Meet Our Staff
Through advocacy programs to Israel, educational workshops, media fellowships, and other intensive programs, our AVI staff are inspiring a new generation of students to change the narrative around Israel.
Daniel Koren
Founder & Executive Director
Daniel Koren is the Founder and Executive Director of Allied Voices for Israel (AVI). With 14+ years experience in the Jewish nonprofit sector as a fundraiser, Israel advocate, and communications expert, Daniel has raised millions towards combating antisemitism at high school and university campuses across Canada.
As a journalist, Daniel has led high-profile interviews with politicians, celebrities, and human rights experts. As an advocate, he has led several campaigns and initiatives focused on education, advocacy, and coalition-building..
Daniel is an expert on antisemitism in Canada and has been published and/or appeared in video, radio, and print interviews with Global News, CTV News, The National Post, CBC News, The Jerusalem Post, The Toronto Star, VICE Media, Page Six, Huffington Post, The Globe & Mail, The Times of Israel, The Canadian Jewish News, The Algemeiner, Israel National News, and several others.
Daniel's vision as the founder of AVI is to unite Canadians of all backgrounds to stand up against antisemitism, radical ideologies, and hatred in all its forms.
Noa Benchaya
Director of Quebec & Atlantic Canada
Noa has a passion for being actively involved in the Jewish and Israel community. Prior to her role with AVI, Noa was the President of Hillel and Marianopolis College and later served as the Vice President of Jewish Life for Hillel Ottawa while she was studying at the University of Ottawa.
Noa also participated in the CJPAC and CIJA Chai Fellowships for students on campus. She is excited to continue her critical work in the Jewish community as the Director of Quebec and Atlantic Canada with AVI.
Gabriela Rosenblum
Director of Education
Gabriela became involved in advocacy and student empowerment in 2019 and has since been an active advocate for Israel and the Jewish people on campus and in the community at large.
Gabriela obtained her HBSc at the University of Toronto and her Master's of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) from Yorkville University. She has spoken at collaborative town halls, conventions, and workshops with other Jewish organizations to increase awareness, promote openness and encourage effective communication and find resolutions for current antisemitism concerns.
Idaliah Snajdman
Director of Campus Affairs
Idaliah has demonstrated a passion for advocacy and community building among students of all ages. As the Multi-Faith Director at Hillel TMU, she has fostered an inclusive and welcoming environment by collaborating with diverse religious groups on campus to promote mutual understanding and co-existence. Prior to this role, Idaliah taught Jewish education to younger students, strengthening their understanding of the culture and traditions.
Currently pursuing a degree in sociology at Toronto Metropolitan University, Idaliah's experiences have equipped her with a unique perspective and appreciation for diversity, which she brings to her work as our Director of Campus Affairs.
Raihaana Adira
Montreal Allyship Advisor & Content Creator
Raihaana Adira is an undergraduate student at McGill University, majoring in International Development and Islamic Studies. As a Muslim and dedicated ally to the Jewish community, Raihaana was one of the students who filed the injunction against the pro-hate encampment at McGill backed by foreign adversaries. She actively stands against anti-Semitism, promotes peaceful coexistence, and advocates for creating safe and inclusive spaces on campus, drawing from her personal experiences. She is thrilled to be working with AVI as the Montreal Allyship Advisor and our Content Creator
Justin Chow
Allyship Advisor
Justin Chow is the Allyship Advisor for Allied Voices for Israel (AVI). A passionate and dedicated non-Jewish advocate based in Toronto, Justin graduated from the University of Toronto in 2024 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Sexual Diversity Studies, and Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health.
Justin’s journey into advocacy was profoundly shaped by the events of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent wave of hatred he witnessed on his campus. These experiences galvanized his commitment to justice, allyship, and standing in solidarity with the Jewish community, even when doing so was unpopular.
Justin’s experience in crisis counselling and peer support has further driven his passion for connecting with individuals through empathy and empowering conversations. As a public speaker, Justin has delivered impactful speeches at synagogues, churches, and even Toronto City Hall, sharing his unique perspective and fostering understanding between diverse communities. His insights and advocacy work have also been featured in op-eds published by The Toronto Sun and The Canadian Jewish News.
Through his work at AVI, Justin strives to foster meaningful dialogue, build bridges between communities, and address antisemitism with conviction and moral clarity.
