LISTEN: Students speak out about anti-Jewish hatred
- Allied Voices for Israel (AVI)
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
On Episode 8 of the Common Voices podcast, hear from two brave students – one at TMU, one at York – who are standing up for Israel on campus
Click on the above graphic to listen to Episode 8 of Common Voices!
This week, for the first time ever, we had two of our AVI Student Ambassadors on the Common Voices podcast!
Host and Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) Founder and Executive Director Daniel Koren engaged in a meaningful conversation with York University student Michael Mandel and Toronto Metropolitan University student Liat Schwartz on their experiences as Jewish students on campus today.
Both students are active AVI Ambassadors on campus and had a lot to share – both about deeply concerning instances of antisemitism, but also stories of allyship, coalition-building, and hope.
Recent surveys reveal a concerning trend: Jewish students and their allies face more discrimination than any other minorities on Canadian campuses. Many are afraid to be openly Jewish or express their views on the Middle East conflict.
While some quietly hide their Star of David necklaces, others like Michael and Liat are proudly displaying them, enduring acts of intimidation and threats of violence.
AVI students Michael Mandel and Liat Schwartz had a blast recording this episode with host and AVI Founder Daniel Koren
In this episode, you will hear Michael and Liat's powerful stories and understand why they are choosing to stand up against antisemitism and hatred on campus.Tune in to hear how these pioneering voices are challenging conventional narratives and offering a new path toward understanding, solidarity, and healing.
To listen to Episode 8: Canadian students speak freely about campus Jewish hate, please click here.
To watch the episode on YouTube, please click here.
Click on the above graphic to see an excerpt of our previous podcast episode with Justice Harry LaForme
In our last episode of Common Voices, we sat down with Harry LaForme, Canada's first Indigenous Court Judge.
A member of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, Justice LaForme shares his personal journey and explains why he feels a profound kinship with the Jewish people. He draws powerful parallels between the shared histories of suffering, persecution, and resilience.
In an excerpt from the episode, Justice LaForme reflects on campus encampments and the responsibility universities have to uphold their commitments to the First Nations land they stand on.
“Those universities that were allowing the encampments were not honouring their treaties,” says Justice LaForme. A powerful reminder that solidarity means respecting the treaties and the peoples they protect.
To listen to Episode 7: A Shared Struggle: Canada's First Indigenous Court Judge on First Nations & Jewish Communities, please click here.
To watch the episode on Youtube, please click here.