Edmonton’s Jewish, Palestinian communities reflect on Oct. 7, 2023, attack — one year later

Edmontonians mark the October 7th anniversary of the attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians and the deadly war that followed.

On the anniversary of the Hamas’ deadly attacks on Israel and the war that followed, Edmonton’s Jewish and Palestinian communities marked the day.

The CEO of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, Stacey Leavitt-Wright says she has seen an increase in Anti-Semitism and hate messaging. Due to this, events like Monday night’s commemoration are crucial for healing for Edmonton’s small Jewish community.

“I’ve been to Israel twice since Oct. 7, and mostly I’m thinking about the people that I met there, the stories that I heard and the sights that I saw: burnt-out houses, the smell of decayed flesh.

“We’re still grieving, we’re still going through healing. Many have close ties to Israel or just moved here or have close family there. So tonight, we’re coming together to commemorate — even though it feels like it’s still ongoing.” 

While Edmonton’s Jewish community marks the somber anniversary of the attack on Israel, Edmonton’s Palestinian community mourns a year-long war in the region following the attack by Hamas. The community has marched often through the streets of the city in the past year.

“Yesterday we had a protest, we had about 3,500 people come out. A peaceful protest, no arrests. We had Christians, Jews, Muslims, indigenous community,” said community activist Mousa Qasqas.

The protests call for a ceasefire.

“Me personally, and I know a lot of the organizers in the community, we’re inspired by the resilience and the perseverance and the faith of the Palestinian people,” Qasqas said.

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