Shai DeLuca speaks with TMU students despite pushback

PLUS: Honouring Donna Holbrook in Toronto, AVI students table at OCAD University, teens meet with AVI at the University of Victoria, and more!

Students from AVI and TMU with Interior Designer, Media Personality, and Israel Advocate Shai DeLuca

Following the disturbing incident at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) weeks ago, where students were harassed for running an Israel event off campus, we partnered with Students Supporting Israel (SSI) TMU to bring Interior Designer, Media Personality, and Israel Advocate Shai DeLuca to campus, as he described Israel through his eyes.

However, the university did not allow AVI and SSI TMU to proceed with the event – and a huge campaign led by anti-Israel students sought to boycott it altogether. However, thanks to our tenacious team and security experts, we were able to host the event safely and securely at a location close to campus.

A huge thank you to Shai, who shared his powerful journey as an Israel advocate and LGBTQ+ activist. His honesty and strength brought so much meaning to the evening.

Thank you as well to the TMU students, faculty, and community members who showed up and supported us despite all odds.  We'd also like to recognize the Community Safety Council of Canada (CSCC) for helping keep our community safe.

We refuse to be silenced. We refuse to be pushed out of our own campus spaces. And we will continue to bring meaningful events, important conversations, and strong voices to the TMU community.

(Left to right): Common Ground Ambassadors Shoam and Miranda, and Director of Campus Affairs Idaliah, at OCAD University

We had so much fun partnering with the OCAD Jewish Club at the OCAD Club Fair!

Students had the chance to engage in meaningful conversations about Israel and allyship. Idaliah, our Director of Campus Affairs, was tabling alongside Shoam and Miranda, two of our Common Ground Ambassadors, handing out Peace & Prosperity campaign stickers and OCAD Loves Israel stickers — plus plenty of snacks.

Bagels, babka, and big inspiration at OCAD!

Shortly after tabling at OCAD's club fair, we gathered students for an inspiring night of art and community, in partnership with the OCAD Jewish Club.

A huge thank you to Michelle Jacobs (@kissmy_art ) for sharing her story, her process, and her resilience as a proud Jewish and queer artist, whose work celebrates belonging and Jewish identity.

AVI Ambassadors and alumni Shoam, Miranda, Zach, and Kaitlyn teamed up with Idaliah for this fun evening!

⁠To see more photos from the event, please click here. 

Stefanie with a group of teens at the University of Victoria

Our BC Campus Advisor Stefanie had an amazing time at the University of Victoria for a teen gathering, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver! 

Students in Grades 8–12 came together to learn and connect. We loved seeing two of our Common Roots Ambassadors in action, inspiring the next generation of pro-Israel voices. 

At AVI, we’re proud to empower young leaders to build community, strengthen connections, and amplify the stories that matter.

To see more pics, please click here.

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Stefanie tabled at Vancouver King David High School

Speaking of high school, Stefanie recently educated and inspired dozens of Vancouver King David High School students from Grades 8-11 about our Common Roots program! ⁠

It was nice to connect with so many passionate, budding student leaders.⁠

To see more pics, please click here.

(Left to right): Director of Campus Affairs Idaliah, and Common Ground Ambassadors and TMU students Ethan and Liat

Our Director of Campus Affairs Idaliah recently met with TMU student leaders Liat, a Common Ground Ambassador, and Ethan, both deeply involved in Israel advocacy on campus.

In challenging times, it’s vital to create space to de-stress, reflect, and support one another. ⁠

Sometimes the best way to keep going is to share a meal and remember that we’re stronger together. 

Click the above flyer to purchase tickets!

When we talk about needing allies, there is no one more a deserving of our communal gratitude and love than Donna Holbrook. 

She has been a steady light for us, more than ever in this time of darkness and Jew hate.

Not enough members of our community know that Donna, as head of ICEJ Canada, has spent the last twenty-five years steadily supporting Israel, raising millions for many critical projects, and leading Christian Zionist groups to Israel.

She’s been at every Toronto Jewish event and rally, spoken countless times, and has put her heart and soul into living steadily as an ally of the Jewish community.

Donna deserves to enter an overflowing room and feel enveloped by our love and gratitude. Let’s make it happen!

To purchase tickets, please click here.

Our #AmbassadorSpotlight is Mount Royal University Student Emerson

Meet Emerson, one of our amazing Common Ground Ambassadors studying biology at Mount Royal University!⁠

“The Common Ground Ambassadorship has allowed me to strengthen my ability to engage in respectful and meaningful dialogue, even over complex topics such as the current conflict between Israel and Palestine. It was an intentional decision to immerse myself into a new environment that would challenge me and promote my continued personal growth - an experience of which I am incredibly grateful to have taken part in.⁠

One key takeaway I have from my Common Ground Ambassadorship is recognizing that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is far more complex than what a single news headline or caption often makes it out to be. True understanding requires not only a nuanced knowledge of Arab and Israeli history, but also a willingness to engage in worthwhile conversations that are rooted in empathy, patience, and seeking to understand even those who disagree with you. Heated arguments go nowhere, but going into a discussion with the right mindset allows us to learn from one another and discover a meaningful common ground despite our differences.”⁠