‘A life sentence’: Mother of Montrealer Alexandre Look killed in Israel on Oct. 7 reflects on one year since his murder

“Forever in our hearts. Our hero,” is what’s seen on a plaque above Alexandre Look’s name — on the bench in the green space recently renamed in his honour in Montreal’s Côte Saint-Luc.

The 33-year-old Montreal native was among the concertgoers who were killed when Hamas attacked Israel a year ago on Oct. 7 at the Supernova music festival.

For his mother, Raquel Look, and her family, they haven’t been the same since.

“It’s a life sentence, this type of grief when you lose a child in such a tragic, unexpected, violent way,” she said. “He was such a force of nature and larger than life. He leaves a big hole.”

Alexandre was on vacation at the time and was living in Mexico. He was at the festival amid a Jewish holiday.

Look says she heard his final moments, as she was on a video call with Alexandre during the attack. He and 30 others took shelter in a bunker as gunfire ensued.

“I remember the horrible phone call that we never thought would end. It’s so unthinkable,” she said.

Through survivors’ accounts, Look says Alexandre sacrificed his life and shielded others, allowing many to survive.

“I met the first responder at Alex’s shelter, who confirmed to me that he was such a hero. He was also on top of two people at the very front of the shelter,” she said.

Look says life continues to be a rollercoaster of emotions.

“This last year has been a whirlwind: anger, sad, empty, a hole, understanding that this isn’t something you’re going to get through or never going to end,” she said.

Look says part of the anger stems from rising instances in anti-Semitism and hate crimes in the city – and the nearly 100 hostages reportedly still being held in Gaza.

She’s become an advocate and was raising her voice during a march and rally on Parliament Hill on Sunday, and on Monday morning, she spoke to students at Montreal’s Bialik High School. 

“I’ve gotten to meet unbelievable advocates for Israel that I admired way before October 7th,” she said. And they’ve inspired me to be an advocate in my own way and to be a voice.

She wants others to never forget about her son, someone she says led with his heart.

Alexandre was recognized in Côte Saint-Luc, a day before his birthday on September 10, with Alexandre Look Place. It was unveiled next to the Jewish high school he attended — Bialik — and near the synagogue where his father prays every morning. Many present at the ceremony on Sept. 9 commended his bravery.

“He’s one of ours and with the community we’ll keep his light shining bright.”