AVI staff come together at annual retreat
- Allied Voices for Israel (AVI)
- Aug 22
- 4 min read
PLUS: Our Allies Speak Out Against Antisemitism poetry anthology, Israel rally in Vancouver, and more!
Our AVI staff had a blast at our Summer retreat, where we celebrated our accomplishments and strategized over upcoming initiatives
This week in beautiful Georgina, Ontario, our national staff came together for a retreat focused on reflection, growth, and planning for the year ahead.
We celebrated important milestones, including surpassing 10,000 Instagram followers and achieving record-breaking participation and engagement across our programs. Alongside these achievements, we took time to strengthen our bonds as a team and to align on our vision and strategies for the upcoming school year.
We are fortunate to have such a passionate and dedicated team committed to empowering and uniting students from coast to coast. Stay tuned for exciting updates on the impactful initiatives we’ll be launching in the months ahead!
Click the above still to watch the reel!
Earlier this summer, AVI Student Ambassadors Pe'er Krut and Melanie Segev participated in a panel discussion on the rise in anti-Jewish hatred on Canadian campuses post-October 7th.
The session was part of the Confronting Antisemitism in Canada Conference, presented in partnership with the Clarity Coalition, the Niagara Military Museum, and the Canadian Antisemitism Education Fund (CAEF).
Our students shared what keeps them grounded and hopeful, despite having to navigate an uncertain and challenging climate on their campuses post-October 7th.
To watch their takeaways, please click here.
Click the above graphic to pre-order Volume 2 of our Poetry Anthology
“Antisemitism is not a relic of the past,” says East York City Councillor Brad Bradford.
This excerpt comes from a poem titled A cry for all, a city for all in Never Again: Allies Speak Out Against Antisemitism, Volume 2 of the Proof of Life Anthology series.
To pre-order now, please click here.
We are giving away FREE copies of the poetry anthology! Want to win?
- Follow @alliedvoicesforisrael now.
- Share our giveaway post!
- Tag an ally, student, or someone you think needs to read these stories in the comments below. More comments = more entries.
Please note: Contestants must be 18 or older and reside in Canada. The three winners will be announced at the end of the summer.
To enter our giveaway, please click here.
Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) is proud to invite you to an exclusive evening in Thornhill, Ontario: Scotch & Cigars for Israel!
On September 14th, 2025, please join us for a refined celebration of community, connection, and purpose. Indulge in a curated selection of premium scotch, whiskey, and cigars, complemented by gourmet kosher cuisine expertly crafted by Olive Branch.
Enjoy the sounds of live music in an elegant, welcoming setting, and engage with fellow supporters of Israel and the Jewish community.
The address will be shared closer to the date. LIMITED SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE so make sure you register today.
We would like to thank our generous title sponsors the Ganz Family Foundation for their incredible support!
To register and for sponsorship opportunities, please click here.
Click the above still to watch a snippet from our latest Common Voices podcast episode with Yuval David
In Episode 6 of Common Voices, we sat down with Yuval David, acclaimed content creator, LGBTQ+ advocate, and unapologetic voice in the fight against antisemitism.
Yuval talked about the dangers of being stuck in an echo chamber that pushes misinformation and creates unnecessary hatred and division in pro-Palestinian spaces.
“Most of these people aren’t Muslim, aren’t Jewish, aren’t Arab, and have never been to the Middle East. And yet they’re adopting this plight of people they really don’t know anything about,” said Yuval during the conversation.
To listen to Standing Tall: Yuval David's Unflinching Presence at Pride Despite Attacks for Being Jewish, please click here.
To watch the episode on YouTube, please click here.
University of Ottawa student Steven Warren is our #AmbassadorSpotlight
Meet our #AmbassadorSpotlight Steven Warren, one of our amazing Common Ground Ambassadors studying political science at the University of Ottawa!
“Upon seeing footage from the October 7th massacre, I was truly horrified. When I heard that there were people who celebrated the murder of innocent Israelis, I was outraged. I knew that the Jewish community needed help, and I felt compelled to stand up. The constant misinformation surrounding the conflict was frustrating, and left me searching for the truth. That's why I participated in Common Ground 2024,” says Steven.
“As part of the program, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Israel. As the son of two working-class parents from a quiet Ontario town, I'd never imagined making this journey. Even though I am not Jewish, I was welcomed by everyone I encountered. In fact, many people were surprised they had allies who would be willing to travel during a war,” he says.
“Having the opportunity to hear from both Israelis and Palestinians is something I am truly grateful for. Common Ground taught me everything I need to know about the Israel-Palestine conflict. I feel confident returning to campus for my final year, knowing I am prepared to have dialogue on the conflict and a better understanding of how to achieve peace.”
If you're a Vancouver resident, come out to Burrard Bridge August 24th!
The darker the times, the stronger the light of each truthful and courageous individual.
On August 24th, we are partnering with Vancouver Stands with Israel, #EndJewHatred, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver on a march and rally that will unite Canadian Zionists of all faiths and backgrounds against antisemitism and terrorism.
Together, our Vancouver community will march for freedom, safety, and dignity. Please join us.