NEW PODCAST EPISODE: A Canadian-Iranian Journalist's perspective on Iran

On episode 12 of the Common Voices Podcast, we sit down with Journalist and award-winning documentary filmmaker Negar Mojtahedi

Click the above animation to listen to episode 12 of Common Voices, featuring Iranian-Canadian Journalist Negar Mojtahedi

In anticipation of this weekend's global solidarity rally for Iran, we bring you a timely and important episode of the Common Voices podcast. 

In episode 12, AVI’s Founder and Executive Director Daniel Koren sits down with Canadian-Iranian journalist and award-winning documentary filmmaker Negar Mojtahedi for an important and eye-opening discussion on the unfolding protests, demonstrations, and violence in Iran.

Negar is the host of her own podcast; Eye for Iran, which is part of the Iran International Network, and her work often focuses on human rights and issues affecting Iranians.

Listen to Episode 12 with Negar Mojtahedi on Spotify

Stream Episode 12 with Negar Mojtahedi on Youtube

Click the above still to watch a clip of episode 12 of Common Voices, featuring Iranian-Canadian Journalist Negar Mojtahedi

Daniel and Negar analyze the many facets of this crucial turning point in history, such as the causes and nature of the movement, which in the above clip she describes as “homegrown” and “organic,” stemming from 47 years of repression, violence, poor economy, and environmental issues.

Daniel and Negar also dive into the catastrophic and tragic scale of violence in the region; the difficulty of getting non-Iranians to understand the extent of the brutality at the hands of the Ayatollah; the misinformation and propaganda consistently spouted by the regime; international responses; how the Jewish community and other allies can display solidarity and take action outside of Iran; what the future holds for a potentially free Iran; and so much more crucial information you don’t want to miss.

To listen to "People can smell death inside Iran" - a Canadian-Iranian Journalist’s Perspective, please click here. 

(Top) Save A Child's Heart Tabling at TMU; (Bottom) Save A Child's Heart tabling at York University

Our Director of Campus Affairs Idaliah Snajdman was joined by AVI students at both Toronto Metropolitan University and York University for tablings in partnership with the organization Save a Child’s Heart (SACH).

At TMU, Idaliah was joined by AVI Alumna Liat and members of Students Supporting Israel (SSI) at TMU. At York, AVI Student Ambassadors Bisrat and Brandon led the tabling, sharing swag, opening dialogue, and highlighting the life-saving, cross-cultural, and international impact of Israeli organizations.⁠ 

Save a Child's Heart is an Israeli-based humanitarian organization that provides critical heart surgery to children from around the world, regardless of nationality, religion, or background. Their mission is simple but powerful: every child deserves a healthy heart.

Our students are proud to work with organizations and share stories that reflect compassion, global impact, and the values Israel brings to communities worldwide.

Click the above clip for some touching words of solidarity from AVI students and allies Bisrat and Brandon

Common Ground Ambassadors and York University students Bisrat and Brandon are building bridges between Christian, Jewish, Iranian, and Ethiopian communities on campus, and we couldn’t be prouder!

To watch a clip of them discussing their initiatives to build bridges between students of all backgrounds at York University, please click here.

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Student leadership in action in Toronto and Calgary!

AVI Student Ambassadors are our future...and the future is looking bright.⁠

This week in Toronto, AVI Alumna and TMU student Liat and Idaliah met for a strategy lunch that bore so many exciting initiatives, including a challah bake, a continuation of our Purim tradition, and more! 

In Calgary, Alberta Campus Advisor & Advocacy Associate Jean-Luc Mudingayi met with University of Calgary students Adol, Story, and Soujatya as they discussed the extensive knowledge they gained from the workshops on our recent Niagara retreat, and all of the ideas and inspiration they want to bring to campus!⁠

We are so impressed with these passionate student leaders who are committed to building bridges and making a difference.

Click the above photo for a cheeky explanation of the various roles and responsibilities at AVI

We were honoured to participate in an important event hosted by the Council of Muslims Against Antisemitism (CMAA), bringing together community leaders, allies, and partners committed to dialogue and understanding. 

The event featured AVI friend Raheel Raza and the Raza family, alongside speakers who shared powerful reflections from their visits to Israel and the impact of experiencing the country firsthand. In partnership with the Consul General of Toronto and Western Canada, the evening highlighted the importance of cross-community relationships and honest conversations. 

We were especially proud to see our Allyship Advisor Abhinav Deshwar share about his first experience visiting Israel on an AVI trip! It was a meaningful and inspiring event, and a reminder of what is possible when communities come together.

For more pictures, please click here.

Click the above still for a recap of AVI at a solidarity rally in Montreal for the people of Iran

AVI Student Ambassadors and Director of Quebec and Atlantic Canada Noa Peretz Benchaya were proud to stand with our Iranian brothers and sisters at the February 8th rally in Montreal, united by shared values of freedom, justice, and human dignity. 

At AVI, we believe standing with communities facing oppression matters.

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

AVI partnered on a networking event for Concordia University students of all backgrounds at Hillel Montreal!

This past weekend, AVI joined Federation CJA on Campus, Hillel Montreal, StartUp Nation, CJPAC, and StandWithUs Canada to host a unique networking event for Concordia students of all backgrounds.

The real impact? A united community. Students connecting across cultures, sharing stories, and creating friendships in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Moments like these remind us why collaboration matters, and why bridge building will always be at the heart of our work.

For more pictures, please click here.