Thousands attend Jewish-Iranian solidarity rally in Toronto
- Allied Voices for Israel (AVI)
- Apr 29
- 4 min read
PLUS: AVI condemns anti-Muslim incident at University of Calgary, leads four educational workshops at a public school in London, and more!
A historic shift took place on the streets of downtown Toronto this past Sunday, one that will be remembered as a monumental testament to the unyielding bond between the Jewish and Iranian peoples.
Thousands showed up for our Iranian-Jewish solidarity rally, hosted by Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) in partnership with Cyrus the Great, B'nai Brith Canada, and Yalla Community.
It was truly phenomenal to witness the sheer power of thousands converging at Yonge and Bloor. Together, we marched down to Queen's Park, transforming the heart of the city into a vibrant sea of Israeli and historic Lion and Sun flags. We took over the streets, sending a clear, undeniable message to all Torontonians: Iranians and Jews stand together as one against oppression.
Elected officials including MPP Laura Smith, MPP Michael Kerzner, and MPP Michael Parsa delivered impassioned speeches about the profound importance of standing up against hatred and supporting the Iranian people in their courageous quest for freedom and independence. Our Founder and Executive Director Daniel Koren also spoke about the importance of standing united against terrorism.
As we marched, our powerful chants echoed through the city, resonating so deeply they could surely be heard all the way in Tehran and Jerusalem. We are inspired by the unity and love displayed by our Iranian brothers and sisters as they marched alongside members of Toronto’s Jewish community.
Our incredible AVI Student Ambassadors and alumni Mishel, Arvin, Eyal, Anthony, Amir, Avery, and Kyla showed up to support, uplift, and send love to the Iranian and Jewish communities, embodying the hope and leadership of this historic day.
Click the top photo for a recap of the Iranian-Jewish rally our Social Media Intern Kyla Pugen put together; click on the bottom photo for our own recap!
There is something so special about two communities showing up together louder and prouder than ever before. The atmosphere in Toronto was so inspiring— the most beautiful sunny day filled with dancing, singing, and a shared vision for a better future.
To watch a recap of the rally by AVI Social Media Intern Kyla Pugen, please click here.
To watch a recap of AVI's recap of the rally, featuring a special performance by Israeli singer Limore and Iranian singer Ardavan Hatami, please click here.
Click the above still to listen to AVI Founder & Executive Director Daniel Koren's full interview with Iranian-Canadian news outlet Resano
“When I see this unity standing together, I am truly amazed,” said AVI Founder Daniel Koren during an interview at the rally given by Iranian-Canadian news outlet Resano.
“By standing together, what seems impossible becomes possible. This unity has deep roots and has long existed between the Iranian and Jewish communities, and today it is growing even stronger. The visit of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to Israel three years ago also helped strengthen this bond. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Iran and continue the struggle until Iran is free.”
May we all march through a free and peaceful Iran soon!
To hear Koren's full interview with Resano, please click here.
Click the above graphic to read our full statement
AVI strongly condemns anti-Muslim comments sent to students of the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) at the University of Calgary.
Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and free to practice their faith without fear, as protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
We stand in full solidarity with all students at the University of Calgary facing hatred and discrimination. Our communities are strongest when we stand together against hatred in all its forms – whether it's anti-Zionist hatred or anti-Muslim hatred – and when we embrace each other as Canadians.
To read our full statement, please click here.
AVI Student Ambassador Naomi (left) reuniting with AVI's Director of Education Gabriela Rosenblum (right)
AVI’s Director of Education Gabriela Rosenblum gave four successful workshops on combating and understanding anti-Jewish hatred at an elementary school in London, Ontario last week. Gabriela also attended Jewish Federation London’s Yom Ha’atzmaut event.
Gabriela also had a sweet reunion with our Common Roots Ambassador Naomi!
To see more pictures from AVI's educational programs in London, please click here.
(Left to right): AVI Student Ambassador Delano, Alberta Campus Advisor & Advocacy Associate Jean-Luc Mudingayi, AVI Student Ambassador Noa
AVI's Advocacy Associate and Alberta Campus Advisor Jean-Luc Mudingayi had a blast tabling at the Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration hosted by the Calgary JCC and the Calgary Jewish Federation with Common Ground Ambassadors Delano and Noa, both students at Mount Royal University.
Click the above graphic to check out how we commemorated Yom Ha'atzmaut in Toronto!
In Toronto, Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations were in full swing.
AVI's Founder Daniel Korentook part in a meaningful flag raising at Toronto City Hall alongside dozens of community leaders and representatives – while AVI's Director of Operations Ofra Nissani and Director of Campus Affairs Idaliah Snajdman connected with Toronto community members and allies at a Yom Ha'atzmaut gathering at Queen's Park with some of our AVI friends and stakeholders.
To see more pictures from Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations in Toronto, please click here.
Click the above graphic to register
On May 2nd, we are partnering with Hillel Montreal and over a dozen organizations on Mesiba MTL – an open-air, Tel Aviv club-themed celebration of Israeli culture and Jewish solidarity! Wear your linen outfits and come to have an incredible time with Montreal's Jewish community and their allies!
Limited spots are available! Venue will be revealed after registration.
For tickets, please click here.
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