on the status quo or perceived soft support from groups like the Jewish lobby in Canada. **Key Points:** - Avi Lewis asserts that the government must offer solutions to break corporate monopolies across all sectors, viewing current corporate control as a market failure. - Lewis criticizes the current narrative that equates criticism of Israel with antisemitism, stating that the Jewish lobby in Canada uses this tactic to silence legitimate criticism. - He draws a parallel between the current political climate and the 1930s era of fighting fascism, referencing his grandfather's role as a Jewish socialist organizer. - Lewis notes that organizations like CIJA are well-funded and aggressive in lobbying Parliament, often silencing voices critical of Israel by accusing them of antisemitism. - He mentions that his own campaign has generated a significant grassroots momentum, with over $180,000 raised in Vancouver Centre in the last election, and that the party needs to build power from the ground up. - Lewis believes the two-state solution has served as a safe space for the Canadian political class and that the party needs to be more courageous in its stance against Israeli actions, including the genocide in Gaza. - Samira Mohyeddin points out that the criticism against the NDP for neglecting its base is valid, suggesting the party is not engaging with young voters or grassroots activists effectively. ![Screenshot at 00:06: Avi Lewis explains to Samira Mohyeddin that the government must propose solutions to break the corporate stranglehold on every sector of Canadian life.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/94_WOQ_pHws/00-00-06.jpg) **Context:** This video features an interview conducted by Samira Mohyeddin with Avi Lewis, an NDP leadership candidate, likely during his campaign period. The conversation centers on Lewis's political vision, particularly his approach to corporate power, Canadian foreign policy regarding Israel/Palestine, and the need for a renewed grassroots organizing spirit within the NDP, drawing on his family's socialist history. ## Detailed Analysis Avi Lewis, running for NDP leadership, outlines his platform which focuses on confronting corporate monopolies and promoting public options across essential services like housing, transit, and healthcare, arguing that the market has failed to provide basic necessities at affordable prices. He emphasizes the need for a power-building strategy rooted in grassroots organizing, reminiscent of the 1930s socialist movements his family was involved in. Mohyeddin challenges Lewis on the NDP's current stance regarding Israel, citing criticism that the party is neglecting its base by failing to call out Israeli actions, such as the genocide in Gaza, or by adopting the two-state solution narrative as a shield against accusations of antisemitism from powerful lobbies like CIJA. Lewis acknowledges the difficulty of navigating this political landscape, referencing how his grandfather, a Jewish socialist, was active in the 1930s fighting fascism and how he himself learned political organizing from figures like David Lewis. He notes that the political class often uses accusations of antisemitism to avoid criticism of Israel. Lewis suggests that the NDP needs to harness the energy of its grassroots base and younger voters, who are often more progressive on these issues, to push for fundamental change and accountability from the government, rather than relying on established, cautious political maneuvering. ### Corporate Power and Solutions - Lewis calls for proposing solutions that break corporate strangleholds on all sectors - He critiques market failure in providing essentials like housing, transit, and healthcare - He suggests a $40-50 monthly contribution for public services is a reasonable expectation. ### Israel/Palestine Stance and Lobbying - Lewis notes the powerful lobbying by groups like CIJA and the use of antisemitism accusations to silence criticism of Israel - He recounts his family history of anti-Zionist organizing dating back to the 1930s - He states the NDP must stop hiding behind the two-state solution as a safe space. ### NDP Campaign and Grassroots Organizing - Lewis highlights the momentum generated by his campaign, citing specific fundraising numbers ($180k in Vancouver Centre last election) - He stresses the need to build power from the ground up, involving local activists and youth - He mentions the party's internal tendency to be managed by elites rather than grassroots movements. ### Personal History and Influence - Lewis shares that his father was a leader in the Ontario NDP in the 70s and his grandfather was a founding member of the CCF - He mentions interviewing key figures like David Lewis and Jehade Al-Alawi, who were activists. ### Criticism and Response - Mohyeddin points out the validity of criticism that the NDP is neglecting its base and young voters due to its cautious approach - Lewis acknowledges the challenge of navigating the narrative where any criticism of Israel risks being labeled antisemitic. ![Screenshot at 00:00: Samira Mohyeddin interviews Avi Lewis, NDP Leadership Candidate, in a casual setting.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/94_WOQ_pHws/00-00-00.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:17: Samira Mohyeddin questions Avi Lewis regarding criticism of the NDP's stance on Israel.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/94_WOQ_pHws/00-00-17.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:41: Samira Mohyeddin directly challenges Lewis on why people are stopped from holding Israel accountable.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/94_WOQ_pHws/00-00-41.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:16: Samira Mohyeddin begins asking Avi Lewis a direct question about his age and history.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/94_WOQ_pHws/00-01-16.jpg) ![Screenshot at 03:57: Avi Lewis reflects on the emotional impact of his family's political history.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/94_WOQ_pHws/00-03-57.jpg)