It’s hard to believe, but it has already been five years since Tau Omega opened the doors to our permanent home at the University of Toronto. This milestone was only possible because of the incredible generosity of our alumni, and we cannot thank you enough for making it happen. Our chapter house has become a true centre of Jewish student life at U of T, not only for AEΠ Brothers but for the greater Jewish community on campus as well.
In recent years, Tau Omega has not been immune to the rise of antisemitism at the University of Toronto, where Jewish students continue to face hostility and exclusion. Yet despite these challenges, our chapter has remained a proud and visible presence on campus, offering Brothers and the wider Jewish community a safe and welcoming home where Jewish life can thrive.
Last January, we organized U of T’s only public Holocaust memorial, reading names of victims for 24 hours straight in front of the Sidney Smith building in the heart of campus. We pasted hundreds of hostage posters all over campus and worked with Jewish organizations like Hillel to spread awareness of the hostages still in Gaza. This year, we are preparing to host U of T’s only public October 7th vigil, honouring the lives lost and those still held hostage, with another continuous reading of every name in front of Sidney Smith as well as hostage poster and yellow ribbon hanging, and a conversation booth to engage with our peers. As well, we continue to be U of T’s premier venue for Jewish life, hosting Shabbat dinners and connecting Jewish U of T students to local shuls for services.
This strength and endurance have only been possible because of the support of our alumni and donors, whose generosity enables us to uphold our traditions, provide security, and ensure that Tau Omega remains a place where Jewish students can live openly and confidently as part of our brotherhood and wider community.
As we look ahead, and as antisemitism continues to be a reality on campus, we are once again asking for your support. While the house itself is built and fully occupied year-round, we now need help funding the experiences and essentials that make it the preeminent Jewish centre at U of T. These include community and Brotherhood meals, furniture, and security equipment that ensure our house is not just standing, but alive with brotherhood.
We would be grateful for your support to continue offering programs and initiatives like:
Shabbat and Holiday Dinners for the University of Toronto Jewish Community
Monday Night Meeting Dinners
Philanthropic Events (Poster printing, signs, etc.)
Scholarships (Merit, needs-based, etc.)
We would also be very appreciative for your support in funding:
Chapter Room Upgrades
Dining and Patio Furniture for Shared Meals and events
Study Tables and Chairs to Support Academic Success
AEΠ Banners, Flags, and Articles of Pride for the House
Your support will enable us to maintain U of T’s premier venue for Jewish life and pride.
We will also appreciatively accept item donations, rather than cash donations.
We are excited to keep strengthening what you helped us build. With your support, Tau Omega will remain a proud Jewish home at U of T. It will continue to be a place where every Jew on campus can be safe, celebrate Shabbat, gather for meals, and know that they belong.