WATCH: Indigenous leaders speak out for Israel
- Allied Voices for Israel (AVI)
- Jun 4
- 5 min read
PLUS: Our 'Shalom Namaste' yoga event is this Sunday, Rawan Osman is coming to Vancouver, our Nova Exhibit event brings out hundreds, and more!
Click on the above graphic to watch Gela's moving reflection
In honour of Indigenous Heritage Month, Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) is proud to launch a special video series amplifying the voices of Indigenous leaders across Canada.
In partnership with the Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation (CAEF) and the Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem, we’ll be releasing eight powerful clips throughout the next eight weeks, each featuring a different Indigenous voice speaking to shared values, histories, and solidarity with the Jewish people and Israel.
The first video features Gela Naqica, an Inuk woman from Iqaluit, Nunavut, and a proud member of the First Nations of North America. While sporting an AVI “Proud Ally” shirt, Gela shares a deeply moving reflection on the global Indigenous experience and the meaningful connections between her community and the Jewish people.
Stay tuned as we continue to elevate these important stories and build bridges rooted in truth, identity, and mutual respect.
AVI students at the Nova Exhibit in Toronto
AVI was proud to partner with our friends at the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) last week to bring over 150 Canadians, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, to the Nova Exhibition in Toronto. Dozens of students and allies aligned with AVI joined as well.
Attendees heard directly from Nova survivor Tal Ben Dror, whose powerful testimony brought the horrors of Oct. 7 into sharp focus. AVI Founder and Executive Director Daniel Koren also spoke, sharing his personal story and the painful loss of his cousin in the Nova massacre.
Two of our AVI Student Ambassadors, one Jewish and one Christian, offered heartfelt reflections on what it means to stand publicly for Israel in today’s climate. In a time of rising hostility, moments like these reaffirm the importance of building bridges and strengthening our community’s voice.
Click on the graphic to register for the event!
In just four days, AVI is hosting Shalom Namaste: An Evening of Yoga & Mindfulness—a powerful opportunity to bring together like-minded Canadians for connection, reflection, and peace in the wake of October 7. It is taking place on Sunday, June 8 in Thornhill, Ont.
This unique evening will feature a diverse lineup of instructors offering something for everyone—from restorative to high-energy movement:
Yana Schekoldin will guide participants through calming Restorative Yoga, set to the healing sounds of crystal bowls by Rhonda from Mindfulness and the Lotus;
Randi Bergman will lead an energizing Power Yoga session;
Neeva, owner of She Pilates and Yoga and one of our proud sponsors, will bring her signature strength-meets-serenity style;
Plus, a special Laughing Yoga experience led by the Canadian Organization of Hindu Heritage Education (CoHHE) will help us all breathe a little easier.
Guests will also enjoy a fresh juice bar, light kosher fare, and meaningful conversation, all in a space designed to nourish both body and spirit.
In moments of challenge and grief, AVI remains committed to building community through creativity, compassion, and solidarity.
Click the graphic to register for the event!
Next week, AVI is proud to host Tragic Awakening: A New Look at the Oldest Hatred in Vancouver with special guest Rawan Osman—a courageous voice for truth and reconciliation in the Middle East.
Raised in a Hezbollah stronghold, Rawan grew up immersed in anti-Israel narratives until her own experiences led her to question everything. Today, she’s an outspoken advocate for peace, the founder of Arabs Ask, and a respected voice on international stages including the UN.
Her story is not just one of personal transformation, but a bold challenge to extremism and hate, offering hope for a different future.
This event is generously sponsored by Pollock Clinics, in partnership with Temple Sholom, the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, and Vancouver Stands with Israel.
We invite our community to hear her remarkable journey in person on Thursday, June 12. Join us for a VIP reception at 6pm, followed by the main event at 7pm.
Click on the above graphic to listen to the full episode on YouTube.
Episode Two of AVI’s Common Voices podcast is now live featuring the fearless and always unfiltered Raheel Raza.
A leading Muslim reformer and longtime advocate for interfaith dialogue and women's rights, Raheel doesn’t hold back as she shares her journey standing up to extremism and anti-Jewish hatred. In one unforgettable moment, she jokes: “I’m also listed on an al Qaeda website somewhere as the sixth most hated person, which is very disappointing—because I want to be number one.”
From confronting radical ideologies to building bridges with the Jewish community, Raheel’s voice is as bold as it is necessary.
This episode was generously sponsored by Wendy Switzer Myles, whose support helps amplify voices of courage and clarity in today’s polarized world.
AVI Common Ground Ambassadors in Montreal catch up over pizza
Nothing brings people together like good conversation… and great pizza!
Our Director of Quebec & Atlantic Canada, Noa Benchaya, recently had a blast taking three incredible Montreal AVI Common Ground Ambassadors Solenn, Ilan, and Moshe out for dinner to celebrate their hard work, passion, and commitment to building bridges across communities.
Here's to more dialogue, more action, and yes, more slices.
Our #AmbassadorSpotlight this week is Concordia student Abhinav Deshwar
Meet our #AmbassadorSpotlight Abhinav Deshwar, an Industrial Engineering Student at Concordia University, and a Common Ground Ambassador.
Please read a testimonial from Abhinav below:
My journey to Israel as a Common Ground Ambassador with Allied Voices for Israel was one of the most profound and deeply moving experiences of my life. Standing before the Western Wall, I felt an indescribable sense of connection—an energy that transcended time and space. Walking through the streets of Jerusalem, where history and resilience are etched into every stone, I saw firsthand the unbreakable spirit of a people who have endured immense challenges yet continue to embrace life with hope and warmth.
What struck me most was not just Israel’s beauty or history, but the kindness and strength of its people. Whether it was hearing personal stories of perseverance, witnessing the vibrant coexistence of cultures, or sharing meals with new friends who felt like family, every moment reaffirmed my belief in the power of human connection. As a Hindu, I deeply resonate with Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. This trip brought that philosophy to life, strengthening my bond with Israel and its people in ways I never imagined.
Israel is no longer just a place I visited; it has become a part of me.
Am Yisrael Chai.
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