Sharon Krasnianski
Communications Associate
Sharon Krasnianski has a passion for communications, creativity, and advocacy. With her extensive background in business development, content creation, and the written word, Sharon has applied her skills to a wide array of endeavours. She has worked for various tech startups, Israel organizations, and Jewish nonprofits, where she honed her skills in leadership, peer development, sales, content creation, and marketing. She graduated Honors With Distinction with a BA from the University of Toronto. It was her university experience that first exposed her to the perils of anti-Jewish hatred on campus and inspired her to spread the message of diversity and peace through advocacy.
Most of all, Sharon is passionate about her birthplace, Israel. She brings her creativity and love of advocacy to her role as Communications Associate at AVI.
Jean-Luc Mudingayi
West Coast Campus Advisor
Jean-Luc Mudingayi is a graduate from the University of Calgary, with a background in Business and Political Science. His background includes impactful roles in the non-profit sector, where he mobilized millennials and Generation Z on issues crucial to Canadians with New Majority. Additionally, he has successfully fundraised for a local museum in his hometown of Saskatchewan.
At Students Supporting Israel Calgary, Jean-Luc served for two years as Vice President of Internal Relations and Communications. This experience not only deepened his understanding of Jewish and Israeli culture, but also equipped him with valuable skills for navigating campus environments. He forged strong relationships with local officials, organizations, and school administrations to foster a supportive environment, championing efforts against antisemitism and advocating for Israel's right to self-determination. Before starting this position, Jean-Luc also contributed as a Common Ground Trip Leader and AVI/HonestReporting Canada Campus Media Fellow.
Zach Rusonik
High School Advisor
Zach has demonstrated a passion for advocacy within the Jewish and pro-Israel communities. As a former StandWithUs Emerson Fellow and Vice President of Students Supporting Israel at Toronto Metropolitan University, he organized many educational events and workshops to promote Israel in a positive light on campus. Over the past few summers, while working as a camp counselor, and Head Staff member at Camp Barney Medintz in Cleveland, Georgia, he planned creative activities and program-filled days, including Israel Day. After living in Israel for a year, Zach deepened his knowledge of his community and culture. Zach is currently pursuing a degree in History at Toronto Metropolitan University. His experiences have demonstrated strong leadership, and he is excited to continue making an impact on the Jewish community in his new role at AVI.
Meet our Board of Directors
Matthew Friedberg
Matthew Friedberg is a renowned criminal defence attorney in Toronto and Chair of Allied Voices for Israel (AVI). Matthew graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1995 after being admitted into that institution at the age of 20. He was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1997 and is currently a leading defence attorney with his firm, Caramanna Friedberg LLP. Matthew enjoys a reputation as a leading defence lawyer in the Toronto area. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, the Criminal Lawyers' Association, and the Toronto Lawyers' Association.
Nathan Choran
Nathan Choran leads the Canadian Tax Group at Zeifmans. For over 25 years, he has provided strategic advice on income tax matters affecting private companies. Nathan’s professional activities include leading tutorials for the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada), serving on the CPA Canada and Ontario Budget Summary Committees and presenting lectures on owner-managed business taxation. In addition to his professional experience, he also brings decades of Jewish community experience to his role as Treasurer of Allied Voices for Israel (AVI).
Rhoda Singer
Alongside her husband Herb, Rhoda Singer founded Discount Car & Truck Rentals. As Rhoda says, her "third love after her husband, children and grandchildren" is accounting. At Discount, Rhoda looked after the accounting of her company and was involved in operations and human resources, which opened the door to many new clients and stakeholders. Rhoda's other passion has always been contributing to charities. Rhoda quickly realized that her contacts with various vendors allowed her to combine her passions as she incorporates vendors as major gift donors. Rhoda strives to create a safe space on university campuses across the country.
Johnathan Spiegelman
Jonathan Spiegelman has served as the co-chair of AVI's Drive for Israel Golf Tournament for the past two years. He has been very involved with AVI since its inception and believes strongly in its mission of inspiring and empowering non-Jewish Canadians to join the fight against antisemitism. As the head of Terra Legno Canada, Jonathan is a staunch and avid supportere of AVI.
Vivienne Grace Ziner
Vivienne Grace Ziner has an enormous passion and a commitment for activism and human rights which she inherited from her beloved mother, Rose Ziner z’L”. Her involvement with various groups from many religious, ethnic and diversified backgrounds are a testament to her firm conviction and belief to help threatened minorities in their times of need and distress.
"My journey to Israel as a Common Ground Ambassador was one of the most profound and emotional experiences of my life. As a Hindu who believes in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—this trip brought that philosophy to life and made my bond with Israel and its people stronger than ever. Israel isn’t just a place I visited; it’s a part of me now."
Abhinav Deshwar
Concordia University
AVI Common Ground Ambassador