I'm a Jewish student at TMU. Here's my story.

AVI Student Ambassador Liat Schwartz shares more about her activism at Toronto Metropolitan University

Photo: Liat Schwartz at the Knesset during our Common Ground Ambassadorship in June 2024

You probably know me from the SSI event that took place a week ago, or you’ve seen my name connected to Jewish student advocacy at TMU. My name is Liat Schwartz, and I’m a third-year student at Toronto Metropolitan University and an AVI Student Ambassador. I want to share what it has meant to be a Jewish student and leader on campus this year and why your support for Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) truly matters.

Being Jewish on campus today comes with a mix of pride, responsibility, and challenge. There are moments where advocacy feels empowering, and moments where simply showing up takes courage. That’s exactly why AVI’s work has been essential — not only for me, but for countless students who rely on it for community, safety, and strength.

Over the past year, I’ve helped strengthen Jewish visibility and connection at TMU through over a dozen tablings and programs with AVI, including:

• Hebrews & Hip Hop — Celebrating the intersection of Jewish and Black cultures through music, identity, and shared history;

• Honouring Ben Mizrachi — A memorial tabling dedicated to sharing Ben’s life, legacy, and impact on the Jewish community;

• Save a Child’s Heart — Raising awareness for the Israeli medical humanitarian organization that provides lifesaving cardiac surgery to children worldwide ;

• Mental-health and identity-focused outreach, supporting students during high-stress, high-tension periods on campus;

• Holiday tablings for Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah;

• Advocacy & misinformation response tables;

• An appearance on AVI's Common Voices Podcast, where I detailed my personal experiences facing anti-Jewish hatred as a Jewish student at TMU; and many more!

  
  

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I had the opportunity to lead several tablings with my fellow AVI Student Ambassadors at TMU

These tablings may seem simple, but for students of all backgrounds walking by who feel isolated or unsure who stands with them, they create connection, visibility, and reassurance. I’ve had students quietly tell me they finally felt “seen,” “safe,” or “like they belonged.” Moments like these are why this work matters so deeply. 

Beyond on-campus outreach, I’ve written National Post op-eds that speak openly about the lived experiences of Jewish students. In a time when many young people hesitate to speak publicly, using my voice has become both a responsibility and a source of empowerment.

I hope you’ll consider supporting AVI so we can continue building strong, visible, and empowered Jewish communities across North America.

After the violent incident at TMU, I was featured in a National Post article detailing my experience going through this terrifying ordeal

Please consider making a tax deductible donation and support AVI's mission – all donations will be matched ONLY until THURSDAY, NOV. 20TH, 2025. at 9am EST!

Amidst a sea of rising antisemitism on campus, AVI is working to unite students of all backgrounds to inspire a new generation of Israel advocates on campus. I am proud to be a part of such an incredible movement.

P.S. On Thursday, AVI and my student club, Students Supporting Israel TMU (SSI TMU), are bringing Israel advocate and media personality Shai DeLuca to speak with TMU students and community members! If you are interested in joining us, please register here.