Families Demand Action Against Hamas and Iran
The families of Canadians murdered by Hamas terrorists during the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel are calling on the Canadian government to use its diplomatic and economic influence to launch a global campaign against the militant group. During an emotional meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney last week, bereaved family members presented two specific policy requests aimed at achieving justice and preventing future atrocities.
Two-Pronged Approach to Combat Terrorism
The Association of Canadian Families of the Victims of October 7th outlined their proposals in a statement following the meeting. Their first request calls for Canada to spearhead an international effort at the United Nations to formally sanction Hamas, similar to the blacklisting of ISIS and al-Qaeda. The families highlighted Carney's background as an international economic authority, suggesting he is uniquely positioned to coordinate sanctions that would disrupt the terrorist organization's financial and logistical networks.
The second proposal urges Ottawa to launch a structural investigation into Iranian officials accused of arming, training, and funding Hamas. The families want these officials prosecuted under Canada's War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity Act. They believe such action would demonstrate Canada's leadership in the global fight against impunity for state sponsors of terrorism.
Personal Stories Behind the Policy Demands
Seated with Prime Minister Carney were Raquel Look and Alain Haim, the mother and father of Alexandre Look, a 33-year-old Montrealer killed while defending others at the Nova music festival. Also present was Jacqui Rivers-Vital, the mother of Adi Vital-Kaploun, a 33-year-old Canadian-Israeli murdered in her home while protecting her two small sons. After Vital-Kaploun was slain in front of them, her children - four-year-old Negev and six-month-old Eshel - were kidnapped but later released.
Look and Vital-Kaploun were among eight Canadians murdered during the October 7 attacks. The families emphasized that their policy demands represent more than just political requests - they are a way to honor their loved ones' memories through concrete action against terrorism and antisemitism.
The group thanked Carney for his clear and unequivocal statement of solidarity with victims of Hamas terrorism. Following the meeting, the Prime Minister shared an image of himself with the parents on X, writing: Their remarkable strength in the face of unimaginable grief is a testament to the resilience of the Jewish people. My message to Jacqui, Raquel, and Alain: Adi and Alexandre will not be forgotten. Not by me, not by our government, and not by our country.
