In a stunning display of misguided priorities, the BB Camp Board of Directors has once again betrayed the Jewish community by choosing to retain co‑Executive Director Jacob Brodovsky, even after TheJ.Ca exposed his blatant pro‑Palestine agenda and anti‑Israel social media activity. This decision comes on the heels of widespread outrage when Brodovsky not only engaged in inflammatory online behavior but also banned the creation of yellow ribbons, a symbol of solidarity with Israeli hostages.
The board’s email, widely condemned as pandering to woke sensibilities rather than upholding the camp’s time-honored Zionist values, accepted a sanitized apology from Brodovsky. In his apology, he declared, “I accept full responsibility and sincerely apologize for the gravity of my mistake and lack of judgment in liking posts that did not align with the values of BB Camp,” and further insisted, “I believe in Israel’s right to exist and care deeply about the safety of all Jews and Israelis.” Despite these promises, his words ring hollow in the face of his documented behavior.
As one furious parent, who received the board’s email, put it:
“Once you say you hate Israel and don’t support her, there is no apologizing, there is no ‘we will do better and try harder to strengthen our relationship.’ That’s bullshit. You don’t change overnight. Zebras don’t change stripes. The asshole has to go.”
At the time of writing, TheJ.Ca has received numerous communications from angry parents who are banding together and preparing a petition aimed at pressuring the board to overturn their decision and remove Brodovsky. This groundswell of community action underscores the depth of disappointment and anger toward a board that appears more concerned with appeasing a narrow ideological subset than with protecting the core values of Zionism and ensuring a safe, enriching environment for its campers.
For years, Camp BB Kenora has stood as a bastion of Jewish culture and resilience. Yet, under the current leadership, it risks sliding into a regime that not only tolerates but enables hate, whether through direct indoctrination or by failing to hold its leaders accountable. Jacob Brodovsky’s track record, from his public “liking” of extremist posts to his refusal to permit simple acts of solidarity like yellow ribbons, is indisputable. His views have already strained relationships within the community, and the board’s decision to let him continue in his role only deepens the sense of betrayal.
The board’s weak and dangerous decision is setting a perilous precedent. By prioritizing appeasement over accountability, they have effectively signaled that catering to woke demands is more important than protecting the future of our children and preserving the heritage of our community. As long as Brodovsky remains at the helm, the values of Zionism and the safety of our youth are under threat.
The time for empty apologies and half-measures is over. The community’s message is loud and clear: Enough is enough, “the asshole has to go”. Until the board reconsiders its decision, angry parents are mobilizing, and their collective voice will not be ignored.
Get a life
My family have been in Canada three generations, and that’s three generations at Bnai Brith camp as campers, counselors, nurse, and all kinds of leadership positions.
BB Camp helped instill a true love of Israel and sense of zionism. From my own group of friends that attended BB five of us ended up living in Israel and contributing to Israeli society.
BB wasn’t just an “outdoor camp” but a Zionist camp that instilled a love of Israel. We sang Hatikva and learned a love of Israel.
The fact that the Executive Director of the camp has publicly supported Hamas and the “from the river to the sea” philosophy truly sickens me. Personally, I have fought Hamas and it’s allies, and buried friends who died in defense of the state.
No apologies are acceptable. A leopard doesn’t lose its spots and I cannot believe that Jacob Brodovsky has “seen the light” and is now a born again zionist.
The board has simply shown that they have no balls and dedication to the foundations upon which BB Camp was founded.
It is a sad day for the Jewish community of Winnipeg.
Maybe the Jewish community needs more Jacob Brodovskys, and less corrupt crooks like Nathan Jacobson.. less scumbag war criminal Putin/Assad fans like Mr. Jacobson. If BB succumbs to pressure from corrupt bullies like Jacobson, it would be a real shame.
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2017/11/29/news/rise-and-fall-nathan-jacobson
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/canadian-nathan-jacobson-says-he-s-cleared-in-u-s-money-laundering-case-1.2767260
“It is a sad day for the Jewish community of Winnipeg.”
