Greater than 100 members of the Jewish group gathered at Barrie Metropolis Corridor to commemorate the occasions of October 7, 2023, when Hamas kidnapped greater than 200 Israeli civilians and immediately’s ongoing conflict within the Center East commenced.
These in attendance honoured the hostages and people who misplaced their lives, as native Israelis expressed their continued concern for his or her members of the family again dwelling who’re affected by the battle.
“My complete household is in Israel. My siblings, nephews and nieces,” stated a member of Am Shalom Congregation. “I really feel the entire yr was a yr of mourning, and immediately was a really tough day.”
Others felt the heat of exhibiting solidarity as a group.
“It was only a feeling of power to be with others,” stated Michaele-Sue Goldblatt, secretary of Am Shalom Congregation. “Not solely with different Jewish folks however much more importantly with different members of the group right here in Barrie.”
The memorial was additionally attended by Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall and representatives of MP Doug Shipley, MP John Brassard and MPP Andrea Khanjin.
“I bear in mind within the days after the assault, I had members of the group coming in who’ve misplaced their family members,” stated Nuttall. “If you assume again to what occurred a yr in the past, there’s lots of damage. Numerous ache.”
Over in Barrie’s south finish, there was a memorial at Mapleview Neighborhood Church to point out assist for the Jewish Neighborhood.
“We now have as a company despatched lots of humanitarian help and help proper into Israel,” stated Jeff Futers, govt director of First Century Foundations and a speaker on the memorial. “Each time we’ve got the chance to point out the local people assist, we do this as properly.”
Palestinian Help
Main as much as Monday’s commemorations, round 50 Palestinian supporters held a vigil in entrance of Barrie Metropolis Corridor Sunday night to mourn the lives misplaced in Gaza and to name for a ceasefire.
“A few of us know people in Palestine, a few of us have household in Palestine. A few of us are simply involved human beings,” stated Celeste Worth, one of many vigil organizers.
Each side expressed their needs for peace and ending the continuing conflict.
“All people needs peace,” stated Jeff Wellman, president of Am Shalom Congregation, again at Monday’s Metropolis Corridor commemoration. “And I might say, for these individuals who need a ceasefire, we have had ceasefires. However what we needs to be working for is an enduring and simply peace.”
