Israeli-Montrealers come together for a vigil
Posted October 12, 2023 11:01 pm.
Last Updated October 12, 2023 11:23 pm.
A pro-Israeli vigil was held on Thursday night at the downtown McGill University campus.
The vigil, organized by Hillel Montreal, a Federation CJA initiative that gathers Jewish students in Universities and CEGEPs around Montreal.
Many Jewish and pro-Israeli Montrealers gathering to “stand in solidarity with Israel and the lives lost.”
“I think it’s important to show the world that we are here, we are strong, we are saddened, and we actually have to thank them because they brought us together and they brought us to have more unity than before,” said Chana Leah Natanblut, president of Chabad Concordia.
“These next few weeks and months are going to be incredibly challenging for Israelis, for innocent Palestinian civilians, for Jews around the world, the students of Montreal need to cultivate a community to lean on each other,” said one speaker at the vigil.
“From the ashes we rise so it’s a terrible time,” said Natanblut. “I have my own family suffering or in hospitals. I just keep checking my phone to see if they’re alive. I’m like just like this message to say that you’re okay.”
Jewish institutions and communities in Montreal are on heightened alert after a former Hamas leader reportedly called for a global day of protest Friday targeting the community.
Montreal police said it has “no information to indicate that violent or threatening acts are imminent in the city.”
However, they are implementing a visibility plan near places of worship and other locations.
“I work at a Hebrew academy and I was almost scared to go to work. With all the things going on […], my school says we’re going to stay open we’re in contact with the SPVM and federation and we are here and we are strong and I’m not going to let somebody take away from my education,” said Natanblut.
“80 generations of our ancestors who lived through difficult times before us is looking down at us and saying it’s your turn to show up,” said a Rabbi speaking at the vigil.
“When you go through something alone it is so much harder so when I come here and I see all these people I tell myself I’m not alone,” said Natanblut.
