Hundreds of people gathered in several cities across Canada on Sunday to pay tribute to the victims of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel and the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.
In the nation’s capital, a sea of Israeli flags, flown by participants, was visible outside Ottawa City Hall, with Canadian flags flying alongside them as they demanded the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
They then marched to Parliament, where Liberal MP Mona Fortier, Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar and rabbis gave speeches to mark the somber anniversary.
Mme Fortier said she could “only imagine” the horrors of October 7 and knew Canada’s Jewish community was suffering deeply. His remarks drew boos from the audience and shouts of “Do something,” “Bring the hostages home” and “Stop supporting Hamas.”
“You support terrorists,” shouted one person in the crowd, who also booed at the mention of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
For his part, Mr. Majumdar received a very different reception, as he took the stage to applause.
He presented himself as a proud Zionist, emphasizing that Canada is moving away from its long-standing policy positions.
“For 12 months, we have stood with you because we believe that Israel has the right to exist and be free. Our fellow Canadians are not being held hostage in tunnels, but our values are being held hostage by hateful politics,” he said, while inviting those gathered to take note of those who support them.
The mother of Montrealer Alexander Look, killed while attending a music festival in Israel on October 7, 2023, also spoke.
Rachel Ohnona Look spoke of her son’s courage and determination to protect friends and strangers during the Hamas attack.
“The rise of anti-Semitism in Canada and around the world cannot continue. We must send a strong message against violence, against terror and against hatred of Jews,” she told the crowd.
“Let us pray for the immediate release of the hostages in Gaza and for our family in Israel who are also grieving or displaced,” added Ms.me Look.
An increased police presence could be seen along the march route, with uniformed officers present around the crowd.
Some of those gathered also held around 100 yellow balloons on white strings, intended to represent the hostages still held in Gaza. Once the ceremony was over, some participants released their balloons and let them float into the sky.
Toronto
In Toronto, some politicians and community members joined a rally in support of Israel and the hostages that has been happening weekly since October 7, 2023.
“My message today is simple,” said Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, who represents the north Toronto riding where the rally is taking place, and who is himself Jewish.
“We will not stop defending the values we hold dear in Ontario. We will not stop uniting to make our voices heard, to fight against hatred, against anti-Semitism, against all forms of hatred that have no place in Ontario. »
Montréal
Meanwhile, a pro-Palestinian demonstration took place Sunday afternoon at Montreal’s Dorchester Square, the second such demonstration in the city this weekend, with more planned for Monday.
A few hundred people gathered to denounce Israel’s bombing of Gaza, which they say constitutes genocide of the Palestinian people. A heavy police presence surrounded the square as demonstrators chanted slogans and waved Palestinian flags.
“Three hundred and sixty-five days, and we have seen all kinds of human rights violations, all kinds of atrocities and violations of international law perpetrated against the Palestinian people while the whole world remained silent,” he said. one of the organizers to the crowd, while demonstrators shouted “Shame!” »
In the crowd was Sana Medelci, who frequently participates in the pro-Palestinian rallies that have taken place every week in the city since the start of the conflict.
“The Palestinian cause is very close to my heart,” explained M.me Medelci, whose family is Algerian. “It’s incredible that this is still going on. […] I think we need to remember that October 7 was just one day, but the genocide has been happening all year. »
Mourad Boussour, a doctor, said he never imagined the conflict would last this long.
“I want this to stop. That’s why I’m here. I want this to stop,” he insisted. “I am here to defend these people who have no voice. » The incursion into Israel on October 7 saw more than 1,200 Israelis killed and around 240 hostages captured, triggering an Israeli counter-offensive in Gaza which, according to the regional health ministry, left more than 41,000 dead.
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