Ottawa, Oct 7 — Two years after the deadly Hamas attack on Israeli civilians, the Canadian government has issued a statement remembering the victims and reaffirming its commitment to peace and security. The attack, which occurred on October 7, 2023, claimed nearly 1,200 lives and left over 200 people hostage, including 48 who remain in captivity.
Canada expressed deep solidarity with Jewish communities worldwide, including Canadians who lost loved ones in the attack, naming victims Vivian Silver, Netta Epstein, Alexandre Look, Judih Weinstein, Shir Georgy, Ben Mizrachi, and Adi Vital-Kaploun. “May their memories be a blessing,” the statement said, emphasizing support for the victims’ families and communities enduring ongoing grief.
The government condemned Hamas, calling for its exclusion from any future governance in a demilitarized Palestinian state, and urged all parties to turn the group’s commitment to release hostages into reality while negotiating lasting peace. Canada has provided over $400 million in assistance to the West Bank and Gaza and continues to coordinate humanitarian aid with international partners, advocating for a comprehensive two-state solution.
The statement also addressed the resurgence of antisemitism over the past two years, including attacks on synagogues, schools, and individuals, as well as efforts to diminish the memory of the October 7 attack. Canada condemned all forms of antisemitism and highlighted legislation introduced earlier this year to strengthen protections against hate crimes, safeguard religious and cultural sites, and criminalize obstruction of access to community spaces.
The government is providing funding to provinces for law enforcement and Crown prosecutors’ training to enhance protections for at-risk communities. Canadians are called upon to stand in solidarity with Jewish communities as they gather for the upcoming Sukkot celebrations, reaffirming the commitment to ensure that Jewish Canadians can live safely, openly, and freely.
