Title: Canadian Families Express Hope and Anger Over Hostage Situation

Four Canadian families who lost loved ones in the October 7 attacks held a virtual gathering on Sunday. They came together to celebrate the anticipated return of the final hostages, remember those who were lost, and voice their frustrations with the federal government.

Raquel Ohnona Look, a Montreal resident whose son Alexandre Look was killed at the Nova music festival, spoke to an audience of 1,500 viewers. She criticized the Canadian government for its lack of support. "From day one, I can’t really say the Canadian government did very much for us," she said. Ohnona Look described Prime Minister Mark Carney as a "shameful leader" for recognizing the Palestinian state while hostages remained in captivity. She expressed her discontent with local leaders, stating, "We have mayors in both Montreal and Toronto that do nothing to keep us, our students, or anyone, safe. Police forces do not do anything but bystanding."

Despite her anger, Ohnona Look acknowledged a recent deal brokered by Donald Trump that could lead to the release of hostages. She said it "renews our belief that there’s always hope" and represents a step forward for the families.

The event, titled "Together in this Moment: Conversations with Families & Victims of October 7," was organized by a Canadian advocacy group in collaboration with Jewish federations across the country. As of Sunday, 48 hostages remained in Gaza, primarily Israelis, with some foreign nationals among them. Recent reports suggest that about 20 of these hostages are believed to be alive.

Ohnona Look reflected on her own experience, saying, "I can’t imagine how long two years must have felt, because I had to wait three weeks for my Alex to come home, and be buried, and it was the most excruciating pain, I can’t even describe." She emphasized the importance of closure for families, stating that having a place to gather and remember their loved ones brings some solace.

Ashley Waxman Bakshi, a beauty influencer originally from Hamilton, Ontario, has lived in Israel for 19 years. After the attacks, she became an activist, using her platform to raise awareness about her cousin Agam Berger, who was taken hostage on October 7 and held for 482 days. "I can’t even, you know, put into words how difficult it was when she was gone," Waxman Bakshi said. She noted that Berger's faith during her captivity inspired her family to connect more deeply with their beliefs.

Waxman Bakshi also expressed concern about the implications of releasing prisoners, stating, "We are feeling immense pain in Israel, from releasing these 2,000 terrorists, especially the ones with blood on their hands. Hamas is an enemy to Canada as well."

Ohad Lapidot, whose daughter Tiferet was murdered at the Nova Festival, described the release of hostages as a relief after two years of suffering. He warned that future attacks are likely, saying, "No doubt about that. Our enemies cannot raise their head again, and repeat what they’ve done."

Jacqui Rivers Vital, an Ottawa resident whose daughter Adi was killed defending her family, expressed happiness for families receiving their loved ones back, whether alive or deceased. She emphasized the importance of educating officials about the eight Canadians who lost their lives on October 7, stating, "They don’t know." Rivers Vital also highlighted her daughter's bravery, saying, "I am a proud mother. I’m a sad mother. But I have two grandsons who are alive. I have a husband who’s alive. He was there that day. He’s a survivor. I have a lot to be thankful for."