What is sad about the Jewish community of Winnipeg is that it includes scumbag criminals like Nathan Jacobson.
https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetail.aspx?caseid=4516
I am writing this comment as a current BB Camp staff member. Jacob has been nothing short of an amazing camp leader. Although Jacob has liked pictures of Palestine protests it does not take away from the amazing work he has done for camp and Towne Island. I can personally say that I feel incredibly supported by him and I know that the large majority of my fellow staff share the same sentiment. He has done such an incredible job making BB Camp my favourite place in the world and I think BB would be completely lost without him. I also have never felt BB Camp lose any sense of Judaism or Israeli pride. Whether it is raising the Israeli flag every day, celebrating with Israel day or bringing in Israeli staff I have always felt my Zionist views were extremely empowered by camp. I am leaving this comment here for all the people who may not know Jacob and what an amazing man he is. I promise you that there is no better man for the job than Jacob.
Literally everyone knows this guy is a liar/fraud/manipulator.
Wouldn’t doubt this is Jacob’s burner account.
Disgusting. A disgrace to the community and to Jewish people in general.
The board have zero spine and deserve to be fired along with Jacob.
The Jewish people deserve better.
I hope this gets national attention.
He did nothing wrong
Amen to the comment from the other staff member. This article is a poor attempt at trying to defame a man who has done an exceptional job at serving BB camp and BB camp’s staff so well for years. For the people who are unhappy over him liking Instagram posts, I understand where your anger is coming from. But, if you care about the system of camp as well as the quality of life for the staff at camp, you will understand why the boards decision was made. Please, before signing that petition, ask a staff member who is working at camp this summer how they feel. Because at the end of the day, your campers experience is heavily influenced by the staff and their work environment. Politics aside, this news article is brutal and makes claims that any staff member who works with Jacob will tell you is blatantly false. BB camp has always been a primary source of children’s Jewish experiences, every year Israel day takes place (often organized with the help of Israeli staff members), we sing hatikvah as we lower the Israeli flag before dinner, we go to morning services, we say the bracha, we celebrate Shabbat, and so much more. BB camp and Jacob welcome Judaism and embrace it in all forms, and NEVER would take that away from a camper or staff.
BB Camp has been my home every summer for a number of years. I am nothing short of disgusted and saddened over the boards recent decision. Jacob needs to go and clearly so do members of the board who are allowing Jacob to get away with this. I hope our community makes a change and puts an end to Israel and Jew hatred within our own community at BB Camp.
As a staff member, I’m incredibly disappointed in the board’s decision to keep Jacob. His anti-Israel social media activity might be new to some but he has let his thoughts be known for years prior, ask his peers or past staff. At camp, he often skips Hatikvah, “forgets” to put up the Israeli flag, reduces Israel Day to a falafel lunch, and dismisses Jewish programming created by staff. The vibe is to not talk about Israel or Jewishness. As staff, SITS and LTP’s we all know Jacob’s views. I knew when I was a camper. It’s not so hidden. Since October 7th, he’s been silent when we’ve needed leadership the most.
Some/many of us had hoped for new leadership that would strengthen our camp’s Jewish identity. We had a small glimmer of hope. Instead, we’re left with someone who plays favourites, puts on a show for the board, and makes staff afraid to speak up. If the board is listening, start with an anonymous survey—you’ll see the truth. The recent letter was a huge letdown. Saying he supports Israel doesn’t mean much when his actions say otherwise. We deserve better.
We attend camp for our friends, the location and the people – eventually we have enough Jacob and stop returning.
I agree with the poster who suggested an anonymous survey would show the truth. People knew the board would make this cowardly decision and staff (probably parents too) fear speaking out with Jacob continuing as director so what most have heard is the tip of the iceberg. No one who has been at camp could sincerely believe his statement is genuine. His actions on camp speak much louder than his “likes” on insta and BB deserves better leadership.
I’m afraid that if I speak up on my opinion, I won’t feel safe coming back to camp
It breaks my heart to see that this is the leadership that this camp is under. I spent many fond years at this camp and have always looked forward to sending my kids there. I now am questioning this. The leadership I grew up under there as a camper and staff helped me form my Jewish identity and pride for my homeland. The leaders were vocal and passionate about their commitment to Zionism and I believe this is one of the most important aspects of BB.
To the Board,
I am deeply disappointed by the response and the overall lack of leadership displayed in this matter. It is disheartening to see the Winnipeg Jewish community represented with such passivity and avoidance in the face of a serious issue.
