Common Voices

Before they debated headlines, they shared their stories. In this powerful conversation, Ishak Ismail - a Palestinian-Canadian based in Edmonton for most of his life - and AVI's Founder and Executive Director Daniel Koren - Jewish-Canadian from Israel - come together to do something that's become increasingly rare: have an honest, respectful dialogue about one of the world's most co...

As we look for ways to build peace, we’re considering a perspective from Omer Kahin that connects the Middle East to Somaliland.  Kahin argues that formally recognizing Somaliland as its own independent country could have ripple effects far beyond East Africa. In his view, it could help reshape regional alliances and strengthen agreements like the Abraham Accords by adding a stable and cooperative...

In this intimate and thought-provoking conversation, we sit down with Dr. Sheree Trotter of the Indigenous Embassy of Jerusalem to explore her deeply personal and intellectual journey connecting Indigenous identity with the history and land of Israel. As a Māori scholar and historian, Dr. Trotter brings a unique voice to discussions about identity, heritage, and historical truth. Drawing from her...

Negar Mojtahedi is a Canadian-Iranian journalist and documentary filmmaker whose reporting focuses on human rights, international affairs, and developments in and around Iran. As host of Eye for Iran , she brings deep analysis and voices from the ground — including what she’s hearing from inside Iran right now. In this episode we had a very candid conversation with Negar about life in Iran today a...

In this episode, we sit down with Fatema Al Harbi, a Bahraini peace activist and author dedicated to building dialogue and understanding in the Middle East. Fatema shares her personal journey into peace advocacy and her deep interest in the Abraham Accords, exploring how people-to-people engagement can help move the region toward coexistence. As a leader within Sharaka, she discusses the challenge...

Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) is dedicated to fostering connections and finding common ground beyond the Jewish faith. The necessity of this mission became profoundly clear after October 7th, prompting a surge of strong student allies to speak up for the Jewish community on campus. Listen to this inspiring podcast to hear directly from these brave and remarkable students about why they felt the n...

 Join us for a provocative and unfiltered conversation with Warren Kinsella , the outspoken Canadian political strategist, lawyer, and author known for his uncompromising takes and decades spent in the trenches of journalism and politics. Kinsella doesn't just comment on the news—he aims to correct it , often putting himself at the center of the fight for truth.   If you’re tired of the caref...

Recent surveys reveal a concerning trend: Jewish students in Canadian post-secondary institutions feel suppressed. Many are afraid to be openly Jewish or express their views on the Middle East conflict. While some quietly hide their Star of David necklaces, others like Liat Schwartz and Michael Mandel are proudly displaying them, enduring acts of intimidation and threats of violence. In this podca...

Join us for a powerful and eye-opening conversation with Harry Laforme, Canada's first Indigenous Court Judge. In this episode, we delve into his unique perspective as an advocate for both the Indigenous and Jewish communities, and how he recognizes the ancient and undeniable right to self-determination of the Jewish people in their ancestral homeland of Israel. Laforme, a member of the Missi...

Join us as we connect with Yuval David, the Emmy Award-winning actor, host, director, and filmmaker , known for his work in film, television, and digital content. David is a prominent advocate and activist . The LGBTQ community has been particularly vocal about the Middle East crisis, leading advocate Yuval David to pivot much of his attention away from speaking up for the group, to combating misi...

We spoke with Ragini Sharma, co-founder of COHHE (the Canadian Organization for Hindu Heritage Education) , to gain insights into the Hindu faith and explore the challenges they face in fostering common understanding. Every ethnic and religious group faces discrimination, both here in Canada and around the globe. The Common Voices podcast aims to bridge these divides by fostering understanding thr...

Unlock the complexities of Middle East geopolitics. In this compelling episode, we delve deep into the escalating Iran-Israel war and Syria's new leadership plays a role . Join us as Rawan Osman (Lebanese-Syrian Activist) unravels the intricate web of alliances, and suggests how the blood on Iran's hands is reshaping the Syrian landscape . From the Syrian civil war's enduring legacy...

In this powerful episode of Common Voices, host Justin Chow sits down with Ashley Waxman Bakshi, a Canadian-born beauty and lifestyle influencer turned outspoken advocate against antisemitism and misinformation. Now based in Israel, Ashley shares her journey from growing up detached from her Israeli-Jewish identity, to facing antisemitism at university, to discovering her voice as a fierce defende...

Join us for a conversation with Raheel Raza, a Pakistani Canadian journalist based here in Toronto. We'll be discussing the importance of respectful dialogue and speaking out against hate.  INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC: https://www.instagram.com/westsidegravy/CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AND THE PROGRAMS WE OFFER: https://alliedvoicesforisrael.org FOLLOW US: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliedvoi...

 For our very first podcast episode, we had the privilege of an intimate conversation with Amy Albertson. Get ready to hear from this Chinese American Jew who's a powerful voice against antisemitism, offering a refreshing perspective on Jewish identity.   In this episode we dive deeper into her goal to advocate and educate as an ally to the community. INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC: https://www.inst...