Speaker Biographies
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 AVI, bringing over 14 years of specialized experience in the Jewish nonprofit sector as a fundraiser, advocate, and communications strategist. A leading expert on anti-Jewish hatred in Canada, Daniel has raised millions of dollars to combat bigotry on 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 anti-Jewish hatred 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 anti-Jewish hatred, radical ideologies, and hatred in all its forms.
Noa Benchaya
Director of Quebec & Atlantic Canada
Noa is a dedicated community leader and advocate with a proven track record of mobilizing Jewish youth and fostering vibrant communal life. As the Director of Quebec and Atlantic Canada for AVI, she leverages years of frontline experience to combat anti-Jewish hatred and strengthen regional advocacy.
Before joining AVI, Noa held pivotal leadership roles, serving as President of Hillel at Marianopolis College and Vice President of Jewish Life for Hillel Ottawa. A graduate of the prestigious CJPAC and CIJA Chai Fellowships, she has developed a deep expertise in campus politics and strategic engagement. Today, Noa is a driving force for AVI’s mission, dedicated to empowering Jewish communities and building resilient coalitions across Eastern Canada.
Gabriela Rosenblum
Director of Education
Gabriela Rosenblum is a dynamic educator and mental health professional who has dedicated over six years to advocacy and student empowerment. As a leading voice for AVI, Gabriela has designed and delivered over 250 workshops to diverse audiences, ranging from elementary schools and university campuses to national conventions and community organizations across Canada.
With a background as a mental health professional, Gabriela holds an HBSc from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) from Yorkville University. She uniquely bridges the gap between advocacy and wellness, utilizing her clinical expertise to promote open dialogue, effective communication, and psychological resilience. Gabriela’s work is centered on finding constructive resolutions to contemporary anti-Jewish hatred, empowering the next generation to lead with confidence and clarity.
Michelle Gorokhovsky
High School Advisor
Michelle Gorokhovsky is a dedicated advocate and social work professional specializing in youth empowerment and mental health. As a High School Advisor with AVI, Michelle focuses on equipping the next generation with the psychological tools and practical confidence needed to navigate complex social climates and stand firmly against anti-Jewish hatred.
A graduate of McMaster University with a background in Social Work and Sociology, Michelle has built a career centered on social-emotional programming and resource navigation. During her tenure at Hillel McMaster, she was a key facilitator of wellness initiatives, supporting Jewish students through the challenges of a polarizing campus environment. Her experience is further deepened by her work with Jewish Family and Child Service, where she connected families to critical mental health and poverty reduction resources. At AVI, Michelle bridges her passion for advocacy with her clinical background, empowering students to engage in meaningful dialogue and become resilient advocates for their beliefs and their community.
Jean-Luc Mudingayi
Alberta Campus Advisor & Advocacy Associate
Jean-Luc Mudingayi is a dynamic advocate and community builder with a specialized background in mobilizing youth and navigating complex political landscapes. As a graduate of the University of Calgary in Business and Political Science, Jean-Luc has built a career centered on high-impact advocacy, having previously mobilized Millennial and Gen Z voters on national issues and led successful fundraising initiatives for cultural institutions.
Jean-Luc brings a wealth of specialized experience to AVI, having served for two years as Vice President of Internal Relations and Communications for SSI Calgary. A former Common Ground Ambassador and AVI/HonestReporting Canada Campus Media Fellow, he possesses a deep understanding of Jewish and Israeli culture and the strategic nuances of campus environments. Throughout his work, Jean-Luc has forged critical relationships with government officials and school administrations to champion Israel’s right to self-determination and build a unified front against anti-Jewish hatred. At AVI, he continues to leverage his expertise in communication and diplomacy to foster supportive, inclusive environments for students across Canada.
Yardena Rosenblum
Communications & Social Media Coordinator
Yardena is a strategic communicator and digital advocate who serves as the Communications and Social Media Coordinator at AVI. Specializing in digital strategy, content creation, and web design, Yardena is the driving force behind AVI’s online presence, utilizing creative storytelling to amplify diverse voices and foster inclusive dialogue around Jewish identity.
An alumna of the University of Toronto with an HBSc in Neuroscience and Psychology, Yardena also holds certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLPAO). This unique academic background provides her with the sharp analytical skills and precision necessary to navigate the complex landscape of digital advocacy. Her commitment to the community was sparked by the prevalence of campus anti-Jewish hatred during her university years, leading her to serve as an AVI/HRC Campus Media Fellow and an AVI Common Ground Ambassador. Today, Yardena blends technical expertise with a passion for purposeful communication to build accessible, high-impact advocacy campaigns that resonate across digital platforms.
Meet our Board of Directors
Matthew Friedberg
Matthew Friedberg is a renowned criminal defence attorney in Toronto and Chair of 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 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.
Jonathan Spiegelman
Jonathan Spiegelman has served as the co-chair of AVI's 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 anti-Jewish hatred. As the head of Terra Legno Canada, Jonathan is a staunch and avid supporter 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