AVI Student speaks out against ‘weak leadership’ at Concordia and McGill

Common Ground Ambassador Anastasia Zorchinsky voices her frustration at McGill after yesterday's anti-Israel protest blocked student access to buildings

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On behalf of Allied Voices for Israel (AVI), we would like to share the incredible nachas and pride we receive through working with students who are no doubt the future leaders of our community.

After yesterday's anti-Israel walkout and disturbance at McGill University, we are particularly inspired by our Common Ground Ambassador and Concordia University Student Anastasia Zorchinsky, who is publicly calling out both Concordia and McGill's ‘weak’ administration.

At Wednesday's rally, masked anti-Israel activists blockaded the entrance to buildings and tried to prevent students from going to class, thus violating the school's policy. AVI is calling on McGill to enforce its own guidelines and condemn the hateful protest that took place.

“We must keep fighting, but as a Concordia student, I am tired of Canadian universities having weak leadership while also having all the resources to be capable of stopping the extreme hate, violence, terror support, and from taking our freedom away of being normal university students,” says Anastasia. “We must keep fighting.”

⁠Please click here to watch her video.

Our Common Ground Ambassadors with Olympic Judo Champions Inbar Lanir and Raz Hershko

Many of our AVI Common Ground Ambassadors from campuses such as the University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, and York University connected with incredible figures representing Israel, including Olympic medalists from the Israeli women’s judo team, at the Rise & Respond: Global Student Summit Against Antisemitism in New York City. Students also learned about Israel advocacy and combating antisemitism.

Please click here to see more photos from their experience!

AVI Director of Campus Affairs Idaliah Snajdman with University of Manitoba Student Emma Zentner

AVI recently had the pleasure to connect with students throughout Manitoba. We were proud to host opportunities for students to get engaged and learn about our programs in partnership with Hillel Winnipeg at the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba.

Please click here to see more photos from the partnership.

UBC students participate in a challah bake co-hosted by AVI

Our BC students have been busy, taking part in tablings at UBC, Israeli themed events in partnership with Hillel BC, and other opportunities to learn about Israel as an integral connection to Jewish culture.

This week, UBC students and AVI Common Ground Ambassadors joined for a beautiful challah bake organized by AVI in partnership with the UBC Jewish Student Association and Chabad of Vancouver.

For more photos, please click here.

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Edmonton Students at the Young Adult party hosted by Hillel Edmonton

We had a blast connecting with Edmonton Students at Hillel Edmonton‘s Young Adult Party, where West Coast Campus Advisor Jean-Luc Mudingayi got to engage with students about AVI's educational workshops and programs!

AVI Executive Director Daniel Koren with MP Kevin Vuong

AVI Founder and Executive Director Daniel Koren recently met with MP Kevin Vuong at Goldstruck Coffee in Toronto, as the store has been recently targeted with anti-Jewish graffiti and vandalism.

“Kevin, whether you are an MP, an MPP, a PM, or simply a proud Canadian, our community will always be proud to have you in our corner as an ally and friend,” Daniel wrote in his social media post regarding the chance encounter.

“The vandalism and vile hatred targeting Jewish businesses will never intimidate us. If anything, thanks to the power of our community, it only furthers our resolve to support one another.”

This is your sign to get your next caffeine fix at Golstruck Coffee!

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We are a proud partner on this year's Canada Israel Fashion Week!

Make sure you join to experience the glamour, style, and creativity Israel and the Canadian Jewish community have to offer. Get ready to witness the fusion of Canadian Jewish and Israeli fashion, art, and performances.

To purchase tickets, please click here.

Toronto Metropolitan University student Madison Rosenberg is our #AmbassadorSpotlight

Meet our #AmbassadorSpotlight Madison Rosenberg, one of our wonderful Common Ground Ambassadors studying Child and Youth Care at Toronto Metropolitan University.

“I decided to become a Common Ground Ambassador with AVI because I was interested in not only learning more about Israel, but also meeting other like-minded individuals – whether they be fellow Jews, or allies! Not only did I get to experience a trip full of amazing experiences, but I also met so many amazing people I still stay in touch with!

Common Ground has taught me valuable information that helps me advocate for myself and my community. I’m honestly so grateful that I had the chance to be a part of this incredible organization.”