Framing this situation as merely a controversy over social media activity misses the broader context entirely. It has been well known for years where JBY stands ideologically. During his time as a staff member at camp, he was consistently and openly anti-Zionist. He rarely showed up for Hatikvah, made disparaging remarks about Israeli staff, referring to them as “colonizers”. On one occasion, he wore red, black, and green on Israel Day, mocking staff who noted the symbolism.
Additionally, he dismissed his March of the Living experience, his only visit to Israel, as “brainwashing.” These actions go far beyond personal views and raise serious concerns about the values being modeled for our youth.
If this is the direction the Winnipeg Jewish community is headed, tolerating or even empowering individuals with such views in leadership positions, then I cannot in good conscience continue to support BB Camp Kenora. Unless meaningful changes are implemented in the coming years, I will not be sending my children there.
The responsibility for this moment and its implications for our community lies squarely with the board
I am deeply disappointed by the board’s response and the overall lack of leadership displayed in this matter. It is disheartening to see the Winnipeg Jewish community represented with such passivity and avoidance in the face of a serious issue.
Framing this situation as merely a controversy over social media activity misses the broader context entirely. It has been well known for years where JBY stands ideologically. During his time as a staff member at camp, he was consistently and openly anti-Zionist. He purposely would skip Hatikvah. He made disparaging remarks about Israeli staff, referring to them as “colonizers”. On one occasion he wore red, black, and green on Israel Day, mocking fellow staff who noted the symbolism.
Additionally, he dismissed his March of the Living experience (his only visit to Israel) as “brainwashing.” These actions go far beyond personal views and raise serious concerns about the values being modeled for our youth.
If this is the direction the Winnipeg Jewish community is headed, tolerating or even empowering individuals with such views in leadership positions, then I cannot in good conscience continue to support BB Camp Kenora. Unless meaningful changes are implemented in the coming years, I will not be sending my children there.
The responsibility for this moment and its implications for our community lies squarely with the board.
I have spent over 10 years at BB camp all of which except one year had Jacob on the island. Jacob’s lack of Jewish identity and support for Israel is nothing new, his values have been a problem when he was a junior staff member and camp actually made the right decision to not allow him to return to camp in 2018 I believe. Once they brought Jacob back everyone knew what would happen as we’ve all heard his very clear stances on Israel and the Jewish people. He was a known anti Zionist and nothing has changed that, he can lie and bullshit through his teeth all he wants but everyone who spent real time with him knows his true beliefs, especially after hearing on multiple occasions that he wishes camp was just a outdoor camp and would like to loose the Jewish identity of camp which is the biggest focus on town island. The board and specifically Leah Leibel need to rethink this decision, and if they can’t see that having Jacob as director only hurts camp then it just shows they are completely disconnected from the rest of the Jewish community that’s has watched Jacob change the atmosphere on camp for the worst.
The recent attack article from TheJ.ca, titled “Weak Leadership Exposed: Camp BB Kenora Board Keeps Controversial Director Despite Overwhelming Outcry,” is nothing more than a politically motivated character assassination rooted in an intolerant, ultra-nationalist view of Zionism. It seeks to twist a nuanced conversation about Jewish identity, inclusion, and the future of young Jewish spaces into a black-and-white loyalty test, with no room for critical thought or compassion.
1. Being Pro-Palestinian ≠ Being Anti-Jewish or Anti-Israel
One of the most egregious aspects of the article is its repeated use of the term “pro‑Palestinian” as a slur. Supporting the basic human rights and dignity of Palestinians does not equate to being anti-Semitic, anti-Israel, or unfit to work in a Jewish community. Many young Jews today—including at institutions like BB Camp—refuse to accept the false binary that one must either endorse the occupation or be exiled from Jewish life.
2. Defamation and Dangerous Rhetoric
TheJ.ca’s piece crosses the line into defamation, stating that Brodovsky has a “blatant pro‑Palestine agenda” and “supported Hamas”—a serious and baseless accusation. There is no evidence Jacob has ever endorsed violence or hate. Liking social media posts critical of the Israeli government is not the same as supporting terror. Suggesting otherwise is libelous and may expose TheJ.ca to legal liability.
