Jewish Montrealers honour victims of Oct. 7 attack a year ago

It’s been one year since the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel. To mourn, honour and remember the victims and survivors, members of Montreal’s Jewish community gathered in Hampstead park Monday evening at an event organized by Federation CJA.

“We’re gathering this evening to mourn, to pray, and to hope that our hostages will be released immediately,” said Yair Szlak, the president and CEO of Federation CJA.

Several Jewish Montrealers shared some of their thoughts on one year since the October 7 attack as they waited in line to enter the large tent in Hampstead park where the event took place.

“It’s something where I feel that people have to understand, regardless of what the politics say, that the tragedy is something that just can’t be put in words,” said Brian Gold, a Jewish Montrealer.

“I feel so sad that adults, children are in captivity for a year,” said Adele Balinsky, a Jewish Montrealer.

“Unfortunately, we lost a cousin during the battles. He was actually a hero. He saved a lot of people on October 7. He was unfortunately killed in battles in Gaza afterwards. So for us, it touches us very personally as well,” said Erik Heft, a Jewish Montrealer.

The event included several musical performances, a wreath ceremony, prayers and a moment of silence.

There were also speeches from several dignitaries and guests including Raquel Look, the mother of Alexandre Look, the 33-year-old Montrealer who was killed during the attacks carried out by Hamas a year ago.

“Alexandre was an extraordinary young man who died a hero’s death. He died trying to protect others. I know his parents and his family. It was a horrific loss,” said Rabbi Reuben Poupko, a Montreal rabbi for the Beth Israel Beth Aaron Congregation.

In total, about 1,200 people were killed on October 7, 2023 in Israel. 251 hostages were taken and approximately 100 hostages are said to remain, but this number includes some who are believed to be dead.

“It is a loss that is difficult for any one person to comprehend and in order to mourn correctly. And appropriately, we come together as a community to remember them,” explained Rabbi Poupko.

“We’re here to mourn together today and to say we’re here as Canadians in support of our brothers and sisters in Israel, mourning the losses and standing strong against the hatred that we’re facing here in Canada,” said Federation CJA president Szlak.

Close to 42,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in Israeli attacks since the war broke out with Hamas a year ago according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Monday evening’s event in Montreal concluded with a prayer and the national anthem of the State of Israel.

“It’s a very somber day in the Jewish world and we’re here to remember and mourn today. And we thank all of our allies, all of our neighbors for doing the same with us today,” said Szlak, adding, “I’ve heard from many members of the non-Jewish community reach out and express their thoughts and deep concern for the Jewish community on this day.”