Dozens of people gathered in Toronto on Tuesday to mark the sombre second anniversary of Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks, sharing stories of loved ones they've lost and those they're still fighting for.

The event, held at Earl Bales Park, was organized by Maayan Shavit, whose cousin, Carmel Gat, was one of the more than 250 people taken hostage the day of the attack that killed more than 1,200 people.

"She was the kindest person that you can meet," Shavit said.

Shavit said her cousin survived for 11 months before being executed in August 2024.

Sitting on a bench at the Holocaust Memorial in Toronto that bears her cousin's name, Shavit said it's hard to begin to heal knowing there are still hostages who haven't been able to come home.

"My heart is broken. I don't think it can ever really star

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