Commemoration Marking Two Years Since October 7th - A Tribute to Heroes

Hundreds of Montrealers turned out at the Gelber Centre during torrential rain Monday to take part in Federation CJA’s second annual commemoration of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed, scores injured and 251 kidnapped.

The event was the Heroes Commemoration Concert, honouring those, Jews and non-Jews, who risked and sacrificed their lives to save others during the attack — amongst them were former Côte St. Luc resident Alexandre Look, killed while defending others at the Nova Music Festival.

Those on hand included Alexandre’s parents Alain and Raquel, Israel Consul-General Eliaz Luf, Quebec Employment Minister Pascale Déry, Quebec Infrastructure Minister Benoit Charette, a representative of Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather, D’Arcy McGee MNA Elisabeth Prass, Côte St. Luc Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, Centre for Jewish and Israel Affairs Quebec vice-president Eta Yudin, EMSB Chair Joe Ortona and EMSB commissioner Julien Feldman, amongst many others.

The concert was presented by Israeli singer Gilad Segev, founder of Project Heroes, which “aims to shift the narrative of the Jewish people from one of victimhood to one of resilience and courage” through a combination of live music, documentary footage, and immersive video art.

“This concert is not only a tribute to the heroes of October 7, but a testament to the enduring spirit of the Jewish people,” Federation CJA president and CEO Yair Szlak said. “Through music and storytelling, we honour their bravery and inspire future generations to carry forward their legacy.”

In story and song, Segev paid tribute to heroes like Ben Shimoni, singer and paramedic Amit Mann, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Muslim Bedouin Amer Abu Sabila, as well as Look. In an especially touching moment, Segev sang a virtual duet with Mann.

Segev, who referred to Montreal as the Jerusalem of the diaspora, said the event not only paid tribute to the heroes, but celebrated the return of the living hostages.

“It’s very important that the heroes we talk about — these are not a bunch of sad stories. This is a light spectacle —each one of these heroes is a light, a special light to guide the way for us.”

Raquel Look, who spoke with great emotion following the video and musical tribute to her son — with his picture on a giant screen behind her — described the horrors of the Oct. 7 “unimaginable” attack and the reliving of the trauma of that day two years later.

“But these have also been two years of resilience, of purpose and an unwavering love. Oct. 7, 2023 is a date that will forever be etched in our hearts. It was a day that shattered innocent lives and countless families in Israel and beyond. It was the day Alex stood tall in the face of terror. He did not hesitate — he acted with courage, conviction and love.”

Consul-General Luf said the event paid tribute to the soldiers, police and civilians “who gave everything.

‘We will never give up. I thank the Montreal Jewish community for being so supportive this whole time.”

Patrick Essiminy, the new chairman of Federation CJA, said the Montreal Jewish community “has stood and stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel every step of the way!

“For two years, we have shown up with our voices, our prayers and our generosity. We also stand in our beautiful city of Montreal and province of Quebec, ready to be proud and to defend our right to be safe and proud to be openly Jewish!”

Nir Amitay spoke about the work of Rimon Farm, a therapeutic agricultural farm in Israel that helps people with post-traumatic stress disorder, through nature-based and creative programs, and which is supported by Federation CJA and where its staff has done volunteer work.

Cantors Daniel Benlolo and David Lasry sang and led a memorial prayer, and the event concluded on a touching note with the singing of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah by Montreal’s Shira Choir, featuring singers living with disabilities.

The Montreal Shira Choir, a beacon of unity and empowerment, stands as a testament to the transformative potential of music. Guided by the visionary leadership of Cantor Daniel Benlolo and skillfully managed by Muriel Suissa, the choir has embarked on an inspiring journey of growth and inclusivity. By embracing voices from diverse backgrounds, the Shira Choir fosters an environment where neurodivergent young adults find their unique melodies of strength. With a vibrant new space in Decarie Square, including an inviting office, expansive rehearsal area, and a versatile auditorium, the choir is poised to weave new harmonies of connection within the community. Committed to their mission, the choir introduces innovative programs, enhancing their renowned Music Therapy initiative with Therapeutic and Social therapies. As they amplify their reach and put on more live shows, the Shira Choir's expansion echoes the resilience and joy that music ignites within each member.

The Montreal Shira Choir is an honored recipient of the Nova Grant from the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal.

For bookings, media inquiries, and further information, please contact:

Muriel Suissa Benlolo
Phone: (514) 242-8692 
Email: info@montrealshirachoir.com