AVI Student Ambassador decries antisemitism at TMU in front page of the National Post

PLUS: AVI students celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut on campuses across Canada

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We are incredibly proud of AVI Common Ground Ambassador Liat Schwartz for shining a light on the anti-Jewish bigotry that has festered at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in a front-page expose in yesterday's National Post.

Liat, your unwavering commitment to standing up for the Jewish community on campus knows no bounds! 

Despite facing indifference from university administrators regarding rising hostility, Liat, alongside her colleagues at SSI TMU Ethan Elharrar and Samantha White, have been steadfast advocates in support of the Jewish community, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed. Their leadership exemplifies the courage and resilience of Jewish students on campus today. 

In the article, Liat and her fellow students describe the tensions they have felt on campus post-October 7th and outline their efforts educating their peers about Israel and Judaism. 

To read the article, please click here.

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AVI stands with our friends in the Syrian Druze community as they continue to face a barrage of attacks. The Sunni jihadist group, HTS, is targeting the Druze community with brutal attacks and public executions, leaving over 100 dead.

As violence spreads through the Damascus suburbs, Israel has responded to calls for protection and has evacuated wounded civilians for treatment. In southern Syria, Israel has been defending Druze villages from terror.⁠

Our Director of Education, Gabriela Rosenblum, led a meaningful letter-writing event in Vancouver for Yom Hazikaron

On Yom HaZikaron, AVI partnered with NCSY Vancouver, BBYO Vancouver, and USY Vancouver for a powerful evening of meaning and memory with local high school students.

In a special letter-writing event to honour victims of terror and those who have lost their lives defending the State of Israel, teens in Vancouver came together to offer words of comfort and solidarity. AVI will bring these letters with us on our upcoming mission to Israel this June with Jewish and allied university students to distribute to local civilians. 

AVI's Director of Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Noa Benchaya, joined students at the Yom Ha'atzmaut Montreal rally!

From the mountains of Calgary to the suburbs of British Columbia to the streets of Montreal, Ottawa, and downtown Toronto, AVI celebrated Yom Ha'atzmaut with pride, joy, and connection.

Whether it was hiking 7.7 km in honour of Israel's 77th birthday, raising flags at Toronto City Hall, or sharing personal reflections, students found meaningful ways to express their love for the Jewish State.

Click the graphic above to see pictures from our Toronto Yom Ha'atzmaut party!

In Toronto, in partnership with Hillel Ontario, StandWithUs Canada, and Mishpacha Social Club, AVI students showed up in full force to celebrate 77 years of Israeli independence. What an unforgettable night! Approximately 500 students joined and brought incredible energy and love.

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Click the graphic above to see photos from our Montreal Yom Ha'atzmaut party!

In Montreal, AVI students joined for a vibrant Yom Ha'atzmaut Birthday Bash filled with music, dancing, and community pride.

In Ottawa, we were proud to partner with Hillel for a backyard BBQ filled with great food, drinks, and music!

AVI Campus Advisor Jean-Luc with students and colleauges at our 7.7 km hike

In Calgary, our Campus Advisor Jean-Luc Mudingayi led a 7.7 km hike in honour of Israel's 77th Independence Day. Surrounded by Alberta's natural beauty, the group walked in solidarity with the People of Israel and then enjoyed a delicious BBQ. 

Click the graphic above to see more pictures from this event!

In honour of Israel's 77th year of independence, AVI's Allyship Advisor Justin Chow attended a Yom Ha'atzmaut flag raising at Toronto City Hall, where he stood alongside Robert Walker, Assistant Director of HonestReporting Canada, our partner on our Campus Media Fellowship!

We were proud to stand with roughly 50 other advocates, politicians, and leaders as the flag of Israel was raised over the City of Toronto. 

AVI Director of Education, Gabriela Rosenblum, discusses Yom Ha'atzmaut with high-school students in Langley, BC

In partnership with Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, USY Vancouver, and Kulam Ba'Valley, AVI hosted a Yom Ha'atzmaut event in Langley, British Columbia exploring the Jewish connection to Israel.

Teens shared personal stories and reflected on the emotional shift from Yom Hazikaron to Yom Ha'atzmaut, exploring what it means to hold grief and celebration side-by-side in connection to their indigenous homeland.