3. The Camp’s Actual Mandate: Inclusivity and Jewish Identity
BB Camp is not an arm of the Israeli government, nor is it a recruitment arm for the IDF. Its own website describes it as an “inclusive sleepaway Jewish summer camp in Lake of the Woods.” The attempt to turn it into a hardline Zionist loyalty checkpoint undermines the camp’s mission to foster Jewish identity in all its diversity—including the voices of those who believe in peace, coexistence, and justice.
4. The Real Community Speaks Differently
Anonymous staff members, both current and past, have testified to Jacob Brodovsky’s character, compassion, and commitment to Jewish life at camp. Celebrations like Shabbat, Israel Day, and Hatikvah are still core parts of the camp culture. Jacob’s leadership has been praised for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
5. Weaponizing Zionism to Silence Dissent
TheJ.ca and its allies are not defending “Jewish values”—they are defending a narrow, exclusionary political ideology that labels dissenting Jews as traitors. This echoes a broader pattern of far-right Zionist organizations silencing anyone—even fellow Jews—who dare question the occupation, apartheid, or systemic violence. This includes groups like CIJA, Honest Reporting Canada, and B’nai Brith, who have long histories of targeting progressive Jewish voices.
6. The Broader Jewish Ethos: Justice, Dialogue, and Diversity
Judaism teaches the importance of questioning power, of tikkun olam (repairing the world), and of welcoming the stranger. If the modern Jewish community loses these values in a race to silence young progressive Jews, we’ve lost the plot. Young Jews like Brodovsky represent a return to those values—not a betrayal of them.
Final Word
TheJ.ca’s attack is not journalism—it is a hit piece driven by political hysteria, Islamophobia, and a colonial vision of Zionism that has little to do with Jewish ethics or community. If BB Camp were to fire Brodovsky based on this kind of pressure, they’d be setting a terrifying precedent: that only one narrow, militarized view of Jewish life is acceptable.
Instead, we should be proud that BB Camp is a place where young Jews can think critically, grow spiritually, and build a more just future—not just for Jews, but for everyone.
Can you highlight where in the article it states that Brodovsky “supported Hamas”. The one doing the defaming here is you.
The above comment from JewishCanadian is beyond well stated. I think it raises incredibly valid (if not entirely essential) points on this issue.
All Zionists are Jews (save for the weird evangelical-Christian fringe supporters) but not all Jews are Zionists. A Jew who does not prioritize Zionism isn’t any less Jewish than his Zionist peers. This is not a semantic stance, but rather a practical and factual one. Though it has been many years since I was a BB camper, my fond memories are of a Jewish camp, not a Zionist one. As the song goes (or went? I’m old…) the camp exists as a symbol of friendship, and place of “fun, and love, and loyalty…” not “fun, and love, and loyalty, and Zionism.”
I am aware that B’nai Brith at large states that it is in support of Zionism and the promotion of a Jewish state, but the BB Camp website identifies itself as “an inclusive sleep away Jewish summer camp in Lake of the Woods…” Ergo, it is entirely appropriate that a qualified, experienced, and seasoned Jewish camp leader act as Director, regardless of their views on the war.
It is worrying to me, as a mom raising Jewish kids — who I also hope will grow to be independent thinkers, advocates, and contributors to society, however it is that they feel called to do so — that a Jewish person is not seen as worthy of holding a position of esteem within this community if they do not subscribe to specific ideologies. I also want my children to know and love Israel, in whatever capacity that can be possible, and the decision to keep Jacob on does not, in my mind, take that off the table for them.
Finally, the ugliness of some of the sentiments shared in these articles, and in the comments, is just so generally disappointing. Unkind, inflammatory language has no place in journalism, or in our community, directed at other community members. You want to talk about optics? This whole inquisition is such a bad, bad look for us. Ugh.
(And, like others, I am scared to use my real name, and my real email address, because this has shown me that our community is not presently a safe one)
I guarantee your kids will marry out. I doubt they have much of a Jewish identity. I am a non Jewish Zionist. And am not Christian. Try harder. As for this camp guy. He should be fired. It’s a Jewish camp and from the sound of it he never should have been hired in the first place. Whoever hired him should be fired too.
you and your kids sound awesome. ignore ryan.
People need to chill out. It’s really not that deep. These comments, calling Jacob a horrible person are much worse than what Jacob did in my opinion. The dude literally just liked an instagram post and it seems like people really want to see him in pain. Like the guys got a family. Also Jacob is genuinely just a really good guy and I don’t think a “like” (not even a comment) makes him any less of one.
