‘We all feel like it’s been just one long day since Oct. 7’: Montrealers honour those killed in Israel, call for hostages to be released

Montrealers came together for a walk to honour those killed in Israel during the October 7 Hamas attack. They are calling for the release of the remaining hostages.

“In the past year, it’s been extremely difficult, not only because of the biggest tragedy we faced since the Holocaust, it’s also because we’re facing anti-Semitism as well, globally,” said Danielle, the events organizer.

About 1,200 people were killed in Israel on October 7, 2023, including Montreal native Alexandre Look. 251 hostages were taken and around 100 hostages are said to remain, but that number also includes some who are thought to be dead.

Nearly 42,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza during Israel’s strikes and the war with Hamas, according to the Health Ministry there.  

“The call for the release of the hostages, it’s a humanitarian cause, it’s not political cause,” continued Danielle. “It’s not something that people should fight against. It’s just a pure cause to bring innocent people back to their homes, elderly parents, children. We have two children that are still being held in Gaza. We have no idea what condition they’re being held in. We don’t know if they’re alive or dead.”

“We all feel like it’s been just one long day since October 7th.”

“We have a responsibility to be a voice for all the hostage families in Israel, the network of the hostage families, and by extension, all [the] world…that feel exactly what the hostage families are going through on a daily basis to be their voice,” said Amir Amozig, a participant.

“Daily trauma is part of the reality. It’s almost unthinkable what they have to go through on a daily basis. But the fact that they continue to invest every fiber of their being to be as resilient as possible is an inspiration for all of us around the world.”

“I’ve gotten comments on my Judaism,” said Isaac Sachs, another participant. “But I believe that it’s brought the Jewish people more together.”

“I believe the only way that we can affect and help our country is if we stay united and protest and remember what happened and always stay strong. I believe that’s very important to stay strong,” added Sachs.