The Mike Cohen Podcast

Brahms Silver Discusses His Second Career as an oncology social worker

As a former certified oncology social worker at the Jewish General Hospital (JGH) my Côte Saint-Luc District 2 constituent, Brahms E. Silver met patients from all walks of life, each with their own unique stories and challenges. Today, he is a proud donor to the JGH. For almost 20 years, he helped an array of oncology and palliative care patients. The work brought a lot of meaning to his own life, as well! Now that he is retired, his goal is to make a difference by donating to the JGH’s areas of greatest need across the hospital. With pride and humility, he is also a member of the 1934 Society, a community of donors who have included the JGH in their estate plan (https://www.jghfoundation.org/ways-to-give/legacy-giving) . You can learn more on that website or by sending an e-mail to plannedgiving@jghfoundation.org and please listen to this podcast.

Comedy Gala Set for Côte Saint-Luc

Joey Elias will be the headliner for a Knights of Pythias sponsored comedy event on April 16 at the CSL Aquatic and Community Centre. He will be backed up by Bram Lackman-Mincoff , Paul Baluyot, Alastair Tremblay Birch and Chris Venditto. The event is sold out. Students from John Grant High School will have a bake sale before, during and after the 7:30 pm. presentation. I spoke to Elias and organizer Brian Blumer.

CSL resident Stevie Ben Hamron and his partners open a new kosher restaurant : Smash Mzl

Smash Mzl is one of the newest kosher restaurants in Montreal. Meet co-owner Stevie Ben Hamron, one of my city council constituents in District 2 Cote Saint-Luc. Stevie’s parthers are brothers Benjamin and Shloime. Smash MzL is located at 5000 Jean- Talon #145. E-mail events@smashmzl.com and follow them on Instagram. Opening hours are: Tuesday, 5 pm to 10 pm ; Wednesday 5 pm to 10 pm; Thursday, 5 pm to 10 pm ; Saturday , two hours after Shabbos to 1 am; and Sunday, 5 pm to 10 pm. You can call 514-736-0626. Log on to https://smashmzl.com

Bialik Students Volunteer for Friends of JNF Telethon

The Friends of JNF TuBishevat Telethon will take place on Sunday, February 1. The organization is still seeking student volunteers in Grades 10, 11 and first year CEGEP who can gain community service hours. I spoke with two such youngsters, Bialik High School in Côte Saint-Luc Secondary V students Noa Windish and David Tchinov. The campaign will raise money for two important projects. Rebuilding the Heart of Kibbutz Holit On October 7, Kibbutz Holit was devastated, losing beloved members of its community, including Canadian-born mother Adi Vital-Kaploun, who was killed while protecting her children. The survivors were forced to disperse, and now they are determined to return home in 2026. At the heart of this renewal, Friends of JNF Canada is committed to building a central landscape with gardens, shaded playgrounds and outdoor fitness areas where children, parents and seniors can heal, reconnect, and rebuild community. Supporters can help restore the Heart of Holit and turn resilience into renewal. Restoring Amnun Forest in the Galilee Overlooking the Sea of Galilee, Amnun Forest is a young, biodiverse forest. Over 190 hectares were destroyed by rocket fire from Lebanon, damaging wildlife habitats, the landscape’s resilience, and shaded spaces for residents and visitors. The surrounding area is popular for hiking, fishing, boating, and birdwatching, especially with the nearby Hula Valley Nature Reserve, a world-renowned bird migration hotspot. Your support can restore this vital forest by replanting native species and providing long-term care. Supporters can help protect and revitalize the Amnun Forest. To volunteer go to https://www.friendsofjnfca.org/ or call 1-800-806-8237 (dial 3)

Jamie Fabian is the youngest person elected to CSL council in many decades

Jamie Fabian is the youngest person to be elected to Côte Saint-Luc City Council in more than 40 years. Yet, at the age of 25 he is already an accomplished politician. He was only 20 in 2020 when he was electd as a commissioner for the English Montreal School Board, serving Côte Saint-Luc and Hampstead. In November he won the race to succeed veteran Dida Berku in DIstrict 3. He is presently on the path to become a lawyer. Listen to my discussion with him.