Jewish, interfaith groups held Oct. 7 community vigil

October 8, 2024 @ 10:20 amNews

Kohenet Jenna Rose led attendees in Jewish song and prayer. Photos by Robin George
Debbie Samson, left, who is a member of Independent Jewish Voices and Beth Isaiah Synagogue, and Rami, who is a Jordanian and Palestinian member of Interfaith Justice, were involved in organizing the vigil and introduced each of the speakers throughout the evening.
About 100 people gathered in front of Guelph City Hall for a vigil in honour of all the lives lost on and since Oct. 7, 2023.
Palestinian Hiba Sadi spoke of her time living in Israel and expressed appreciation for the Jewish friends she has made in Guelph.
Guelph MPP Mike Shreiner was among those who spoke at the vigil on Oct. 7.
Attendees listened sombrely as people spoke of devastation in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank and Lebanon.
Celidh Barker laid flowers as people begain to gather before the vigil at Guelph City Hall on Oct. 7.

GUELPH – Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) and Interfaith Justice held a sombre vigil on Oct. 7.

The date marked the first anniversary of a Hamas attack that killed Israelis and saw hundreds taken hostage, triggering an ongoing onslaught from Israel. 

Electric candles flickered while about 100 people gathered and sang, prayed and shed silent tears during the vigil at Guelph City Hall. 

Local Jewish, Palestinian and Lebanese speakers and performers shared song, prayer, sorrow and love for those who have died and suffered in Palestine, Lebanon and Israel over the last year. 

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Among the speakers were  Jewish Kohenet Jenna Rose, community volunteer with Lebanese roots  Kate Nixon, Palestinian chef Hiba Sadi and Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner. 

Chicken soup, challah and dips from Olive Haven, and sweet treats were served. 

Interfaith Justice is made of Christians, Muslims, Jews and other spiritual people advocating for peace, primarily in Palestine and Israel. 

IJV is “a grassroots organization grounded in Jewish tradition that opposes all forms of racism and advocates for justice and peace for all in Israel-Palestine,” according to IJV officials. 

“We stand united in grief and justice, calling for an end to military and colonial violence, the release of all hostages, and healing humanity through faith, hope and liberation,” said IJV member and event organizer Bassam. 

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