11/19/2025
On November 5, an IDF soldier came to speak to pro-Israel students at Toronto Metropolitan University.
It wasn't long before the event turned ugly.
Protestors violently forced their way into the building during the talk, leaving students injured, shaken, and scared.
Today, nearly 2 weeks later, I was scheduled to speak to students at TMU. I learned that they almost cancelled the event - but four brave students (accompanied by two security guards) met me at a small restaurant in downtown Toronto to discuss Israel, music, October 7, Aliyah, and so much more.
Just four students? Yup. I learned that many students are now afraid to attend pro-Israel events on or near TMU's campus. This is the sad state of affairs on university campuses in 2025.
It was, by far, the most unusual talk I've ever given.
It also may be my favorite one ever.
Sitting with these bright, passionate, thoughtful students, learning first-hand about what's been happening on campus, and discussing their passion for Israel was simply inspiring. I learned much more from them than they did from me.
Plain and simple: these kids will not back down.
They will not be intimidated by the haters.
They are proud Zionists, and not afraid to share it with the world.
Sure, I shared some music. And we discussed many of the emotions of October 7 and what it's been like to live in Israel during this time. I hope I gave them just a little bit of strength and encouragement to continue standing up for Israel during this very challenging period.
But I gained SO much more.
I was there to share Israel's story... but as it turned out, THEIR story is also one that needs to be shared.
I left our meeting feeling really good about the future of our nation. With these young people paving the way, the pro-Israel community in Canada is in really good hands.
Thanks for inviting me, Students Supporting Israel - SSI !
