The events of October 7 in Israel are etched in my memory. I was in Jerusalem when Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, launched an attack that breached the border and plunged nearby communities into chaos. The violence was horrific, resulting in the abduction of over 230 hostages—men, women, and children of all ages. Amid this turmoil, I witnessed the remarkable resilience of ordinary Israeli citizens and local police who bravely confronted the attackers, saving lives before the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) arrived. Their courage was a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Upon my return to Canada, I attended a conference in Ottawa organized by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) on October 16 and 17. Scheduled initially long before the outbreak of war, the gathering took on new urgency in light of recent events. With over 1,500 attendees—including students, professionals, law enforcement officers, and educators—the conference focused on the alarming resurgence of antisemitism in Canada, particularly as it spreads through social media. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre emphasized that fighting antisemitism is not just a Jewish issue; it’s a Canadian one that affects us all.

The personal stories shared during the conference were impactful. One teacher from the Ottawa Public School System recounted the bullying faced by young Jewish students, underscoring that antisemitism is not a distant problem; it’s occurring right here in our communities. The conference’s message was clear: “Silence is collusion.” We cannot allow antisemitism to spread unchecked.

After hearing these powerful dialogues, I had the opportunity to meet with Members of Parliament, including Sherry Romanado and Brad Redekopp. These formalities and genuine, open exchanges highlighted the potential for real, collaborative action.

However, the environment remains complex. As we exited the conference hall, we encountered a Palestinian protest outside. This moment highlighted the need for dialogue and understanding between communities, reminding us that the paths to peace and justice intersect unexpectedly.

Resilience and Unity: How the Jewish Community Responds

While the conference underscored the urgent need for action in Canada, it also highlighted the enduring resilience of the Jewish people, both in Israel and the diaspora. Despite centuries of exile, Jewish communities worldwide have stood together through adversity, caring for the vulnerable among us. In Montreal, the Federation-CJA continues this tradition, working tirelessly to support those in need, particularly during times of crisis. This year’s fundraising campaign is particularly urgent, focusing on raising funds for the war effort in Israel.

In 2020, Ishai Ribo captured this sentiment in his rendition of “Vehi She’amda,” reminding us that despite those who have sought to harm us, we have always endured. Our traditions, rooted in Torah study and Jewish values, anchor us through good times and bad. This dedication to Jewish practice unites us in our efforts to support Israel, facing existential threats—whether against Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, or the growing threats of antisemitism in our backyards.

Antisemitism is not a new phenomenon; it’s a persistent thread woven throughout history. As we are reminded during Passover, “Through the ages, many have risen to destroy us. But the Holy One, Blessed Be He, always saves us from their hand!” This message resonates deeply, especially during crises.

Moving Forward with Hope and Action

In today’s world, with its constant barrage of conflict and suffering, it’s easy to feel helpless. Yet, we must remember that we all have the power to make a difference. Whether standing up against injustice or supporting someone in need, our actions, however small, matter. Moments of kindness can transform situations, reminding us of our shared humanity and responsibility to improve the world for everyone.

When we come together as a community, our impact is amplified. Despite our differences, we share a common goal: to create a world where everyone can live free from persecution. Our tradition teaches us to pray for “the lion to lie down with the lamb,” envisioning a time of peace where the strong and weak coexist harmoniously. This hope extends beyond the Jewish community; it is a vision for everyone.

As we fervently pray for the swift and safe return of the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7—hashtag ba’agala uvizman karat—let us strive for a future where our collective efforts, resilience, and unity lead to a world free from hatred and conflict.