University students explore Jewish indigeneity to Israel

Students hailing from 16 campuses across Canada join AVI for our Common Ground mission in Italy

Our cohort of 25 college/university students across Canada visit the Arch of Titus in Rome (June 5)

Our first trip as Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) took place right after Oct. 7, when we had the radical idea to reroute to Italy — home to history deeply tied to Jerusalem and sites that corroborate Jewish indigeneity to Israel, such as the Arch of Titus and the Colosseum.

We quickly saw how incredibly impactful it was to bring students to Rome, Florence, and Venice. Students utilized this knowledge on campuses across the country, refuting anti-Israel propaganda and claims that Jews are not from the Middle East by sharing their experiences learning about Israel through an archaeological lens.

Once on campus, when antisemitic naysayers attempted to call them out for supporting Israel and that their sources weren't credible, our AVI Student Ambassadors interjected that they gained their insight in Italy, where the very first Jews arrived directly from Judea in 161 BCE. The detractors had nothing to say in response.

This week, a group of 25 exceptional students from 16 campuses across Canada joined AVI on our Common Ground mission in Italy.

AVI Student Ambassadors learn from our Israeli-Italian tour guide Inoun (June 3)

This cohort represents a diverse group of backgrounds, brought together by a shared understanding of the critical importance of allyship. By engaging in deep conversations and learning from one another's unique perspectives, they are building an unbreakable, united front.

These students have joined us not just to combat the anti-Israel graffiti and propaganda plaguing their daily campus lives, but to lead a broader, vital movement. Together, Jews and allies are standing shoulder-to-shoulder to dismantle anti-Western propaganda and proudly defend core Canadian values of democracy, freedom, and mutual respect.

Our 25 student leaders represent a powerhouse network of 16 institutions nationwide, including Carleton University, Concordia University, Humber Polytechnic, MacEwan University, McGill University, Mount Royal University, Queen's University, Seneca College, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, University of Ottawa, University of Toronto, Western University, Wilfrid Laurier University, and York University.

Together, they are committing to a unique educational experience that will take them to strategic sites across Italy. They will return home fully inspired and equipped to create positive change, challenge hostile narratives, and stand strong on their campuses.

Our AVI Student Ambassadors visit the Great Synagogue of Florence (June 3)

Our amazing students are traveling through Rome, Florence, Venice, and Vatican City while engaging in immersive learning, leadership development, and cultural exploration. 

They are visiting sites directly tied to Israel and the Jewish experience, including the Arch of Titus, an archaeological marvel that confirms Jewish indigeneity to Israel, Hadrian's Temple, named for the Roman Emperor who renamed Judea to Syria Palaestina in 135 CE, and the Colosseum, made possible by Rome's destruction of Jerusalem 2,000 years ago.

A particularly powerful highlight for both our Jewish and non-Jewish students on this trip has been diving into the unique history of the Jewish community in Italy. They learned that Roman Jews arrived directly from Judea long before the distinct historical branches of Ashkenazi or Sephardic Judaism even existed.

Discovering that Italian Jews form their own unique lineage, with roots tracing back straight to ancient Judea, was an eye-opening revelation. Most of the students did not have any prior knowledge of this incredible history, and learning about this unbroken connection sparked profound curiosity and conversation among the entire group.

Throughout the trip, our students are also taking part in workshops and discussions on allyship, identity, and Jewish history and heritage, in addition to a guided tour of Italy's Jewish history. 

Once they return to their respective campuses as Common Ground Ambassadors, they will have built the skills and confidence necessary to serve as AVI Student Ambassadors and foster respectful dialogue, challenge anti-Jewish hatred, and strengthen understanding about Israel across campus communities.