Bridging divides and defeating anti-Israel hatred, together.
AVI's flagship program for college and university students, Common Ground builds bridges between students of all backgrounds to stand up against anti-Jewish hatred 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 and build bridges to strengthen the movement against anti-Jewish hatred.
There is no cost per student, only a $250 deposit that will be returned to you upon completion of your ambassadorship. Undergraduate and graduate students with at least two semesters remaining on campus are encouraged to apply.
Our next Common Ground trip will run Dec. 27, 2026 – Jan. 4, 2027 in Israel.
Common Ground Israel 2026/2027
AVI calls on student leaders of all backgrounds to join the Common Ground Israel Ambassadorship, a transformative leadership experience for those committed to creating positive change on college and university campuses across Canada.
Meet the Israelis building a shared future, from Jewish, Arab, Druze, Bedouin, Christian, and Ethiopian communities, and hear directly from activists, educators, and community leaders who are confronting hate, bridging divides, and forging coalitions across faiths and backgrounds. Discover the diversity at the heart of Israeli society and the people working every day to make coexistence a reality.
From December 27, 2026 – January 4, 2027, travel through Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Galilee, and the communities of Israel’s south while engaging in immersive learning, leadership development, and cultural exploration.
Students will bear witness to the communities impacted by October 7 and take part in workshops and discussions on allyship, identity, and Jewish history and heritage. Participants will build the skills and confidence to foster respectful dialogue, challenge antisemitism, and strengthen understanding about Israel across campus communities.
Bring conversations back to campus
After the trip, students will return to their respective campuses as Common Ground Ambassadors, leading initiatives that promote inclusion, education, conversation, and coexistence on campus, with ongoing support, mentorship, and resources from AVI.
The cost of the trip is $250 – plus a $250 refundable deposit, which will be returned to you upon completion of the ambassadorship.
Join us for an unforgettable leadership journey through Italy and become part of a growing movement for understanding and change.
Please apply via the form below!
Common Ground Deliverables on Campus:
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Build bridges with student groups and clubs on campus and creating collaborative opportunities such as events, solidarity panels, and tablings that promote conversation;
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Attend or participate in workshops that educate students about Zionism, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and other issues from a balanced and apolitical lens;
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Host campus events that embrace the spirit of allyship and teach students about Israel as an integral part of the Jewish experience;
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Utilize and table AVI Campus Campaigns that educate students about Israel and Judaism, allyship, and coalition-building; and
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Create social media posts or publish op-eds that advance the message of peace or counter hateful or anti-Jewish views.
