Montreal residents gathered on Wednesday evening to mark the three-year anniversary of the Hamas-led assault that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals in Israel and the abduction of 251 others, as reported by Israeli sources. Rabbi Lisa Grushcow emphasized the enduring impact of the October 7, 2023, attack on the Jewish community in Montreal, stating that daily life for many has been permanently altered since that tragic event.
Grushcow highlighted the importance of non-Jewish Montrealers educating themselves and fostering mutual understanding regarding Jewish identity and Zionism to avoid unnecessary demonization and polarization. The commemorative event, held at the Gelber Conference Centre, was organized by Federation CJA and the Montreal Jewish community.
During the ceremony, attendees paid their respects with a moment of silence, candle lighting, and shared prayers and musical tributes. The program included a firsthand account from Lee Rahav, who defended Kibbutz Nirim during the attacks. Reflecting on the ongoing recovery of Nirim and its strong ties to Montreal, the evening featured video presentations and the creation of a community mosaic to be installed in Israel.
Grushcow emphasized the importance of recognizing the human toll of the attacks, stressing that the majority of the victims were innocent civilians, including parents, children, and grandparents. Eliaz Luf, the consul general of Israel in Montreal, stressed the significance of global remembrance to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again.
Raquel Look, mother of Alexandre Look who lost his life in the attack, expressed the ongoing pain of her loss and the community’s support in keeping his memory alive. Robert Presser, a CIJA Quebec board member, emphasized the commemoration as a platform to raise awareness and unite the community against such atrocities.
The event served not only as a remembrance but as a statement of resilience and unity within the Montreal community, ensuring that the memory of the October 7 attack remains a poignant reminder of the need for peace and understanding.
