The families of Canadians killed by Hamas in Israel on October 7, 2023, are calling on the Canadian government to take decisive action against the terrorist organization. They met with Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss their proposals for international sanctions and accountability for Iranian officials linked to Hamas.

In a statement following the meeting, the families, represented by the Association of Canadian Families of the Victims of October 7th, outlined two key requests. They believe these actions are essential for achieving justice and preventing future violence.

The first proposal urges Canada to lead an international initiative at the United Nations to formally sanction Hamas, similar to the designations placed on ISIS and al-Qaeda. The Association emphasized that Carney's background as an international economic authority makes him well-suited to coordinate sanctions that would disrupt Hamas's financial and logistical operations. They also hope he can rally support from other nations.

The second request calls for a comprehensive investigation into Iranian officials who are accused of arming, training, and funding Hamas. The families want these individuals prosecuted under Canada’s War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity Act. They stated that such actions would showcase Canada’s commitment to combating impunity on the global stage.

The families also highlighted the rising concern over antisemitism and hate crimes in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, hate crimes have doubled in the last five years, with Jewish Canadians being the most targeted group. They expressed that taking action is a way to honor the memory of their loved ones. "We honor those we lost by working together to combat antisemitism, hold perpetrators accountable, and build a safer, more just world," they said.

Among those present at the meeting were Raquel Look and Alain Haim, parents of Alexandre Look, who was killed while defending others at the Nova music festival, and Jacqui Rivers-Vital, mother of Adi Vital-Kaploun, who was murdered in her home while protecting her young children. After her death, her children, four-year-old Negev and six-month-old Eshel, were kidnapped but later released. Look and Vital-Kaploun were two of eight Canadians who lost their lives that day.

The families expressed gratitude to Carney for his willingness to meet and for his strong statement of support for victims of Hamas terrorism. They said, "We are grateful to the Prime Minister for taking the time to listen to our stories and for recognizing the humanity and heroism of our loved ones."

After the meeting, Carney shared a photo with the families on social media, praising their strength in the face of profound loss. He stated, "Their remarkable strength in the face of unimaginable grief is a testament to the resilience of the Jewish people. My message to Jacqui, Raquel, and Alain: Adi and Alexandre will not be forgotten. Not by me, not by our government, and not by our country."

This meeting occurs as Carney's government reassesses its approach to the Middle East, balancing strong condemnations of Hamas with support for humanitarian efforts in Gaza and criticism of Israeli leadership. In July, Carney announced that Canada would recognize the State of Palestine, contingent on democratic reforms, a decision that faced opposition from the families at that time. He has also criticized Iran for its role in sponsoring terrorism in the region.