PLUS: Students from 13 universities across Canada will embark on an educational program focused on coalition-building and combating anti-Israel hatred on campus
AVI Student Ambassadors meet a bedouin family in Rahat during our Common Ground program in June 2024
Despite the incredible challenges that come with organizing trips during war, are proud to share that we are leading a delegation of 20 university students, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, to Israel THIS Thursday!
Students will explore strategic destinations and learn about Israel's diversity and democracy and meet with high-profile experts, journalists, and politicians. They will visit sites affected by the Oct. 7th attacks so they are better equipped to tell Israel's story when they return to campus.
Our new cohort of Common Ground Ambassadors are joining us from York, Toronto Metropolitan, OCAD, Queen's, University of Guelph, University of Ottawa, McGill, Concordia, Carlton, University of Victoria, University of British Columbia, Mount Royal, University of Calgary, and McMaster.
When our students return to campus, they will serve as Ambassadors for Israel, human rights, and effecting positive change.
Please make sure you are following us on Instagram so you can stay up-to-date on their journey!
Click the above graphic to read the full report!
AVI is proud to share that our brief was referenced in the House of Commons report, Heightened Antisemitism in Canada and How to Confront It, presented by the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
This resource is a monumental step in the fight against anti-Jewish hatred. We are honoured to have played a part in the inception of this unprecedented government report.
To read Heightened Antisemitism in Canada and How to Confront It: Report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, please click here.
Mazal Tov to Solenn Douieb (left) and Ilan Kojdan (right) on their engagement!
We would like to say a huge mazal tov to AVI Common Ground Ambassadors Ilan Kojdan and Solenn Douieb, who recently got engaged!
Ilan and Solenn went on our Common Ground Israel program in June. Their love is a testament to the resilience and continuation of am Yisrael – even in the face of tragedy and pain, the people of Israel continue to cultivate joy and celebration.
We are so thrilled for this sweet and amazing couple and wish them a lifetime of happiness!
Raihaana Adira and Justin Chow were panelists at the Cummings Centre's annual lecture series in memory of Holocaust Survivor Tommy Strasser
AVI Allyship Advisors Raihaana Adira and Justin Chow were honoured to be panelists at the Cummings Centre's annual lecture series in memory of Holocaust Survivor Tommy Strasser. Tommy was rescued by Raoul Wallenberg and later dedicated his life to acts of kindness, gratitude, remembrance, and education. In Montreal, Tommy volunteered at the Holocaust Museum for 20 years. He also shared his story as a survivor at the March of The Living and in schools, impacting thousands.
“The righteous among the nations continue to inspire me. Their actions show us that when we stand together against hate, we change lives and reshape history,” said Raihaana in her speech.
“We need to use the Holocaust as an example of the atrocities that occur when hate goes unchecked. They say it takes three generations to forget. That would be my generation, and I refuse to let that happen. Let us all strive to live in a world where hate is a relic of the past and where the lessons of history are learned, not repeated. May we honour the bravery of those who came before us and build a future where 'never again' truly means never again.”
Thank you so much to the Strasser Family, our East Coast Campus Advisor Noa Peretz Benchaya, and the Cummings Centre staff who made this event a reality.
Director of Education Gabriela Rosenblum in front of Covenant Reformed Teachers College
Last week, AVI’s Director of Education Gabriela Rosenblum led a session on combating anti-Jewish hatred with the teaching students of Covenant – a Canadian Reformed Teachers College. Gabriela spoke about Israel as an integral part of the Jewish experience and how anti-Zionism is the most insidious form of antisemitism today.
Our West Coast students had a blast at our pre-Chanukah party with our Calgary partners
Students at the University of Calgary, Jewish and non-Jewish, came together for an early Hanukkah celebration this week at an event in partnership with AVI, Chabad of Alberta, Hillel Calgary, and SSI Calgary. From making latkes to painting dreidels and singing songs, it was a night of unity and strength.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special shoutout to Rabbi Groner for making it all happen!

On December 12th, our Calgary students attended a Mount Royal University Chanukah party
On December 12th, our Calgary partners threw their official Chanukah party at Mount Royal University, which included candle painting, and an engaging talk by Rabbi Groner.
Pastor, Israel Advocate, Musician, and Educator Dumisani Washington is our #allyspotlight
Our incredible #allyspotlight this week is Pastor, Israel Advocate, Musician, and Educator Dumisani Washington.
When Dumisani’s parents gave him the gift of a Bible, they might not have realized the powerful influence it would be on this future friend of Israel and the Jewish people. The Old Testament stories that a young Dumisani read inspired him to learn more about Israel—and to ultimately devote his life to building bridges between Christians and Jews.
Working for decades in pro-Israel advocacy, Pastor Washington leads the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel. He has also authored the book Zionism and the Black Church, studying the bonds between Jews and African Americans. An accomplished and conservatory-trained professional musician, one of his many artistic ensembles is The Hebrew Project, which combines gospel music and Hebrew lyrics, a true celebration of both Christian and Jewish faiths.
Recently, at an Israeli American Council event, Dumisani uncovered the links between the KGB and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, and the lies that emanated from their propaganda campaign against Israel.
To watch a snippet of this talk, please click here.
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