Events
AVI Featured Events
Allied Voices for Israel is proud to host a diverse range of impactful events that bring communities together in support of Israel and the fight against anti-Jewish hatred. One of our signature initiatives is Scotch & Cigars for Israel, our annual fundraiser, which unites passionate supporters for a day of camaraderie and philanthropy. We enjoyed hosting Shalom Namaste, an evening of relaxation, mindfulness, and yoga with community members. The event featured a diverse lineup of instructors offering something for everyone—from restorative to high-energy movement.
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We were honoured to welcome nearly 1,000 Canadians across four cities to our exclusive event, United We Stand with Yoseph Haddad, where attendees heard firsthand from an inspiring advocate for Israel and coexistence. We hosted Rawan Osman in Montreal and Vancouver for a meaningful discussion about the Middle East. Tragic Awakening: A New Look at the World's Oldest Hatred details Osman's challenges with extremism and her transformation into a powerful voice for peace between Israel and the Arab world.
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Furthering our commitment to meaningful, cross-cultural dialogue, we were privileged to co-host a landmark symposium at Beth Torah Congregation, bringing together prominent Canadian Indigenous and Jewish leaders, elders, and scholars. We were deeply honoured to be guided by Elder Dr. Wendy Phillips and Elder Mark Phillips, and to hear from distinguished speakers such as Consul General Idit Shamir, the Honourable Harry S. LaForme, O.C, I.P.C., Professor Andrew Pessin, and Dr. Sheree Trotter, among other remarkable voices.This unique gathering explored treaty relationships, shared values, and parallel perspectives on education and indigeneity, fostering a powerful spirit of lasting friendship and allyship.
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In response to the surge in anti-Jewish hatred following October 7th, we launched the AVI Wartime Briefings—a critical series of five emergency workshops designed to empower and educate our community. These briefings provided invaluable tools to combat misinformation, confront hatred, and stand strong against rising antisemitism. Through these and other initiatives, AVI remains committed to fostering unity, education, and advocacy in support of Israel and the Jewish community.
The Herzl Awards 2025
Allied Voices for Israel was thrilled to host the annual Herzl Awards, an Oscars-style ceremony celebrating the courageous student leaders who are changing the narrative about Israel on high school and university campuses across Canada.
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These students stood on the frontlines against anti-Jewish hatred – both on campus and online – building coalitions with their peers to educate, engage, and empower the next generation.
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The event also featured a live painting auction and raffle, bringing together friends and supporters for a memorable night of connection, celebration, and community.
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Building Indigenous-Jewish Friendship Symposium
Welcoming Shared Histories & Lands
The gathering centered on establishing genuine dialogue, mutual respect, and enduring relational bridges between the Indigenous and Jewish communities. Rabbi Gorman opened the proceedings by framing the synagogue as a traditional "house of gathering" intended for shared purpose. Drawing from the rabbinic text Pirkei Avot, Rabbi Gorman highlighted that communal learning brings a divine presence, anchoring the gathering in shared values by offering a traditional Hebrew blessing of peace and protection for all attendees.
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The shared histories of suffering and hope between the communities were bridged by Jonathan Miracle, a musician from the Tyendinaga Reserve. He introduced a traditional hand drum protocol passed down by his mentors and Mohawk language teachers. Indigenous cosmology, language, and traditional governance systems were deeply explored by Elder Dr. Wendy Phillips through the lens of sacred numerology. She further illuminated the symbolism of the Medicine Wheel, noting that its four directions represent four distinct human races that are entirely equal and must interact with absolute fairness, equity, and kindness. Elder Mark Phillips grounded these cultural values in specific geographical and historic references, he highlighted the sacred rock paintings located on the cliffs of Mazinaw Rock, which depict the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe coming together with a pipe and wampum to seal a historic peace treaty.
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The dialogue culminated in a collective call from the speakers to forge strong intercultural alliances to navigate modern global turmoil, conflicts, and illnesses. This perspective emphasized an urgent, shared responsibility for environmental stewardship, asserting that society must respect natural laws and utilize the seven-generation rule to ensure that ecological actions today protect clean water and the environment for those living 400 years in the future. Ultimately, these insights underscored the critical necessity of preserving and teaching traditional knowledge and governance systems to prevent them from being erased by Western frameworks.
Upcoming Events
Leah Posluns Theatre, Toronto
Tickets Starting at $50
April 27, 2026
7:30 PM (EST)