A series of commemorations in London’s Jewish community Wednesday to mark the three year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack against Israel. Among the events is an opportunity to hear from the Canadian Regional Director for the Jewish Agency for Israel. “I think this day is a hurt locker. It’s still as painful and raw,” said Ayelet Harris in an interview with CTV News. Following the events of Oct. 7, Harris spearheaded the frontline response and communication network for 22 dispersed evacuated communities. “And we took care of their bare necessities. Shoes, reissuing documents, canceling mortgage payments. And we organized burial arrangements for hundreds of people across the country. It was a war zone. They couldn’t be buried at home, they had to be buried elsewhere,” she recalled. Nechamie Silberberg, a member of London’s Jewish community, says she hears from children who have questions about this day. “The after-effects of Oct. 7 on the entire world have seeped into, unfortunately day to day life in Canada as well. So, they hear about antisemitism. They understand that it’s a very real issue. And they ask why, and how something like this could be prevented,” said Silberberg. The London Police Service says it’s taking extra steps to ensure safety. In a social media post, LPS advises that “you may notice an increased police presence around places of worship and community spaces.” As for Ayelet Harris, she’s hoping to leave a message of hope with her London audience. “Hope and strength. Community coming together,” she said. Harris will speak at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Memorial Ceremony at the London Jewish Community Centre on Huron Street.