I don’t think the opposition to Jacob is coming from a far right fringe. Nor is it just about Israeli politics alone. Realistically, the protests and groups that Jacob supports have little impact or relevance to politics in the middle east, but they do harass and villainize Canadian Jews on a daily basis, and advocate for the dismantling of the Jewish organizations that support our local community. This why, as the leader of a Jewish camp, it is hugely problematic to have him as director of BB camp. There is a real risk of losing valuable staff, campers, donors and funders. There have been many great camp directors and there will be many more. The board needs to put the camps future above their personal friendships.
I don’t think the opposition to Jacob is coming from a far right fringe. Nor is it just about Israeli politics alone. Realistically, the protests and groups that Jacob supports have little impact or relevance to politics in the middle east, but they do harass and villainize Canadian Jews on a daily basis, and advocate for the dismantling of the Jewish organizations that support our local community. This is why it is hugely problematic to have him continue in this role. There is a real risk of losing valuable staff, campers, donors and funders and alienating the majority of our community. There have been many great camp directors and there will be many more. The board needs to put the camps future above their personal friendships.
Leah Leibl and the rest of the board are a complete joke for letting him stay on. Weak leadership, and a weak board, is not what BB Camp needs right now! There is no way in hell that my kids will be returning to BB Camp. I don’t need him trying to influence them with his anti-Zionist views.
The board of BB is comprised of caring community members. It is easy to pull a Ron East and print one side of the story. As an unemployable member of society, Ron thrives on creating discourse. Yes, the statement from BB camp should have been more detailed. It was clearly put out in haste to show that action is being taken. It lacked depth in terms of why the decision was made, some of which may not be known due to what can only be assumed to be legal limitations. Knowing that each and everyone of these board members is a community member that supports Israels right to exist, are zionists, and believes in the core values of the camp should have been the opening line. A more educated person writing the article would have probed as to why the decision was made to retain Jacob, and what are the consequences for his actions. It is easy to be an armchair quarterback, Ron East has surpassed all of us in that role. Divide the community when possible is his motto. Instead of thinking that these board members are human, and want the best for our entire community making decisions based on the information on hand. Jacob crossed the line, and he has a long road personally to come back from that. He is a decent father, son, and community member, he made an error. Not perfect like the author of this article.Not entitled to second chances like the author of this article
My children came home from BB camp last summer more secure and attached to their Jewish identity than when they left.
They sang Hatikva. They prayed at meals. They participated in a Havdalah service. Most importantly, they got to experience the sense of community that comes from being in a secure Jewish environment.
We all know what it’s like to be the only Jew in the room. Just like we all know what it’s like to be in a room full of Jews.
Sure there’s some kvetching and some gossiping and likely some feuds. But we are a community.
Don’t let the terrorists of October 7 (and before and beyond) take that away from us. We are stronger together. To stay together, to stay strong, we need to allow space for people to be complex, to have different opinions. Isn’t that what being Jewish has always been about?
People are throwing around wild accusations that Jacob is indoctrinating kids to hate Israel and that children aren’t safe at camp.
There is absolutely no evidence that Jacob criticized Israeli policies in earshot of campers. Just as there is no evidence that he hates Israel.
Humans are capable of loving Israel while criticizing its policies. Want some actual evidence? How about the tens of thousands of Israelis who filled the streets to protest Netanyahu’s policies. And let us not forget that the Israeli son of Winnipeg’s own Vivian Silver responded to her horrific murder on October 7 by leaning into his mother’s peace activism. Why is that freedom and complexity denied to the diaspora?
The only quasi evidence presented by people who refuse to attach a name to their accusations is that Jacob reportedly didn’t let campers make yellow ribbons.
My first thought was maybe they didn’t have yellow ribbons on the island?
But even if they did, is it appropriate to allow campers to engage in a potentially divisive act?
What’s divisive about yellow ribbons you ask. Imagine for a moment what would have happened if one of the campers didn’t want to wear a yellow ribbon.
Do we want camp sullied the kind of strife we’re experiencing now?
If adults respond to simple gestures (liking a post on social media) with foul language and accusations of antisemitism, how can we expect children to accept that other people can hold a different or more nuanced view without being a bad person?
