Winnipeg’s Jewish community gathers to commemorate over 900 Israeli lives lost

Winnipeg’s Jewish community gathers to commemorate over 900 Israeli lives lost Tuesday night, and pray for the safe return of those kidnapped since Saturday’s attack on Israel by Hamas.

“We are gathered here tonight to come together in the spirit of healing. To share and support each other,” said Gustavo Zentner, President of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg.

“I have family and friends that have lived there for many years. For decades. That have built their family, their businesses, that contribute to the Israel society and fabric. So as you can imagine, either personally, most members in our community are touched to the core by what happened.”

He says Tuesday’s rally is not only to support Israelis overseas, it’s also to support the grieving community in Manitoba.

“I can tell you that every Jewish community around the world is looking at this with dismay, disarray and broken hearts,” Zentner added.

Baillie Schuster was visiting family in Winnipeg during the Jewish holidays. Now, she has no idea when she’ll be able to return home to her husband.

“I’m here because I live in Israel. And my husband is in Israel and my family is in Israel and I’m here and I feel helpless and devastated,” said Schuster.

“I’m worried for my friends. I’m sad for the people, I’ve lost people I know – my family has lost people. People are missing and it’s devastating but at least to have this community here, I’m thankful for that.”

Schuster says she doesn’t know what she’ll do if she can’t get back to Israel. She hears from her husband, and there’s no good news.

“I mean, it’s hard. When every day you hear about someone else that they find dead or that they can’t find at all.”

Jewish and Israeli communities were not the only ones at the rally. Shervin Shahidian and Sima Pasir are refugees from Iran. They say they know what it’s like to lose loved ones, and wanted to support the community.

“We are with the Israeli people and we are so emotional,” said Pasir.

Shahidian adding, “It’s heartwarming that people know and understand what’s going on. And they all want the Western countries to act, too. And that’s why, probably they are here. To get their voice out.”

Over a thousand people gathered to pray for a new, better day. Zentner says his thoughts are with Israelis all over the world, who are mourning the same lives lost.

“Think of each other and treat of each other as human beings, and the utmost respect of human life,” said Zentner.