An important interfaith initiative took place earlier this week at Algonquin College, where Hillel Ottawa invited the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s Advocacy and Interfaith Relations Specialist Jodi Green to lead a campus-wide conversation. 

While Hillel is known for its role as a Jewish culture club, the goal of this event was to reach beyond the Jewish community and foster meaningful interfaith dialogue. By offering an accessible introduction to Jewish faith, culture and history, Hillel aims to reduce antisemitism through knowledge, curiosity and open conversation. 

“Hillel’s Judaism 101 at Algonquin College … was such an eye-opener,” said Alexa Barret-Taller, Hillel Ottawa’s Springboard Fellow. “As someone who recently graduated and understands the campus climate, I wish students across all three of Ottawa’s post-secondary campuses had had access to this information sooner.”

The session helped clarify common misconceptions about Jewish people and created a safe space for learning. Algonquin College’s diverse student body includes students from many faiths, and programs like this illustrate the importance of supporting local colleges — ensuring Jewish students feel heard and respected while fostering cultural and religious understanding across campus.

Green underscored how essential it is for students to stay open-minded and to speak up against antisemitism.
“The session was educational, engaging, and a reminder that learning about different cultures can actually be fun and safe,” said Barret-Taller.

Participants explored the foundations of Jewish peoplehood, Jewish religion, and both historic and modern antisemitism. Many asked thoughtful questions and engaged sincerely, aiming to broaden their understanding of the Jewish community.

“I love speaking to student groups,” said Green. “They have minds like sponges and want to learn more about so many topics, including the Jewish community.”

She noted that many students are shocked to learn how widespread antisemitism is in Ottawa. 

“When encouraged to stand with the Jewish community and to help us reduce hate for all people, they are willing,” she said. “Students who have their own faith practice tend to easily absorb the importance of promoting a more just society for all which is in alignment with many of their religious teachings. For students who don’t have a regular faith interaction, we see their intellectual curiosity and sense of justice come to life.”

Thanks to Hillel’s strong relationship with the Algonquin College Spiritual Centre, the discussion took place in a space where participants felt safe asking questions and engaging openly. Hillel is also identifying more Jewish students at Algonquin and is committed to supporting them more holistically.

“Algonquin College serves a wide variety of students, some of whom have never met a Jewish person,” said Abby Tatham, Hillel Student President at Algonquin College. “Knowledge is how we combat antisemitism. It is important that Jewish students and staff feel comfortable on campus and have the same opportunities for Jewish engagement as our university peers.”

Looking ahead, Hillel plans to bring similar programming to the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, building partnerships across backgrounds to reduce hate in all its forms.

As the Torah teaches, tzedek, tzedek tirdof — “justice, justice you shall pursue.” These are the guiding principals that inspire this work.