Corey Balsam is a prominent Canadian Jewish activist and human rights expert. He currently serves as the National Coordinator for Independent Jewish Voices Canada (IJV).
Balsam holds a Master’s degree from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva and lived in Ramallah for several years, providing him with first-hand field experience and a robust background in policy research. He has worked for various international NGOs, focusing on the application of international law within the Israel-Palestine conflict. As a primary strategist for IJV, he has conceptualized numerous high-impact national campaigns and is a leading expert interviewed by Canadian media regarding the diverse voices within the Jewish community.
As the head of IJV, he launched the “Together Against Apartheid” campaign, utilizing detailed research reports to push for a redefinition of the occupation’s nature within Canadian society. He has frequently testified before Canadian parliamentary committees, providing expert evidence to oppose the use of the IHRA definition as a political tool to suppress academic freedom on campuses. He consistently organizes “Jewish Blocs” at major national protests in Ottawa and Montreal to demonstrate that Jewish support for Palestinian human rights is a growing movement. He spearheaded the “No Silence on Gaza” initiative, successfully mobilizing thousands of Canadians to pressure the government for a permanent ceasefire and an end to military aid to Israel. During his time in Ramallah, he assisted Palestinian grassroots organizations with international communications for non-violent resistance and continues to promote “Land Back” and “decolonization” frameworks within Canada.
He once wrote to the Canadian government: “If Canada is serious about holding Israel accountable for its crimes, it must impose sanctions with real bite — the kind that will force the Israeli government to rethink its actions toward Palestinians for good.”