NEW PODCAST EPISODE: Recognizing Somaliland Could Help Shape a New Middle East
- Allied Voices for Israel (AVI)
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
On episode 14 of the Common Voices Podcast, we sit down with Omer Kahin, community leader and advocate for Somaliland
Click the above animation to listen to episode 14 of Common Voices, featuring Community Leader and Somaliland Advocate Omer Kahin
I hope you're all having a meaningful Pesach.
On our most recent episode of the Common Voices podcast, Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) Founder and Executive Director Daniel Koren sits down with Omer Kahin, a community leader and advocate for Somaliland, discussing the nation’s history, its recent recognition by Israel, and the potential for future cooperation.
Somaliland is a self-governing republic in the Horn of Africa with a population of 6 million people. It was previously a British Somaliland protectorate that gained independence from the United Kingdom on June 26, 1960, only to unite with Italian Somalia five days later.
Following the collapse of the Somali state in 1991, Somaliland restored its independence.
Click the above still to watch a clip of episode 14 of Common Voices
Unlike regions that rely on outside intervention, Somaliland rebuilt through local, bottom-up reconciliation involving traditional leaders and community members. The country features a multi-party democratic system with competitive elections and peaceful transfers of power.
In the above clip, Omer discusses that for over three decades, Somaliland has functioned as a stable, self-governing entity with its own constitution, currency, and democratic institutions, despite a lack of formal international recognition.
Daniel and Omer also discuss Somaliland's strategic importance and international relations; the role of the diaspora in the country's development; and future partnerships.
To listen to Recognizing Somaliland Could Help Shape a New Middle East, please click here.
Director of Quebec and Atlantic Canada Noa Peretz Benchaya (Left), with Common Ground Alum Moshe Bodok
Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) hosted a BBQ with Hillel Montreal and over 75 students in attendance. Two of our AVI Student Ambassadors were in attendance, including Common Roots Alumna Leah and Common Ground Alum Moshe, who spoke to students about his experience on the trip!
For more footage from this epic BBQ, please click here.
An interactive Passover tabling at the University of Calgary
Our AVI Student Ambassadors at the University of Calgary led a Passover tabling and created their own Kotel, in partnership with StandWithUs Canada and Students Supporting Israel (SSI) Calgary.
Students were invited to write messages answering the question, “What does freedom look like to you?”
The responses were incredibly touching and wide-ranging. One message in particular stood out: that this will be the first Passover with the hostages all freed, which is a momentous occasion and a reminder of what freedom truly means
For more footage from this special tabling, please click here.
Click the above still to hear an important Easter message from AVI Social Media Intern Emily
AVI Social Media Intern and Christian Ally Emily draws parallels between the ancient holidays of Easter and Passover, which overlap this year and share themes of unity, redemption, and renewal!
Wishing everyone who celebrated a happy Easter, and everyone who is currently celebrating, a meaningful Passover Chol Hamoed!
To listen to Emily's message, please click here.
Click the above still to experience a slice of Easter preparations in Haifa!
AVI’s Content Lead in Israel Ora Bar took a day trip to Haifa to immerse herself in the customs and religious practices of its local Christian population, who were preparing for the sacred holiday of Easter.
To watch her experience with Haifa's Christian community, please click here.
Click the above for tickets!
You can either be there or hear about it after .
in partnership with Hillel Ontario and Mishpacha Social Club (MSC), AVI is hosting an epic Yom Ha'atzmaut kickoff party - a midnight in Tel Aviv, with over 500 people in attendance!!
Tickets will go fast - to purchase, please click here.
Click the above flyer for tickets!
May 2nd, we are partnering with Hillel Montreal and over a dozen organizations on Mesiba MTL!
📅 May 2 | 10 PM
🎟️ Limited spots!
📍Venue revealed after registration
For tickets, please click here.
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