I don’t know why Jacob denied the yellow ribbon request. But after reading all these comments I’m very glad he did.
“I don’t know why Jacob denied the yellow ribbon request. But after reading all these comments I’m very glad he did.”
From what we can tell, it’s far more likely he decided not to turn the ribbon campaign into a mandatory, camp-wide activity, rather than banning individual expression. That’s a huge — and important — distinction.
There’s zero credible evidence that he stopped individual campers from expressing support however they saw fit. There’s also zero evidence that anything “anti-Israel” even happened at camp.
If anything, his response showed maturity.
Jewish institutions need more leaders, not less, who can think critically, hold space for diverse views, and protect communal values without becoming tools of political partisanship.
Nothing like using “woke” as a slur- not once but three times- to betray the reactionary conservatism driving your think piece. Being woke has an actual meaning– being awake. People commenting that Jacob’s views are dangerous or that any sympathy for the Palestinian struggle is anti-Jewish need to open their eyes. If the board were to revoke their decision THAT would be the dangerous capitulation. Having looked at Israel critically in one’s own time does not make someone incapable of creating a “safe and enriching environment” for Jewish campers. I would argue it makes them more capable. This outcry signals a perilous trend in mainstream Jewish thought that is antithetical to a long tradition of progressive values and solidarity with struggles against oppression. Shame.
Is this who we are as a Jewish community? Threatening to exile someone who has done amazing things for BB and who has created a safe, welcoming, and inclusive camping experience? This is absurd, hateful, and shameful.
People claiming to want to protect the Jewish community and values but in the same breath spewing this hatred? Take a look in the mirror.
BB camp is for EVERYONE, not just extreme zionists who go to Gray Academy and want to serve in the IDF. Lots of Jewish children and teens come to camp for the wilderness experience and to connect with diverse Jewish peers.
Hot take – is it actually that abhorrent of an idea that the camp seperates itself slightly from the notion that to be Jewish you MUST be an unwavering zionist? As far as I know, that is not in the mission statement…
The fear-mongering, victim mentality, racism, and islamophobia must run so deep that even the thought of someone that believes Palestinians deserve dignity and safety should not be allowed to run a Jewish camp. Do you hear yourself?
As someone who worked at BB for the last three years, and closely under Jacob in many cases, there have been absolutely no instances in which he has let any of his personal political opinions influence the manner in which he does his job. As someone who transitioned from being a camper into working in camper-care under Jacob, I can attest that the campers now are given far more attention, care and empathy as a result of the community Jacob and Lexie have built and maintained as well as the training the staff go through.
If you disagree with Jacob politically, you disagree with Jacob politically. I can’t change that, nor can he. However, I’d like to encourage people to be open to critiquing Israel’s government while maintaining a strong belief in Israel’s right to exist. But my main point is that regardless of all of that, Jacob’s care for each and every child that comes to BB Camp is completely unaffected by his belief system. In my experience, BB has become a much more accessible place under Jacob and will continue to do so.
I understand all of your frustration, but I ask that you give him the chance to make amends and work to better understand your perspective because at the end of the day, I believe that is what is best in order to keep BB Camp as the incredible place that it is.
Jewish parents who feel that there is a shift in the way this camp will be going have a very strong voice. DON’T send your children to this camp. Loss of finances will change this decision.
DON’T send your children to this camp. Loss of finances will change this decision.
Jacob and Lexie have been amazing directors, and are what’s best for camp. Camp still sings Hatikvah every day while raising the Israeli flag, they still hire tons of Israeli staff and celebrate Israel Day. Whatever political beliefs Jacob and Lexie have has never impacted campers or staff.
I want to express my support for Jacob Brodovsky. I hope that rational thinking and the core values of Judaism including truth, justice, and independent thinking prevail. These are values that I know Jacob upholds.
The situation that has escalated based on rumours, exaggeration, and character defamation does not serve our community and the people who love BB Camp.
Let us all calm down; stop the drama. Open our hearts and minds. Our community has always been kind and connected – don’t allow this to polarize us and choose sides.
Listen to the people who know and support Jacob, and please, make decisions based on truth and compassion for all
Jacob is a vile and entitle ultra progressive typical Canadian Jew boy.