Students Supporting Israel (SSI) hosted a commemoration event on Oct. 7 in front of the U of M administration building, bringing together community members to mourn the loss of lives and express hopes for the safe return of hostages held by Hamas.

The vigil was organized by SSI, the Jewish Heritage Centre, Etz Chaim synagogue, the Jewish Community on Campus (JCOC) and Hillel.  Tomer Hatzir, an executive member of SSI, stated that “the importance of this collaboration cannot be overstated.

“It allowed the Jewish and Israeli community, along with our broader community of supporters, to come together in mourning the lives lost on Oct. 7 [2023] and to collectively pray for the safe return of those still held captive by Hamas,” said Hatzir. “This horrible massacre was the deadliest act of violence against Jews since the Holocaust, a devastating reminder of the enduring need to confront hatred and violence.”

The vigil featured community leaders, including Belle Jarniewski of the Jewish Heritage Centre and Rabbi Kliel Rose of Etz Chayim, that addressed those in attendance. “Community members spoke, with tremendous sorrow, about the brutality of Hamas terrorists on that day and of our deep longing for the return of the hostages,” said Hatzir.

“Seeing the community come together to mourn and show solidarity reminded me of the power of collective action in times of grief. It gave me hope that even in the darkest of times, we can find strength in unity.”

The board of SSI indicated that the response to the vigil was incredibly heartwarming with support from all corners of the community. “We were particularly touched by the attendance and support from various groups across our campus,” said Hatzir.

He concluded, “we must continue to come together, raise awareness and stand united in our commitment to peace and mutual understanding for all.”