Common Ground
Ambassadorship

Bridging divides and defeating anti-Israel hatred, together.

AVI's flagship program for college and university students builds bridges between Jewish students and their allies to eradicate anti-Jewish hatred and advocate for Israel on campuses across Canada. Ambassadors begin their Common Ground journey on a 10-day training program in Israel where they will be introduced to Israel's robust diversity and hear from a diverse group of Israelis, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim alike, and many others who are fighting for peace and coexistence.

When students return to campus after taking part in our Common Ground Ambassadorship training program in Israel, they will complete the requirements of their Common Ground Ambassadorship. Beyond the skills and knowledge gained, participants also become part of a nationwide network of like-minded individuals, connecting with fellow advocates and alumni across Canada. This lifelong community offers support, collaboration, and opportunities to continue making an impact long after the program ends.

The non-subsidized cost per student is $850 CAD (which includes a $250 refundable deposit upon completion). Undergraduate and graduate students with at least two semesters remaining on campus are encouraged to apply.

What to Expect on Common Ground:

Attend workshops on allyship, coalition-building on campus, and finding your Common Ground
Meet with a diverse set of civilians including Israelis, Palestinians, Druze, Christians, and Ethiopian-Israelis, while learning about efforts to establish peace and coexistence in the region
Visit strategic destinations such as the borders of Gaza and Lebanon that give students a better understanding of the realities on the ground and the threats facing Israeli civilians
Learn about the nuances of the Arab-Israeli conflict and how the BDS movement is harmful to Israelis and Palestinians alike
Discover how Israel has developed high-tech and drip irrigation systems and shares this technology with countries in need, including in Africa and the Middle East
Hear from human rights educators, politicians, journalists, etc.
Explore the diversity of Jerusalem during a tour of the Four Quarters

AVI Workshops Offered in Israel:

Building Meaningful Alliances on Campus
Understanding Anti-Jewish Hatred: A Working Example
Are Jewish People Indigenous to the Land of Israel?
Crash Course on Israeli History
BDS: Undermining Coexistence & Dialogue
Understanding the Nuances of Language
Taking It Back To Campus

As a Common Ground Ambassador, you will unlock access to a variety of exclusive opportunities, including valuable resources, impactful campaigns, event funding, grant programs, high-profile speakers, and networking with influential individuals. This role also provides a unique platform to strengthen your writing/ public speaking skills and amplify your impact as a leader.

Common Ground Deliverables on Campus:

Building bridges with other groups and clubs on university and college campuses and creating collaborative opportunities such as events, panels, and tablings.
Attending or participating in workshops that educate students about Zionism, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and other issues from a balanced and apolitical lens.
Hosting campus events that embrace the spirit of allyship on campus and teach students about Israel as an integral part of the Jewish experience
Utilizing and tabling AVI Campus Campaigns that educate students about Israel and Judaism, allyship, and coalition-building.
Creating social media posts or publishing op-eds in student media that advance the message of peace or counter hateful or anti-Jewish views.
Gathering diverse panelists representing various perspectives to discuss a meaningful topic and collaborating with campus groups to ensure inclusivity. Fostering a welcoming atmosphere that encourages dialogue and connection by establishing a solidarity panel.

Common Ground Applcation Form

"As a Common Ground Ambassador for AVI, I had the privilege to meet people from various backgrounds, which reaffirmed my conviction that open dialogue is key to countering misunderstandings and fostering peaceful coexistence in the region."

Yana Moscovitz, University of British Columbia

"Allyship and Israel advocacy on campus has never been more crucial in a world facing rising antisemitism. This summer, I joined Common Ground to participate actively in this mission. As a Canadian-Israeli, my connection to Israel has deepened since October 7th, fueling my desire to return and engage with the region firsthand, as well as to see family. Visiting Arab-Israeli towns like Rahat and Ramle provided me with a deeper understanding of Israel’s diverse demographic landscape, where Jews, Muslims, Bedouins, Arabs, Druze, and Ethiopians live side by side. "

Taddy Grechanick, Wilfrid Laurier University

"UBC, like most other Canadian post-secondary campuses, has been a hotspot for anti-Jewish hatred in the time since my trip, and the workshops and time with AVI staff on the trip learning about effective communication and advocacy, have been very valuable for me."

Cole Canofari, University of British Columbia

"As an AVI ambassador and a student leader, this trip gave me the chance to dive deeper into Jewish indigeneity from a unique Italian perspective."

Mishel Anisimob, Toronto Metropolitan University

"Participating in the Common Ground trip organized by Allied Voices for Israel was far more than just an excursion; it was a profound immersion into a region where a turbulent history is intertwined with an enduring hope for peace. My decision to embark on this ten-day journey stemmed from a deep desire to gain a more nuanced understanding of the various perspectives that shape the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As an ambassador, I was privileged to bridge divides and engage in sincere, meaningful exchanges. This role allowed me to uncover a shared humanity often obscured by political rhetoric. Every city we visited revealed layers of history and personal narratives, creating a living tapestry that highlighted the diverse experiences of those impacted by this complex conflict."

Solenn Douieb, University of Montreal

"I knew that joining this trip this summer would open my eyes to the bigger picture of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but couldn’t imagine how life-changing it would be. I have never felt more confident in my Jewish identity than I do now, after the trip."

Eden Kojdan, Valleyfield College

Common Ground
Ambassadorship

Apply now

For more information, contact Allied Voices for Israel’s Campus Advisor Idaliah Snajdman at idaliah@alliedvoicesforisrael.org