PLUS – Calling out anti-Jewish hatred at Guelph, UofT, and York, revisiting our second 2024 Drive for Israel golf tournament, and more!
We want to wish those ringing in the Jewish New Year a Shana Tova u'metukah (a good and sweet year)!
It has been a difficult year for our community, and with the recent Iranian attacks against Israel, not to mention the terror attacks in Jaffa and continued anti-Jewish discrimination in our schools and on our campuses, it seems there is no end in sight.
That's why it is more important than ever that we enter the new year with strength and resilience. We must follow the examples of our brave brothers and sisters in Israel and those warriors who are standing up for the Jewish People everywhere.
Despite the challenges we face, AVI will continue to build bridges with our partners for a brighter Canada, unite students of all backgrounds against antisemitism, and inspire thousands of Canadians to advocate for Israel, human rights, and common decency.
May we continue down the path of strength and resilience and may we have only peace and prosperity for Am Yisrael in the year 5785!
Click the above graphic to read our full statement on Guelph University allowing an antisemitic event that it allowed to take place on its campus
Canadian Women Against Antisemitism (CWAA), StandWithUs Canada and Allied Voices for Israel (AVI), recently undertook a critical initiative, calling upon the University of Guelph to cancel an event titled The People’s Conference for Palestinian Solidarity, which we believed to be of great concern.
In the University's response, it was stated that “Any events that take place on the University of Guelph’s campus must adhere to the University’s Human Rights Policy, the Policy on Non-Academic Misconduct, the Workplace Harassment Prevention Policy, the Policy on Freedom of Expression, and processes built around these policies.”
However, the event in question, in our assessment, stands in violation of these policies.
The University’s decision to allow this event to proceed is deeply troubling. The description of the workshop underscores this concern: “This presentation will survey the latest wave of suppression of speech on Palestine and emphasize the need to continue the struggle against the imposition of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's Definition of Antisemitism on Canadian institutions.”
It is equally disconcerting that the event promoted divestment through BDS, which has, on numerous occasions, escalated to the targeting of Jewish-owned and Canadian businesses through doxxing, vandalism, and protests.
To read our full statement, please click here.
Click the above graphic to read our full statement on the University of Toronto's decision to promote an event that amplifies and glorifies Leila Khaled, a convicted terrorist.
Hillel at the University of Toronto, StandWithUs Canada, and Allied Voices for Israel are horrified by the promotion of an event that amplifies and glorifies Leila Khaled, a convicted terrorist.
Khaled, infamous for her role in hijacking civilian airplanes, is a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a group that our Canadian government officially designates as a terrorist organization.
Endorsing terrorism as a legitimate form of resistance is a direct affront to the fundamental responsibility of the University and the University of Toronto Students’ Union to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Please click here to read our full statement.
Click the above graphic to read our full statement with StandWithUs Canada, on the antisemitism pro-Israel students faced at a Clubs Week event at York University on September 24th
On Tuesday, Sept. 24 at a university-wide Clubs Week event, Students Supporting Israel (SSI) at York University set up a table to engage with students on campus, with the help and support of StandWithUs Canada and Allied Voices for Israel.
Pro-Israel students at this event were faced with disturbing harassment and ridicule, being targeted solely for their beliefs. Shockingly, the day ended with the York Federation of Students reprimanding the pro-Israel group based on allegations made by their detractors, while ignoring the blatant antisemitism and unacceptable behaviour of those same groups who harassed them all day long.
York University should be a place where all students feel safe and secure in expressing their beliefs and identities, especially registered student clubs holding sanctioned events. However, the prejudice and marginalization of students with differing views were prioritized and validated by the York Federation of Students (YFS).
Please click here to read our full statement with StandWithUs Canada.
Click the above photo to view some fun snaps of our second 2024 Drive for Israel Golf Tournament
That's a wrap for our SECOND 2024 Drive for Israel Golf Tournament, graciously presented by Carole and Dr. Bernard Zucker & Family, and Wendy and Elliott Eisen & family!
Dozens of amateurs and pros, Jews and allies came together on the green, in support of AVI, and our mission to unite students of all backgrounds against anti-Jewish hatred. Thank you to our 2024 Co-Chairs and committee members, and a big thank you to Harry Lebovic for providing us with such s beautiful venue. We look forward to an epic golf season next year.
Please click here to see some epic snaps from the tournament!
Educational Advisor Gabriela Rosenblum will be speaking at Aish Thornhill Community Shul on October 6th
On the eve of the one year anniversary of October 7th, our Educational Advisor Gabriela Rosenbaum will be discussing the connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel, at Aish Thornhill Community Shul.
Come hear Gabriela speak Sunday, October 6th at 4:45pm.
Click any of the above graphics to register for the schedule of events offered by each respective Hillel
As we mark one year since the horrific events of October 7th, we are partnering with Hillels at universities across Canada on a series of events to reflect and remember.
This week, Hillel McMaster, Hillel Western, Hillel York, and Hillel Ontario in Kingston will be offering a week of events, giving students and community members the space to process, connect, and honour the stories of those affected.
Join us as we gather in solidarity, remembrance, and hope.
To register for events offered by Hillel McMaster, please click here (look under Commemorating October 7th).
To register for events offered by Hillel Western, please click here.
To register for events offered by Hillel York, please click here.
To RSVP for events offered by Hillel Ontario in Kingston, text 646-917-8291 with the event’s keyword!
Click the above graphic to learn all about the origins of the myth that Israel is an apartheid state.
Our Montreal-based students and community members are invited to join us in song, prayer, a moment of silence, and meaningful reflection on October 7th as we mourn lives lost and stand in solidarity with the hostages who have not yet returned home.
Date: Monday, October 7
Time: 12:30PM
Location: McGill Roddick Gates (on Sherbrooke St West)
Attendees are invited to walk through a Nova exhibit installation throughout the day. Rain or Shine. Bus transportation available. Please click here to register.
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