Hundreds gathered at the Scottish Community Centre in Victoria on October 5 to remember the victims of the Hamas attacks in Israel two years ago. Local politicians and faith leaders joined members of the Victoria Jewish community, including many Israeli expatriates, to commemorate Oct. 7.
Anglican priest Philip Wadham said he attended to support the Jewish community in their struggle against Hamas and the ongoing threat of antisemitism. Rabbis from the city’s three synagogues led attendees in prayers, and images of hostages were displayed as their names were read aloud.
The bright early fall day, overlooking a nearby waterway and the city’s inner harbour, contrasted sharply with the tragic stories shared inside. Speakers honoured the victims and encouraged resilience among those attending. Keynote speaker Stephen Starr, a Victoria physician with two sons in the Israel Defense Forces, described the attacks as an unleashing of “evils from the darkest depths of prehistory” on peaceful neighbours. He noted that many victims had worked closely with Palestinian communities, yet were not spared the violence.
Starr criticized Canadian and Western leaders for failing to adequately support the Jewish community. He referenced a 2024 column by former NDP leader Tom Mulcair, which claimed that then-Foreign Minister Melanie Joly shaped her Middle East policy based on her riding’s demographics. Starr said, “Surrendering to the mobs is not expected from decent, honest Canada. Canada’s place is with Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East. It is not with terrorists who torture, rape and murder innocent victims.”
Israeli residents of Victoria shared personal stories of friends and colleagues lost in the attacks. The poem “I, May I Rest in Peace” by Yehuda Amichai was recited, and singers performed “A Song Without a Name,” a favourite of hostage Alon Ohel.
Although elected officials attended, none spoke publicly. Acting Mayor Chris Coleman said he was present to show support. Liberal MP Will Greaves had planned to attend but did not receive all relevant details. In a statement, Greaves said, “Oct. 7 is a day of profound sorrow and reflection. My heart is with the Jewish community here in Victoria and across Canada as they remember the innocent lives lost and those still living with the pain of that day.”
Greaves had faced criticism earlier from the local Jewish community for a 2024 social media post blaming Israel for harming the standing of Western governments. Rabbi Meir Kaplan had urged voters not to elect Greaves in the April 2025 federal elections. Greaves has long supported recognition of a Palestinian state.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Victoria has seen several antisemitic incidents, pro-Palestinian protests, and an 83-day student encampment, which the University of Victoria reported cost over $1 million in security and clean-up. In June, a man was arrested for public incitement of hatred during a March 2024 demonstration. In early August, Congregation Emanu-El discovered antisemitic graffiti on its entrance. Authorities later charged the suspect with mischief against religious property and promotion of hatred.
The commemoration was organized jointly by the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver and the Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island. RCMP officers monitored the venue, and despite warnings of possible protests, the event proceeded without disruption.
