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Corey Margolese
Fighting Antisemitism Through Education

10/7 A Day of Solemnity and Resilience

Photo credit: C. Margolese

Yesterday, October 7, 2024, over 20,000 people gathered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for a solemn commemoration of the victims of the terrorist attack in Israel carried out by Hamas exactly one year ago. The event, organized by the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) of Greater Toronto, in collaboration with community partners, was an emotional tribute to the lives lost and a symbol of solidarity with Israel and Jews around the world.

The event opened with a powerful display of unity as the community partners stood together to lead the crowd in a heartfelt rendition of “O Canada.” The sense of pride and shared purpose among the 20,000 attendees was palpable, as they gathered to remember the victims, stand with the survivors, and support the ongoing efforts to bring hostages back home.

JTeach Academy was one of the community partners who participated in this event. The involvement as a community partner was not only an honor, but a responsibility. As educators, we have an obligation not only to remember those we lost but also to show our students that we must stand up for what we believe in. In taking part in this event, we are supporting the people of Israel and Jews around the world, and we are teaching our students the values of resilience and solidarity. The Jewish community’s actions underscore the critical role that Jewish education plays in shaping the next generation of leaders and advocates.

One of the most moving moments of the event came from a couple who had survived the attack on Kibbutz Be’eri, a peaceful agricultural community in southern Israel that was targeted by Hamas terrorists during the October 7, 2023 massacre. The couple, visibly emotional, recounted the horror of that day — the suddenness of the attack, the gunfire, the chaos, and the heartbreaking loss of their friends and neighbors. Their testimony brought the reality of the attack home to the thousands of attendees, many of whom wept as they listened to the personal account of survival and loss.

The couple spoke not only of the devastation they witnessed but also of the resilience of their community and their hope for peace in the future. Their words were a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict, and their presence at the event served as a powerful testament to the strength of the Israeli people in the face of unspeakable terror.

In addition to members of the Jewish community, several prominent political figures attended the event, demonstrating their solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people. Ontario Premier Doug Ford addressed the crowd, reaffirming his unwavering support for Israel and condemning the actions of Hamas. His message that terrorism and hatred have no place in this world, and that we will always fight against those who seek to destroy peace and security, resonated with the attendees.

Mayor Steven Del Duca of Vaughan also attended the event. His presence, along with that of other political leaders, highlighted the broad-based support for Israel within Ontario and the importance of standing against hate in all its forms.

A candle lighting ceremony followed the testimonies, offering a moment of quiet reflection for the crowd. As the candles were lit, seven university students from across read poems about the horrors of that day. The poems captured the pain, loss, and devastation felt by so many. Their words created a profound emotional connection for those in attendance, reminding everyone that even in the face of terror, the Jewish people will continue to raise their voices.

As the event drew to a close, the Shinshinim, young Israeli emissaries, took to the stage to lead the crowd in singing Israel’s national anthem, “HaTikvah.” The hauntingly beautiful anthem filled the night air, a testament to the enduring hope of the Jewish people for peace and security in their homeland. The crowd, unified in song, stood tall as the lyrics echoed through the park, reminding everyone that, despite the challenges, the Jewish spirit remains unbroken.

The UJA, along with community partners, had organized the event not only as a memorial but as a call to action. The commemoration was an opportunity to show young people that in times of darkness, the community must come together to stand up for what is right and just. This is not just about remembering, it’s about making sure that future generations understand the importance of standing strong in the face of hatred, of showing support for Israel, and of living Jewish values in our everyday lives.

The attack on October 7, 2023, remains a day of deep mourning for Jews worldwide, but this commemoration event in Toronto demonstrated that the Jewish community is stronger than ever. The testimonies, the speeches, the poetry, and the music all came together to create a powerful reminder that, even in the face of unimaginable pain, the Jewish people remain united in their commitment to peace, justice, and remembrance.

The attendance of 20,000 people was a testament to the strength of the Jewish community in Canada and beyond. It showed that the memory of the victims will not fade, and that the fight for justice, for the safe return of hostages, and for peace in Israel will continue.

As the crowd slowly dispersed after the singing of “HaTikvah,” there was a sense of both solemnity and resilience. The Jewish people have faced many challenges throughout history, but each moment of adversity has only strengthened the collective resolve to continue moving forward with hope and courage. This commemoration was more than just an event; it was a powerful declaration that the memory of the victims of October 7, 2023, will never be forgotten, and that the community will continue to stand in solidarity with Israel, now and always.

About the Author
Rabbi Corey Margolese is the President and CEO of Jewish Learning Fund, a charity dedicated to connecting Jewish individuals with their Jewish identity. Rabbi Corey is also president of JTeach.ca which offers sessions and resources to educational and community groups in the areas of antisemitism, Holocaust education, and understanding Judaism. As well, Rabbi Corey is the Director of Education and Principal of JTeach Academy which offers Jewish identity affirming Ontario high school credit courses. Rabbi Corey has appeared frequently as an expert contributor in newspaper articles, on TV news shows, and as a guest speaker & panelist at local and international conferences.
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