Chana Thau, a Jewish woman in Winnipeg, commemorated the one-year anniversary of a deadly attack in Israel by burning a candle with the word ‘remember’ written on it for 24 hours. The attack on October 7 resulted in the death of her friend, Vivian Silver, as well as hundreds of others being taken hostage. Silver was a Jewish humanitarian who dedicated her life to advocating for peace and human rights for Palestinians, even moving close to the Gaza border to promote peaceful coexistence. Despite the tragic loss of her friend, Thau remains hopeful that a peaceful and diplomatic solution is still possible.
Vivian Silver co-founded Women Wage Peace, a grassroots group created after the war in Gaza in 2014. Thau is part of a local chapter of the group called Canadian Supporters of Women Wage Peace, aiming to honor Silver’s memory and continue her work for peace in Israel. Despite the challenges, Thau and others in the group are driven by a desire for a peaceful world for future generations. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has led to immense sadness, divisiveness, and an upsurge in antisemitism, leaving many, including survivors of the Holocaust, deeply troubled by the situation.
The conflict in Gaza, which was triggered by the events of October 7, has resulted in the death of over 41,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. The impact of the conflict has been felt globally, prompting demonstrations and calls for peace. Ramsey Zeid, the president of the Canadian Palestinian Association of Manitoba, has been organizing rallies in Winnipeg to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians and the need for a ceasefire in Gaza. Zeid emphasizes the importance of recognizing the humanity of all individuals involved in the conflict and the necessity of living equally and freely with dignity and humanity.
The events of October 7 have left many individuals reflecting on the loss of life, the suffering of hostages, and the ongoing violence in Gaza. Belle Jarniewski, the executive director of the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada, expresses sadness over the division and hate that have arisen as a result of the conflict. Jarniewski, whose parents were Holocaust survivors, highlights the importance of dialogue and empathy in seeking a resolution to the conflict, calling for both sides to listen and understand each other. Despite the challenges and complexities of the situation, there remains a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution and a future of peace for all.
While the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack brought sorrow and reflection for many, it also served as a reminder of the need for peace and reconciliation. As individuals like Chana Thau, Belle Jarniewski, and Ramsey Zeid continue to advocate for peace and justice in the region, there is a growing recognition of the fundamental humanity of all those impacted by the conflict. The ongoing demonstrations, dialogues, and efforts to raise awareness about the conflict in Gaza are essential steps towards building a more peaceful and inclusive future, where individuals of all backgrounds can live freely, with dignity, and in harmony with one another.
