Hindu & Jewish students host “Ask Me Anything” at U of T

PLUS: Christian-Jewish unity at U of Calgary, teaching high school students in Montreal, and more!

WATCH: Click the above graphic to watch our Common Ground Ambassador Lotan and AVI Allyship Advisor Abhinav discuss Hindu-Jewish history

In an increasingly polarized world, AVI aims to bridge divides and build understanding through meaningful dialogue and finding common ground between people from all walks of life!

On a beautiful Fall day on the University of Toronto campus, we set out to do just that. 

Just in time for the holiday of Diwali, AVI’s Allyship Advisor Abhinav Deshwar and Common Ground Ambassador Lotan Wider set out to talk to students about the beautiful connection between Hindus and Jews, dating back to millennia.

While munching on traditional Indian and Jewish desserts, they engaged in peaceful and productive dialogue with students of all backgrounds. Everybody learned something new and left feeling more uplifted and unified – our idea of a successful day 

To watch clips of their Ask Us Anything tabling, please click here.

Click the above graphic to send a letter to Concordia's administration

Several sources have reported that Professor Chantal David, a Mathematics Professor at Concordia University, has posted several violent and dehumanizing statements on her public Instagram account targeting Zionists and Jewish people. 

In one post, David wrote “kill them all, as they say” about Zionists—including her McGill University colleagues.

She also called the entire Montreal Zionist community “monsters,” made dehumanizing remarks about Israeli children, and made posts and comments wishing for Israel's complete destruction. ⁠

To send a pre-written formal complaint directly to Dr. Graham Carr (University President), Amy Fish (Ombudsperson), and Aisha Topsakal (Director of Office of Rights and Responsibilities) demanding immediate investigation and action, please click here.

AVI's Communications Associate Sharon Krasni (right) with Ward 5 Councillor for the City of Vaughan, Gila Martow

A huge thank you to the Schwartz Reisman Centre in Vaughan for having us at their Shuk Shelanu event, where several Jewish organizations and businesses had the chance to connect with community members. We even had Ward 5 Councillor for the City of Vaughan Gila Martow stop by our table!

Our AVI staff created a mini kotel (Western Wall) at our table, where visitors were able to write notes of support for Am Yisrael. It was a very meaningful experience.

To watch a recap of our tabling, please click here.

Click the above photo to see a recap of our Jewish x Christian Unity Social

Students of all backgrounds had a great time engaging in discussions and bowling at our Jewish x Christian Unity Social, in partnership with Students Supporting Israel (SSI) Calgary, Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, and Passages Israel in Calgary.

Several AVI Student Ambassadors joined and took part in interfaith dialogue focused on Jewish-Christian unity and allyship.

To watch a recap of the evening, please click here.

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Click the above still for an excerpt from the episode

AVI's Director of Campus Affairs Idaliah had a blast this week with AVI superstars Liat and Coby at Toronto’s beloved Israeli hotspot Cafe Landwer.

Together, they came up with inspiring student-led initiatives at Toronto Metropolitan University and beyond! It is amazing to see such passionate leaders in action.

Director of Quebec and Atlantic Canada Noa at Bialik High School 

Director of Quebec and Atlantic Canada Noa Peretz Benchaya led a workshop on “Building Meaningful Allyships on Campus” at Montreal's Bialik High School this week. Students gained skills on coalition-building, meaningful Israel advocacy, and how to navigate hostile campus environments.

To see a recap of the rest of Noa's day, please click here.

Christian Ally, Actor, and Israel Advocate Nathaniel Buzolic (left) with AVI Student Ambassador Liat

Several AVI Student Ambassadors from campuses across Toronto enjoyed meeting proud Christian ally, actor, advocate, and co-founder of Rova Media Nathaniel Buzolic (@natebuzz on Instagram) at Common Ground with Nate Buzz this week.

The event was hosted by Friends of JNF Canada and ICEJ Canada and AVI was proud to be a charitable sponsor!

AVI's Direction of Education Gabriela Rosenblum (left) with CYLC Founder Elijah Nikiforuk (middle), and Operations Consultant Ofra Nissani

We were honoured to be invited by The Canadian Young Leaders Coalition (CYLC) to their Forum on the Future – the only national leadership conference in Canada exclusively dedicated to promoting inter-generational dialogues amongst both established and emerging global leaders. ⁠

Our team experienced fascinating conversations surrounding economics, security / defence, as well as Canadian national unity, with guests from across Canada, the United States and Europe!⁠

We also enjoyed connecting with CYLC's Founder & National President⁠ Elijah Nikiforuk – a staunch supporter of bridge-building through allyship. 

To see more pictures, please click here.

The ladies of ZBO decorated tote bags in collaboration with AVI

From surviving humanity’s darkest chapter to inspiring a nation, 97-year-old Holocaust survivor Irene Kurtz may just be the Blue Jays’ ultimate good-luck charm.

Earlier this year, Irene threw the ceremonial first pitch to open the season and now, the Jays are heading to the World Series! Coincidence? We think not.

A survivor of Majdanek who supported the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, Irene embodies strength, resilience, and hope — the very spirit driving this historic Jays run. 

All of Canada is cheering you on. Let’s go, Blue Jays!