Jews and Iranians unite to honour victims of Iranian massacre in Vancouver
- Allied Voices for Israel (AVI)
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
PLUS: AVI Student Ambassador calls out hateful graffiti, AVI staff and students join event with Gurudev Sri Ravi Shankar, and more!
BC Campus Advisor Stefanie (right) with our BC Student Ambassadors, who attended our Iranian memorial in Spanish Banks Beach in Vancouver
Six months have passed, but the pain remains.
This weekend, Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) hosted a program in partnership with our Iranian friends in Vancouver at Spanish Banks Beach to honour the more than 42,000 Iranians killed during the mass killings of January 8–9, 2026.
In moments of unimaginable loss, remembrance is an act of humanity. Standing together to mourn innocent lives transcends politics, borders, and backgrounds. It is a reminder that every life mattered, every family carries a story, and every victim deserves to be remembered.
May the memories of those lost be a blessing, and may we continue to stand with the survivors, the families, and all those whose lives have been forever changed. Our BC Campus Advisor Stefanie Broit gave a beautiful speech at the memorial, along with many of our Iranian allies. Several AVI Student Ambassadors also joined the memorial.
To listen to an excerpt from her speech, please click here.
Click the above still to watch a powerful message from Common Ground Ambassador Justice
As we explored the city of Rome on our most recent Common Ground Italy program, AVI Student Ambassador and McGill University student Justice encountered hateful graffiti including a concerning message, “oppressed people have a right to violence,” mere steps away from the Colosseum.
“It’s time to fight for what’s right internationally,” says Justice, a proud ally of the Jewish community. “As violence and calls to violence continue spreading, we call on our governments to act and support us in its fight against tyranny.”
To watch the full video featuring Justice's powerful speech in Rome, please click here.
(Left to right): AVI's Founder Daniel Koren, Rachel Chertkoff of CIJA, Debra Joy Eklove of Art of Living Canada, Ragini Sharma of CoHHE, and friends
Our wonderful friend Dr. Ragini Sharma of Canadian Organization for Hindu Heritage Education (CoHHE) invited AVI to join a special program with Gurudev Sri Ravi Shankar last weekend.
AVI's Founder and Executive Director Daniel Koren joined Debra Joy Eklove of Art of Living Canada, Dr. Sharma, and other friends for a mindful, meditative, and enlightening event.
We are so grateful to our Hindu allies for inviting us into Gurudev Shankar's world of timeless wisdom! Gurudev also hosted a program for students that was attended by our AVI Student Ambassadors.
For more footage from the event, please click here.
Click the above to build out your summer reading list!
AVI Social Media Intern Kyla has your Summer cottage/beach reading list sorted!
From fiction, and mystery/thriller, to memoirs and non-fiction, there's something for every Zionist bookworm in her video, where she outlines twelve book recommendations by Israeli authors!
Want more? Visit the AVI Educational Resources page on our website and scroll to our Discover more: Recommended books and resources section. Happy reading!
To watch Kyla's video, please click here.
Click here to explore five ways Hamas harmed the very people it claims to represent; click here to read the Globe and Mail piece
For years, reports that Hamas was interfering with humanitarian aid were often dismissed or ignored.
Now, a senior UN official has publicly accused Hamas of obstructing aid deliveries, intimidating aid workers, and making humanitarian operations more dangerous.
At the same time, Canadians are increasingly asking difficult questions about why conversations around antisemitism, extremism, and support for terrorist organizations have become so polarized. A recent Globe and Mail editorial argued that governments must do more to confront antisemitism and foreign-backed extremism in Canada.
If Canadians truly care about Palestinians, we should be willing to acknowledge every force contributing to their suffering—including Hamas and corrupt Palestinian leaders that use them as pawns.
Real peace requires honesty, accountability, and a commitment to protecting innocent civilians on all sides.
To learn about five ways Hamas harms the very people it claims to represent, please click here.
To read Canadians need answers from Ottawa on foreign involvement in antisemitism in the Globe and Mail, please click here.
Click the above flyer to register
Have you ever wanted to paint camels and learn about Israel’s ecology? Well now you can do both at our Camelification event on July 16th, in partnership with Moishe House Midtown in Toronto!
To register, please click here.
Click the above graphic to learn more and apply
To kick off our next Common Roots Ambassadorship, we will be taking our cohort of high school students on a trip to Houston, Texas, for an immersive exploration of coalition-building and advocacy.
As one of the most diverse cities in the United States, Houston offers a unique opportunity to hear from inspiring Jewish communal leaders, advocates, and interfaith partners who are building meaningful relationships and creating positive change within their communities.
Through engaging workshops, dynamic conversations, and hands-on learning, Grade 8-12 students of all backgrounds will strengthen their advocacy and leadership skills, learn effective strategies for community engagement and storytelling, and connect with peers from across Canada.
Together, participants will explore how collaboration, allyship, and shared values can help create lasting impact while exploring Houston’s history and culture, enjoying exciting activities, and building friendships that will last a lifetime.
If you're looking for a community that feels like home and a program that pushes you to grow and learn, you just found it.
To learn more and apply, please click here.
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