A month ago, Raquel Look held a ceremony in Côte Saint-Luc, Quebec, to commemorate the second anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks in Israel that claimed the life of her son, Alexandre Look. Alexandre was among the 1,200 individuals who lost their lives that day during an assault by Hamas militants at a music festival in southern Israel, where 251 others were also abducted. Tragically, Alexandre perished while protecting fellow shelter-seekers inside a bunker as his parents helplessly listened over the phone at home.
The ceremony, which took place in a park named after Alexandre Look in Côte Saint-Luc, aimed to honor the victims. Raquel Look mentioned that the event held a special significance as it coincided with the release of the final 20 Israeli hostages. She expressed her belief that her son orchestrated the timing to inject a glimmer of joy into an otherwise sorrowful day.
Many members of Montreal’s Jewish community eagerly anticipated the release of the hostages, with Raquel Look stressing the unity and familial bond shared among them. During the ceremony, various speakers hailed Alexandre as a hero, emphasizing the transition from a mournful day to one of celebration.
Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, representing Mount Royal, highlighted the resilience and hope reflected in the hostages’ release, envisioning a future of lasting peace in the Middle East. Eta Yudin, from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, echoed these sentiments, expressing optimism for a new beginning and the possibility of peace.
Furthermore, as part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, numerous prisoners detained by Israel were freed. Montreal residents, including Niall Clapham Ricardo from Independent Jewish Voices, recognized both the joy and sorrow accompanying the prisoners’ release after a two-year period marked by conflict and devastation in Gaza.
The ceasefire agreement signified a step towards reconciliation for both sides, according to Faraj Nakhleh, emphasizing the importance of freedom and unity. However, he acknowledged the extensive healing and reconstruction efforts required due to the profound impact of the conflict on Gaza’s infrastructure.
In mid-August, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification declared a famine in Gaza, underscoring the dire conditions faced by over half a million residents. Subsequently, a United Nations inquiry accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, sparking controversy and denial from Israeli authorities.
McGill University professor Rex Brynen emphasized the monumental task of rebuilding Gaza, given the severe damage inflicted on essential services. Brynen stressed the necessity for sustained international pressure on Hamas and Israel to uphold their commitments and facilitate the region’s recovery.
The recent developments in the region have raised hopes for peace and reconstruction, albeit with the acknowledgment of the challenges that lie ahead.