(Ottawa) 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.”
PHOTO SPENCER COLBY, THE CANADIAN PRESS
A pro-Israeli protester waves an Israeli flag during the October 7 commemoration ceremony in Ottawa.
“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.
PHOTO SPENCER COLBY, THE CANADIAN PRESS
The mother of Montrealer Alexander Look, Rachel Ohnona Look (center), spoke at the rally.
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.
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. »
A pro-Palestinian demonstration also took place at Dorchester Square in Montreal. It was the second such event in the city this weekend. Others are planned for Monday.
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 that, according to the regional health ministry, left more than 41,000 dead.