On January 21st Hillel @ York hosted a screening of the film, “Shield of Solomon,” which traces the journey of four  Sudanese refugees and was followed with a Q & A with the director of the film, Igal Hecht.  Over twelve different student campus organizations came together to learn about Sudanese refugees finding a home and solace in Israel.  Everyone walked away having learned about the plight of Sudanese refugees and the aid Israelis have provided while thinking about what the government of Israel’s actions and policies should be towards African migrant workers and refugees.

On Monday afternoon, York University played host to an international music milestone as Israeli performer Idan Raichel joined forces with Ethiopian and Somali musicians Nakruma and Kabra Kasai, all in the name of peace on the Global Stage. Raichel answered fans’ questions, performed a laid-back, piano-fused set with several guests from his touring bands, and even stopped for photos and signed autographs. Students from various partnering groups even had the opportunity to introduce each performer and present them with flowers at the end of the show. The concert, presented by the Canadian International Peace Project, was highly supported by Hillel, Bahai’ Students, TBLGay, Somalian students,York’s United Black Students Alliance (YUBSA), Eritrean students, Ethiopian students, and several other student groups. Everybody really enjoyed the performance. In the end, a positive vibe was felt around York campus, and the prospect of peace struck a new chord.

Yaakov Katz came to Toronto on October 22nd and 23rd.  After an interesting schmooze session with students at U of T, Mr. Katz spoke to a group of about 45 students at York University. Mr. Katz focused on subject matters relating to Iran. Question period was very interesting given the questions and comments from Iranian students who came to express their viewpoints on everything from Ahmadinejad to human rights to the threat of a nuclear Iran.