Students embark on educational retreat in Niagara Falls

A new cohort of AVI Student Ambassadors from campuses across Canada honed their advocacy and leadership skills

Our new cohort of AVI Student Ambassadors!

Last weekend, Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) had the privilege of bringing together a dozen students from university campuses across Canada for a transformative experience in Niagara Falls. 

The educational retreat was focused on allyship, Israel advocacy, and coalition-building and offered these students the opportunity to hone their advocacy and leadership skills.

Students joined us from the University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Calgary, Toronto Metropolitan University, York University, and Guelph University.

Finding common ground at the Falls!

Over four days, students engaged in meaningful learning around allyship, campus life, and what it means to speak up when something is wrong. We explored anti-Jewish hatred and discussed practical ways to challenge and combat it, while emphasizing the importance of standing together against extremism on campus. 

The weekend was filled with interactive workshops and team-building activities that encouraged open dialogue, connection, and growth. Through these experiences, students learned that no matter our differences, we can always find common ground.

AVI Students take part in a Havdalah ceremony in Niagara Falls. For the vast majority of students, this was their first time participating in such a ceremony! 

We shared a deeply meaningful Shabbat, during which students reflected on what a day of rest looks like within their own cultures and traditions. Despite a snowy winter storm, we also made time to experience the beauty of Niagara Falls, an unforgettable moment for many of our students.

Common Ground Ambassadors Soujatya and Story share more about their experience on campus

We filmed some of these incredible leaders, like University of Calgary students Soujatya and Story (photo above), answering the important question of what allyship means to them. Keep your eyes peeled on our socials to meet some of these students, along with other exciting Niagara retreat content. Stay tuned! 

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Human Rights advocate Tamer Masudin addresses our Common Ground Student Ambassadors

We were especially honoured to hear from inspiring speakers, including Tamer Masudin; Daniel Koren, Founder and Executive Director of AVI, who shared why he decided to start the organization and what allyship means to him; Matthew Friedberg, Chair of Allied Voices for Israel; and Kim Smiley, Founder of the Empathy Effect.

Kim shared powerful personal stories about empathy and the importance of practicing it in our everyday lives, sparking thoughtful questions and discussion from students.

Participants also heard from Fatima Al Harbi, the first Bahraini individual to enter Israel, who spoke about her work with Sharaka and her involvement in the Abraham Accords, offering a unique and impactful perspective.

Congratulations to our social media contest winners Story, Chaim, and Emily!

We even squeezed in a social media contest, encouraging our Common Ground Niagara cohort to document their adventures on their respective social media accounts, which was a blast!

Bidding a bittersweet farewell to a meaningful and impactful weekend in beautiful Niagara Falls!

Overall, it was a powerful and inspiring experience, and we are excited to see the meaningful impact our new Common Ground Ambassadors will continue to make on campuses across Canada.