Close to 2000 supporters of Israel joined in the “Walk for Israel” organized by the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg. They walked down Doncaster Street to Corydon Avenue and back, including leaders of the Jewish community, politicians, and Jews and non-Jews alike. They carried both Canadian and Israeli flags and wore black and yellow ribbons with the names of victims of 10/7, which were later hung from the campus fence as a memorial. It was a remarkable and inspiring showing of support for the Jewish community followed by a moving ceremony with speeches, prayers, and songs remembering the victims, acknowledging the horrors of that dark day, and warning of the surging explosion of antisemitism. The two billboards at the entrance to the gathering space summarized the purpose of the event: one a quotation from Jonathan Sacks, “If we want to fight antisemitism, let us walk tall and proud as Jews” and on the other, “On October 7, we remember lives lost, celebrate lives lived, and pray for peace and hope for the future.” By the stage, there was an illuminated billboard displaying photos of the victims, “In their memory.”
The pain and purpose of remembering were affirmed by the many speakers at the “Solidarity Gathering,” following the “Walk for Israel.” Rabbi Benarroch hosted the gathering and began by explaining the October 7 Torah scroll on display was donated by Moe Levy in memory of the victims of October 7. He also acknowledged the presence of the Honourable Anita Neville before introducing Paula Parks, president of the Jewish Federation. Parks gave a strong statement asserting that “our collective resolve” is strengthened by standing together to remember and to mourn even though 10/7 “shattered our sense of safety and broke our hearts.” “Amid this darkness” of escalating hate and violent antisemitism, “we have found light in our unity.” And the stories of the resilience of survivors “remind us the Jewish spirit is indomitable.” We can be consoled because: “We choose life. We have refused to be silenced. We’ve strengthened our community, and forged new alliances. The people of Israel live, Am Israel Chai.”
Rabbi Benaroch continued with more strong remarks, recalling the slaughter of 364 innocent young people gathered to dance and celebrate life at the Nova Music Festival near Re’Im, the deliberate targeting of the innocent, and the 5000 rockets that rained down indiscriminately. “At 6:29 a.m. on October 7 our lives were changed forever.” And most depraved of all, he reminded us how many celebrated the atrocities. “We can never forget the events of October 7, or forgive the events.” “We stand with the 101 remaining hostages. We stand in solidarity against the scourge of antisemitism. As one united people we have endured 1000s of years of persecution. The Jewish people are not going anywhere. Am Israel Chai.”
Wab Kinew, premier of Manitoba, spoke of the importance of showing up for the Jewish community, “to be a visible ally and friend.” The illumination of the Manitoba Legislative Building in blue and white is to be a symbol of that allyship and friendship. He promised to re-commit to combatting the rising tide of antisemitism, which “has no place in our Manitoba.”
"Israel has a right to exist, and that is non-negotiable, and Israel has a right to defend itself. The hostages should be released immediately," Kinew said, gaining cheers in response."We've got your back, and we will continue to support you through this difficult period."
Ben Carr, the MP for Winnipeg South Centre, speaking on behalf of the federal government, thanked the Jewish Federation for bringing the community together and spoke of the perseverance of the Jewish people over time, which has allowed them to be here this day and which ensures they will continue to survive. Fittingly, the Chai Folk Ensemble followed to perform a song of hope, Tachzor.
Marty Morantz, MP for Charleswood, called on the audience to “commit our memories to the victims and stand in solidarity with the survivors.” “To Hamas I say, Israel is winning. Your genocidal plan has failed. To Iran I say the same thing. From the river to the sea, the existence of Israel will always be.” “Now and forever, Am Israel Chai.
Mayor Scott Gilligham also affirmed “there is no room for antisemitism” and pledged to never allow “hatred to take root here” and to ensure “Winnipeg remains a safe haven for all.” Members of the Gray Academy Student Council Executive, Aaron Graves, Dylan Weinstein, Emily Tapper, and Nathan Strauss presented a video and spoke of the partnership of youth and educators here and in Israel. A moving performance of Eden Golan’s “October Rain” followed.
Rabbi Benarroch stated that all the rabbis gathered here for prayers had the power to bring light to the darkest moment. Through their prayers, “we send wishes of comfort and peace for the souls of the departed.” Rabbi Anabel Mass, of Shaarey Zedek, recited Maleh Rahamim for the victims of terror. Rabbi Kliel Rose, of Etz Chayim, recited the prayer for the State of Israel and for the IDF. Rabbi Alan Finkel, of Temple Shalom, prayed for the safe and swift return of those who remain in captivity. And Rabbi Matthew Leibel, of the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, recited the Mourners’ Kaddish, praying for “faith in God, hope, resilience, and continuity of life in the face of loss.”
Jeff Lieberman, CEO of the Jewish Federation, concluded the ceremony with powerful and inspiring words, recalling how at this time, “we stand between reflection and repentance.” Looking back on 10/7, “we remember the beautiful souls lost,” whose “spirits remain etched in our hearts,” as well as the hostages, the families whose anguish we feel, the people of Israel, and the IDF. “We are not the same people. We are more Jewish, more deeply connected. Our enemies sought to divide us, but we are more bound, and even though in pain, we have hope Israel will emerge victorious. Am Israel chai.”
Following Lieberman’s thank you’s to the Winnipeg Police Services for having “stepped up” for the Jewish community over the past year and to all the many Jewish organizations that supported the event, the Chai Folk Ensemble led in the singing of Hatikva and the Canadian anthem as all the participants and supporters of the event gathered on the stage, manifesting the call to unity in “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh” (“All Israel are responsible one for another”). This peaceful and uplifting event must surely have inspired participants to go forward fortified in their hope that Israel will win this existential war and the hostages will be returned.
