AVI retreat for high schoolers a resounding success!
- Allied Voices for Israel (AVI)
- Dec 19, 2025
- 3 min read
Our newest cohort of Common Roots High School Ambassadors joined AVI for a Winter retreat focused on advocacy and education!
Our 2025-26 Common Roots High School Ambassadors!
Another successful high school retreat is on the books! Last week, our newest cohort of Common Roots High School Ambassadors participated in an Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) Winter Retreat centered around advocacy and education.
Students joined us from Victoria, Montreal, Toronto, Regina, and across Canada. In total, we have 29 students enrolled in our Common Roots program for the year 2025-26.
Silly faced photos are a prerequisite on our high-school retreats
Our opening weekend featured several icebreakers, educational workshops, and fun experiential campaigns focused on building coalitions, advancing effective Israel advocacy, and combating antisemitism. The retreat was lead by our AVI staff, consisting of Director of Education Gabriela, High School Advisor Michelle, and Alberta Campus Advisor and Advocacy Associate Jean-Luc.
We are particularly proud to share that many of our students are in their second or third year with AVI and are now serving as mentors to the new students!
Taking a moment away from frolicking in the snow for a chilly group photo
Students had a blast bonding, honing their leadership and advocacy skills, and absorbing some valuable workshops led by our knowledgeable AVI staff – all at a cozy Winter chalet.
To watch a fun video collage recapping our Common Roots opening weekend, please click here.
Click the above flyer to apply for our social media internship!
We are looking for social media interns to join AVI!
Are you passionate about digital storytelling, advocacy, and fighting misinformation online? This is your chance to make an impact.
🗓️ Internship runs January 15 - June 15, 2026
📍 Remote (students across Canada welcome)
⏰ Flexible commitment | Create 3–5 content pieces per month
You’ll help amplify diverse voices, shape meaningful conversations, and gain hands-on experience in advocacy-focused social media.
✨ Perfect for students interested in communications, politics, media, or nonprofit work.
➡️ Apply now and be part of a team using digital platforms to educate, engage, and inspire.
To apply, please click here.
Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) supports Legislators' decision to replace “Swastika” with “Hakenkreuz” in Bill C-9
AVI supports the recent legislative change in Bill C-9, which has previously referred to the hateful Nazi “Hakenkreuz” as the “Swastika,” a sacred Hindu symbol. This new decision will ensure that this holy symbol for Canadian Hindus will not be used interchangeably with a symbol associated with hatred, evil, and everything the Hindu faith stands against.
“The swastika is not the same as the Nazi hate symbol, Hakenkreuz. You are aware that Jews have never faced religious persecution from Hindus in India where they have lived for over 2,000 years and the false conflation of the Nazi hate symbol with our sacred Swastika is deeply hurtful and unacceptable,” writes our friend Ragini Sharma of the Canadian Organization for Hindu Heritage Education (COHHE).
In a letter to the Jewish community, she adds: “As an ally to the Jewish community and along with other Hindu organizations, I stand with you to strengthen laws that better protect the Jewish community and to fight antisemitism. I hope you will speak out to protect the swastika, an ancient sacred symbol and word for over a million Canadian Hindus.”
We stand with the Hindu community and support this change in Bill C-9, which we hope will prevent enshrining a historical falsehood in law and denying Hindus their Charter rights of religious freedom.
Our #AmbassadorSpotlight is Gracie, who is studying Agriculture Science at Guelph University!
Meet Gracie, one of our amazing Common Ground Ambassadors studying Agriculture Science at Guelph University!
“I am deeply grateful for the incredible opportunity of attending the Common Ground trip this past June. Learning about the history of the Jewish people, and deepening my understanding of current issues related to Israel, has been an incredibly valuable experience.
One of my favourite aspects of the trip was connecting with the other Student Ambassadors. Learning from one another and growing in our ability to find common ground was deeply meaningful, creating lasting memories as we explored the beautiful streets of Italy.
As a Bible-believing Christian, I believe that G-d’s promises in Scripture – to bless, restore, and watch over Israel – remain constant. I know that G-d still has a plan and purpose for His people, Israel. Considering the recent events of October 7th, this truth has resonated with a deeper significance.
As we stand against evil and the recent surge of antisemitism around the world – especially on our university campuses – I know that it is important to advocate for truth and show support and solidarity with the Jewish people. I am very honoured and excited to be actively supporting Israel as an Allied Voices for Israel Ambassador this year at the University of Guelph. Am Israel Chai!”
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