Across Canada, people gathered with heavy hearts on October 6, 2024, to commemorate the victims of the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. This anniversary marks not only the tragic loss of lives but also emphasizes the continuing impact on families and communities. From Ottawa to Montreal, mourners expressed their grief, solidarity, and concerns about rising antisemitism.
On the steps of Ottawa’s City Hall, hundreds of participants draped themselves with Israeli flags, signaling their connection to the tragedy and calling for the release of hostages still held by Hamas. This gathering was part of multiple events held across cities, with similar sentiments echoed from Toronto to Calgary. Participants carried placards expressing solidarity and remembrance, embodying the collective pain felt nationwide.
The emotional weight of the day was particularly palpable as speeches rang out on Parliament Hill. Among the speakers was Rachel Look, the mother of Alexandre Look, one of the festival-goers killed during the attack. "The rise of antisemitism cannot continue... We must send strong messages against violence and terror," she urged, her voice filled with passion and pain. Rachel’s son had been attending the Supernova music festival when the horrific events unfolded. During the attack, he bravely tried to protect his friends and fellow concertgoers, embodying the spirit of courage even in dire circumstances.
Throughout the gathering, calls for justice and remembrance were mixed with expressions of outrage toward government policies perceived as inadequate or supportive of violence. Some attendees shouted for action as Liberal MP Mona Fortier delivered her remarks, reflecting the heated atmosphere as she stressed deep empathy for the Jewish community’s suffering.
Meanwhile, politicians like Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar received enthusiastic applause for their statements supporting Israel, showing the clear divide of opinions among those gathered. Majumdar spoke candidly about the ideological battle surrounding the issue. His remarks ignited fervor among supporters who joined the march with resolve.
Across the country, other events mirrored these sentiments. Toronto hosted its own rally, where Ontario's Solicitor General Michael Kerzner reaffirmed the community’s commitment against hate. “We will not stop standing up for our values. Hate and antisemitism have no place here,” he declared. His message aligned with the collective sentiment across these gatherings: the need to stand united against hatred, irrespective of one's background.
On the flip side, Montreal saw pro-Palestinian demonstrations on the same day, stirring tensions surrounding the conflict. Despite the somber anniversary, advocates called for solidarity with the Palestinian people, asserting their grievances against the actions taken during the conflict. Demonstrators criticized foreign policy and alleged humanitarian violations, which painted a complex picture of the day's emotions.
One of the key moments during the events was the sight of attendees holding yellow balloons, symbolizing the hostages taken during the attack. Participants released these balloons during, illustrating the hanging hope for their return against the backdrop of grief.
Despite suffering from personal losses, many of the speakers and attendees committed to remembering not just the victims of the attack but all individuals caught in the crossfire of conflict — urging people not to forget the shared humanity affected by violence.
Participants expressed their willingness to continue advocating for peace, justice, and remembrance of lost lives, pointing to the past year of conflict as a painful reminder of the lasting consequences of violence. While their emotions were varied, the need to unite against hatred was echoed through chants, speeches, and community engagement.
The Look family continues to navigate their grief as they fight against the rising tide of antisemitism, embodying resilience and courage. Rachel Look, with the weight of loss on her shoulders, stated, “I will be the voice for all the forgotten,” illustrating determination against adversity and empowering others to speak out as well.
This year, as the nation remembers those lost, it must also reflect on the larger issues at play: the need for dialogue, compassion, and unity across ideological divides. Indeed, the October 7 attacks have catalyzed discussions about identity and communal support, with Canadians from various backgrounds engaging earnestly about the repercussions felt within their communities.
Together, Canadians will not just grieve; they will continue to seek ways to bridge divides and build solidarity, moving forward from loss and tragedy toward hope and healing. It’s not merely about memorizing individual stories; it’s also about ensuring the legacies of those who perished contribute to today’s societal discussions around love, hate, and coexistence.
