Dr. Neil Orlowsky
Author, scholar, and keynote speaker bridging education, public policy, and human rights.
A scholar in the public square.
Dr. Neil Orlowsky is a Canadian author, scholar, educator, keynote speaker, and media commentator who helps audiences make sense of some of the most important questions shaping our world today. His work explores democracy, education, identity, human rights, antisemitism, and the social forces that influence how we think, act, and live together in increasingly complex societies.
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in education, research, and public policy, Dr. Orlowsky has worked with students, educators, community leaders, policymakers, and organizations across Canada and beyond. He has led national and international educational initiatives focused on human rights, democratic citizenship, social cohesion, and the challenges facing modern societies. He has also taught at York University, the University of New Brunswick, and Humber College, although his greatest passion remains the classroom and the thousands of students he has taught throughout his career.
Dr. Orlowsky is the author of The Virtue of Hate: How October 7 Exposed Moral Homelessness and Rebranded Antisemitism. Whether speaking from a stage, writing an article, appearing in the media, or leading a workshop, he is known for combining academic insight with real-world relevance. His presentations challenge audiences to think critically, engage courageously, and navigate difficult conversations about democracy, belonging, identity, leadership, and the responsibilities of citizenship in a rapidly changing world.
Keynote Speaking & Advisory Services
Eight thought-provoking presentations, workshops, and advisory services offered that help audiences, classrooms, and boardrooms navigate today's most important conversations about democracy, education, identity, leadership, and social change.
Signature talks on antisemitism, democracy, human rights, and moral courage for international stages.
Plenary addresses, panels, and moderated conversations tailored to your delegates and theme.
Print, podcast, radio and television commentary on extremism, policy and public discourse.
Professional development for educators, leaders and frontline professionals across sectors.
Confidential advisory on programs, curricula, civic engagement and human-rights strategy.
Guest lectures, seminars and graduate masterclasses bridging research and practice.
In-conversation events and readings centred on The Virtue of Hate and related work.
Programs that build democratic resilience and moral imagination in communities and institutions.
The Virtue of Hate
How October 7 Exposed Moral Homelessness and Rebranded Antisemitism
A searing, scholarly reckoning with the moral disarray laid bare after October 7, where Dr. Orlowsky interrogates how October 7 exposed a deeper crisis than many were prepared to acknowledge: the erosion of the moral language needed to recognize antisemitism when it appears in new forms. Drawing on history, sociology, education, and lived experience, he examines how old prejudices are rebranded, normalized, and justified within contemporary public life.
Thought-provoking and unapologetically candid, the book invites readers to wrestle with difficult questions about identity, justice, belonging, and the responsibilities of citizenship in an increasingly polarized world.
Articles & Insights
- 2026Why Jewish Parents Are Raising Concerns About Anti-Palestinian Racism Policies for Ontario SchoolsMedia & PressNorth Star / The CJN
- 2026Reclaiming Campus Integrity: Antisemitism, Encampments, and Institutional Failure in Ontario Universities and CollegesPolicy & ReportsAbraham Global Peace Initiative
- 2026The Virtue of Hate and the Rise in Antisemitism in CanadaKeynotes & LecturesBeth Emeth Synagogue, Toronto
- 2026From the Smell of Coffee to How Antisemitism PerkulatesKeynotes & LecturesSong Shul, Toronto
- 2026Understanding Modern AntisemitismKeynotes & LecturesBeth Israel Synagogue, Peterborough
- 2025The Virtue of Witnessing: Moral Clarity in a Canadian MomentKeynotes & LecturesShaarei-Beth El Congregation, Oakville
- 2025Moral Homelessness, The Virtue of Hate, and Antisemitism Through a Canadian Educational LensWorkshops & PDUJA Toronto, Unpacking Israel and Modern-Day Antisemitism Series
- 2025Addressing Hate and Discrimination: Professional AdvisoryConsulting & AdvisoryOntario College of Teachers
- 2024Brill — Academic PublicationAcademicBrill
- 2024Universities Get Failing Grade on AntisemitismMedia & PressNational Post (with Avi Benlolo)
In an increasingly divided world, intellectual courage is not found in certainty or tribalism. It is found in the willingness to engage complexity, challenge comfort zones, and uphold the democratic values that allow diverse societies to flourish.
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For keynote speaking, media commentary, workshops and consulting, reach out directly or use the inquiry form. Responses typically within two business days.