Three years ago, Hamas carried out a terrorist attack against Israel that killed close to 1,200 people, the deadliest attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust.

These were innocent Israelis just enjoying their lives. The grief and hurt from October 7 remain an open wound. We mourn the lives lost that day and since, including Vancouver’s Ben Mizrachi, who was killed while helping others. We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ terrorist attacks, violence in all its forms, and any celebration of it – on this day and any other day.

The loss of civilian lives across the region has been profoundly felt here in British Columbia. We mourn the loss of all innocent life; we condemn all violence, in Israel, in Gaza, and everywhere. We stand with Prime Minister Carney and Canada’s efforts to achieve a lasting peace.

Jewish British Columbians deserve to live, work, worship and raise their children safely, without fear. The rise in antisemitic rhetoric and violence in Canada and around the world is deeply concerning, and we must stand firmly against it.

In B.C., we are taking action to protect places of worship and communities facing hate and violence, including new funding we’ve committed to strengthen security at Jewish schools, synagogues and community centres. We will continue working to make sure all people can worship and live their lives without fear.