Honouring the victims of Oct. 7 on campuses across Canada

AVI hosts a flag-planting in Toronto while our students take part in vigils and ceremonies on campuses across Canada

MPP Michael Kerzner joins AVI staff, students, and stakeholders at our second annual flag-planting ceremony in Toronto in honour of the victims of Oct. 7

Tomorrow marks two years since the barbaric October 7 attacks — a day that changed our lives forever. The worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust that left 1,200 murdered and hundreds kidnapped into Gaza. Many are still there.

That day, the very day of Simchat Torah, the Jewish people awoke to horror. A day meant to celebrate connection and joy became a reminder of how fragile life can be.

Tonight begins Sukkot, when we step out of our homes and into open-roof shelters that echo an ancient story of faith and survival.

The sukkah teaches that even when our walls are thin, our spirit endures. Its openness mirrors what it felt like to be an Israeli that day: vulnerable, but unbroken.

Out of that pain, came incredible courage and strength from the Jewish community, and also brought Jews and allies standing together, fighting for Western values and tolerance. That same spirit drives the work of Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) — bringing together students of all backgrounds to confront hatred, build bridges, and remind the world of our shared humanity.

I know that with anti-Israel rallies planned on campuses tomorrow and all week, it may not feel that way right now. They cut deep. They are a reminder of how much work still lies ahead and how low Canada has fallen. But we are not without determination and conviction.

As the sukkah welcomes all who enter, so does our movement — built on allyship, faith, and resilience. May this season of shelter and strength remind us that even in our most vulnerable moments, light still breaks through.

To learn more about the holiday of Sukkot, 

(L-R) AVI board member Rhoda Singer, AVI Executive Director Daniel Koren, MPP Michael Kerzner, and AVI stakeholder Herb Singer

On Sunday, AVI continued our annual tradition of planting 1,200 Israeli flags in midtown Toronto to honour the memories of the 1,200 lives tragically taken from us on Oct. 7th. 

A huge thank you to MPP Michael Kerzner for joining us and delivering powerful words of strength and encouragement, and to the AVI staff, students, and shareholders who participated in this enduring tradition.

We are also grateful for the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) for sponsoring the flags thanks to its impactful Flags of Fellowship initiative.

As we stood together amidst the flags and heard encouraging cheers and honks from passers-by, this feeling of strength and solidarity was evident. May the memories of the victims forever be a blessing. 

To see more footage from yesterday's powerful flag-planting ceremony, please click here.

AVI participated in an October 7th memorial bake at Calgary's Mount Royal University

Over the weekend, our AVI Student Ambassadors at Mount Royal University in Calgary participated in an October 7th memorial bake in partnership with Chabad on Campus and StandWithUs Canada. 

We shone a light on the hostages taken on October 7th with prayers, and by baking some of their favourite recipes, as part of the Tastes Like Home initiative. 

Click the above graphic to watch Director of Campus Affairs Idaliah Snajdman bake late hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin's favourite cookies

Through the Tastes Like Home campaign, families of hostages in Gaza have shared the favourite recipes of their loved ones – reminding us not just of what they loved and how they spent their time, but of who they were.

As part of this initiative, our Director of Campus Affairs Idaliah Snajdman baked Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s chocolate chip cookies in his memory, for our annual flag-planting in Toronto. Hersh made aliyah at 7, loved learning, traveling, and cheering for Hapoel Jerusalem. Kidnapped at 23 and tragically murdered in Gaza, his light and essence continues to live on. 

For Hersh Goldberg Polin z"l's favourite cookie recipe, please click here. 

To watch a video of his cookies being baked, please click here.

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AVI Director of Campus Affairs Idaliah Snajdman stands with AVI friend and ally Janice Laforme at an Oct. 7th student vigil at McMaster University

On Sunday, AVI came together at McMaster University in solidarity, support and mourning for the victims of October 7th. Together, our Hamilton community commemorated those who were murdered, those who were taken, and those who remain as hostages.

This community vigil was organized in partnership with Hillel McMaster, Chabad at McMaster, #EndJewHatred Canada, and StandWithUs Canada.

Our Montreal staff attended an October 6th vigil at McGill University's Roddick Gates

This morning, our Montreal community of students from Concordia, McGill, and University of Montreal, stood together for a vigil in memory of the victims of October 7th and to pray for those still held hostage.

The vigil was held at McGill University's Roddick Gates and was organized in partnership with incredible student-run organizations such as StartUp Nation, the Jewish Law Student Association (JLSA), Israel on Campus at McGill University, and others.

Click the above graphic to register

At OCAD University, on Thursday, October 9th, please join the OCAD Jewish Club and AVI for a candle-lighting ceremony and lunch as we come together to remember, reflect, and honour the memories of the victims, as well as pray for the swift release of all the hostages. 

To register, please click here. 

AVI students are also leading the way and speaking at vigils at campuses across the country. We will share more info in our next email blast!