Dozens of individuals came together in Toronto on Tuesday to commemorate the solemn second anniversary of the Hamas-led Oct. 7 assaults, sharing memories of lost loved ones and those they are still advocating for. The gathering, which took place at Earl Bales Park, was orchestrated by Maayan Shavit, whose relative, Carmel Gat, was among the over 250 individuals held captive during the attack that resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people.
Describing her cousin as “the kindest person you could meet,” Shavit revealed that Gat endured for 11 months before being executed in August 2024. Seated at the Holocaust Memorial in Toronto, featuring her cousin’s name, Shavit expressed the challenges of finding closure while hostages remain unaccounted for and the conflict persists. “My heart is shattered. I believe true healing can only begin when all hostages are freed, and this war comes to an end because we have had enough,” she stated.
Two years after the tragic events, the Canadian Jewish community continues to grapple with profound and enduring pain, as highlighted by JSpaceCanada, a group dedicated to mobilizing Canadian Jewish communities to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. According to JSpaceCanada’s executive director, Maytal Kowalski, the emotions felt within the Jewish community on this day are complex, given the ongoing war, the plight of hostages in Gaza, and the families torn apart by the conflict.
Kowalski emphasized that the repercussions of Oct. 7 are still keenly felt today, with some families having members serving as reservists, others with loved ones held as hostages, and some mourning those lost during the attacks. Reflecting on the ongoing strife, Kowalski asserted that the protracted war should have ceased long ago, underscoring the immense suffering experienced by the people of Gaza.
Meanwhile, a demonstration at the University of Toronto’s Mississauga campus on Tuesday stood in solidarity with the Palestinian community, marking “two years of genocide.” Among the attendees was Ammar Khalil, who identified as Palestinian, stressing the urgent need to halt the violence and suffering inflicted on his people. Khalil expressed the desire for a return to normalcy, highlighting the challenging circumstances Palestinians have endured over the past two years.
Chief Superintendent Frank Barredo of the Toronto Police Service announced heightened police presence in specific areas of Toronto to ensure community reassurance during this significant event. The commemoration also prompted political leaders to share their reflections, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow condemning the attacks and expressing solidarity with Jewish communities while advocating for peace.
Overall, the solemn remembrance of the Oct. 7 attacks serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of conflict and the ongoing quest for peace and healing in affected communities.