When Ottawa educators Jessica Shulman and Jennifer Glassman returned from the Binat HaLev educators’ mission to Israel last year (read the E-Bulletin story here), they were profoundly moved by what they had seen and learned. Inspired by the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s advocacy work and supported through a Federation Microgrant, they decided to take their own next step in the fight against antisemitism.

Together with Paul Devey, an Ottawa-based consultant, and Michael Westcott of Allies for a Strong Canada — who also helped coordinate the evening’s logistics and security — they launched the Common Ground Collective, a grassroots initiative designed to engage allies and broaden understanding of how antisemitism threatens all Canadian society.

The group’s first project was a public screening of October 8, the powerful documentary that Federation also shared with the community in May 2025 to foster awareness and dialogue. Recognizing the film’s continued impact, Federation agreed that more allies needed the opportunity to see it as well and was delighted that the Common Ground Collective was extending its reach to new audiences.

Shulman “and I got to talking about October 8, which I hadn’t yet seen,” said Devey. “That’s when she asked if I wanted to join her in making a screening happen.”

From its inception, the group agreed that the event should focus on allies rather than only the Jewish community. “Jewish people who saw it in theatres walked out of the movie saying they wanted more people to see it and understand what it means to be a Jew in 2025,” said Shulman.

With the Microgrant’s support, the group secured a venue and welcomed more than 200 guests, an estimated 60 percent of whom were non-Jewish allies. 

“Our target was 80 percent non-Jewish allies, but that was aspirational,” said Devey. “We were still very happy with the number of allies who came out to the screening, and we were also thrilled with the number of Jews who came with their non-Jewish friends.”

“I think many of the non-Jews that came were there because they had been invited by their Jewish friends,” added Glassman. “I imagine a lot of people felt more comfortable if the person who invited them came along.”

At the event, every attendee received a package containing eight information cards explaining what antisemitism is, how to confront it, and how to respond to common tropes and misconceptions. Shulman noted that there are still packages leftover from the event and interested parties can contact the group to receive one.

The group’s motivation was born from a deep desire to act. “I think we both finished [Binat HaLev] feeling the need to do more,” said Shulman. “In conversations between [Glassman] and I, we realized that more allyship opportunities are what is really needed right now.”

“The group’s work complements and strengthens Federation’s long-standing advocacy and interfaith bridge-building efforts,” said Jodi Green, Federation’s Advocacy and Interfaith Relations Specialist. “I was delighted to join Paul on the panel and share how the Jewish community has been impacted by antisemitism and work to empower them to speak up. 

Devey said the Common Ground Collective has much more planned. “We have a roadmap of different projects that we hope to launch soon, particularly between now and spring,” he explained. “Our goal is simple. It is to get allies to speak confidently on behalf of the Jewish community, as well as act with confidence.”

“My ask of the Jewish community is that if you come to our future events, please bring a non-Jewish friend along,” added Glassman. “The key is building a connection and fostering a deeper relationship between communities.”

To learn more about the Common Ground Collective, they can be reached at [email protected]. To join Federation’s advocacy list, email Jodi Green at [email protected].