Student allies visit Shaarei Shomayim to stand in solidarity with Jewish community

PLUS: More footage from Cocoa & Couture, Common Roots initiatives in Montreal, high-school webinars with Shai DeLuca and Raheel Raza, and more!

(Left to right): AVI Student Ambassadors Arvin, Brandon, Bisrat, and Emily stand in front of Shaarei Shomayim with their "Proud Ally" T-shirts

This week, Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) brought a group of AVI Student Ambassadors from diverse backgrounds to visit one of the synagogues that was recently shot at in Toronto: Congregation Shaarei Shomayim.

As many of you know, this synagogue was struck by gunfire days ago, one of three synagogues across the Greater Toronto Area targeted within a single week. Thankfully no one was injured, but bullet holes now mark the front doors of places where people gather to pray and build community.

These student allies came because they felt the pain of the Jewish community and wanted to stand in solidarity.

AVI Students Brandon and Bisrat speaking with Rabbi Sam Taylor of Congregation Shaarei Shomayim

Rabbi Sam Taylor met us outside the synagogue and took time to speak with each student, hailing from campuses including the University of Toronto, York University, and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), asking who they were and why they had come.

At one point we joked that someone tried to scare Jews away from a synagogue and instead managed to bring a whole group of people who might never have otherwise stepped inside one. Their attempt at intimidation produced the opposite result.

This has always been the Jewish story. When people try to frighten us into silence, we respond by showing up with more courage, more community, and more allies.

To the students who came today: thank you. Your solidarity matters, and our community will not forget it. 

To hear testimonials from some of these brave and compassionate students, please click here. 

To see more photos from our visit to Congregation Shaarei Shomayim, please click here.

AVI Student Ambassador Lotan speaks as a proud Israeli-Canadian at an Iranian rally at York University

Over the last week, Iranian students have staged demonstrations at the University of Victoria, TMU, and York University. At all three rallies, students brought U.S. and Israeli flags to show their support.

AVI Student Ambassadors participated or attended each rally. At York, our AVI Student Ambassador Lotan gave an empowering speech about the importance of Israelis and Iranians standing together.

Please watch it here.

AVI Student Ambassador Arvin waves the Israeli flag at an Iranian rally at TMU

At TMU, our Student Ambassador Arvin helped organize a rally with the Iranian Students Association of TMU and even provided the Israeli flags. We are proud of all our students standing up for a free Iran!

Click the above still for the first of our two Cocoa & Couture recaps on our socials!

Cocoa, couture, and community. 

We are still buzzing from Cocoa & Couture this International Women's Day, when we gathered to celebrate the strength, style, and resilience of the women in our community.

From the runway to our daily advocacy, we're changing the narrative – unapologetically. We put together a series of reels with some fun footage of our fabulous Spring runway show.

To watch recap #1, please click here. 

To watch recap #2, please click here.

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A fun tabling at Montreal Hebrew Academy!

Our Common Roots Ambassadors at high schools across Montreal recently took part in several initiatives at their respective schools, including tablings at Montreal's Hebrew Academy, a babka bake with our students from Herzliah in collaboration with Shaina from the Chai Centre, and much more!

For more photos, please click here. 

Our Common Roots Ambassadors got to hear from two inspiring Israel Advocates who led webinars: Shai DeLuca (left) and Raheel Raza (right)

Through our Common Roots High School Ambassadorship, students recently had the opportunity to hear from two inspiring speakers!

Shai DeLuca shared his personal journey navigating his identity within the LGBTQ+ community, and spoke about how these experiences have shaped his values and commitment to speaking about issues that are meaningful to him. Students also heard from our former High School Advisor Zach Rusonik, who shared about his experience making aliyah and living in Israel.

We also welcomed Raheel Raza, a Canadian writer, speaker, human rights advocate, and a strong ally of Israel and the Jewish people. She highlighted her activism against anti-Jewish hatred and radicalization, shared her story of immigrating to Canada from Pakistan, and spoke about the importance of allyship in promoting peace and finding common ground.

Thank you Shai and Raheel for your courageous advocacy and the timeless wisdom and mentorship you offered our Common Roots Ambassadors!

Join us, Tamid at Western University, and Aaron Spivak for this important drop-in conversation!

Join AVI and Tamid at Western University for a conversation with Canadian founder and business leader Aaron Spivak.

Come hear about entrepreneurship, leadership, and building successful ventures.

📍Mar 31st at 7pm

📍Refreshments will be provided

📍This is a drop-in event, so no registration is required

Click the above flyer to learn more and cast your vote!

AVI is proud to work with a myriad of campus organizations – including CJPAC, Hillel Montreal, Startup Nation, Federation CJA, and StandWithUs Canada – to encourage students to vote in the upcoming student elections. As a student at McGill University or Concordia University, your voice – and your vote – matters!

To vote for the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU), taking place between March 9–20, please visit ssmu.simplyvoting.com to cast your vote.

To vote for the Concordia Student Union (CSU), taking place between March 17–19, please check your student email starting March 17 for instructions on how to vote.

Click the above flyer to register

Attention Vancouver students! Join us for our Unity Social hosted by AVI Student Ambassadors and allies at University of British Columbia. A vibrant gathering that celebrates the beauty of cultures, backgrounds, and traditions coming together in one space. This event is all about connection, community, and shared experiences. Meet new people, learn about different cultures, and enjoy an evening filled with meaningful conversations, laughter, and unity.⁠

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Whether you come to represent your heritage, discover others, or simply connect with a diverse community, everyone is welcome. Let’s celebrate what makes us unique, and what brings us together.⁠

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🫱🏻‍🫲🏾 March 19th⁠

🫱🏻‍🫲🏾 6 pm - 9 pm⁠

🫱🏻‍🫲🏾 Vancouver – Location sent upon registration⁠

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Organized in partnership with Israel on Campus (IOC) at UBC and the Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA).

To register, please click here.