A Jewish family in Toronto is grappling with the aftermath of violent attacks against their eldest child, which they attribute to rising anti-Semitism following the October 7, 2023, attack on the Nova Musical Festival. The most recent incident occurred on November 5, when masked protesters targeted attendees at a private event featuring Israeli Defense Forces soldiers. The attack left the daughter hospitalized, highlighting the dangers faced by those expressing their Jewish identity in public.

The father of the family shared the painful history of his wife, who struggled to embrace her Jewish heritage due to the trauma of losing 23 family members in concentration camps during World War II. He recalled how she associated being Jewish with violent persecution. Tragically, she passed away just two months after the October attack, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow and resilience.

In contrast to her mother, the eldest daughter has chosen to openly express her Jewish identity. "I am proud of the purity of her heart, and of her strength," her father said, though he expressed concern for her safety in a world where hate and oppression are increasingly visible. He noted that the attackers have opted for violence to express their beliefs, which only escalates tensions and harm.

Reflecting on the emotional toll of attending the Nova Exhibition, the father described how he and his children felt after witnessing graphic depictions of violence. He emphasized the importance of resisting hatred and fostering understanding. "The way this ultimately stops is by preventing the situations that give rise to the cultivation and entrenchment of blinding hatred of the other," he stated.

During the November protest, the father reported that his daughter was specifically targeted and verbally assaulted. He expressed a desire for the protesters to engage in civil discourse rather than resorting to violence. "I wish they had gotten to know her and had discoursed civilly with her rather than assaulting and hospitalizing her for having an opinion and a voice," he said.

In a message directed at the masked protesters, he urged them to reconsider their actions and the path of hatred. "We all have a choice. Let none of us, myself included, step one foot further down the path of hatred," he said. He emphasized the importance of civil dialogue and understanding, stating that history has shown the dire consequences of failing to do so.

The father concluded by advocating for the recognition of human rights, including the right to express differing opinions without fear of violence. He called for a collective effort to foster a society where dialogue prevails over hatred, both in Ontario and beyond. "We should all hold that having our own opinions, being able to share these opinions, including being able to do so without the threat or occurrence of oppression and physical violence, are bedrock and inalienable human rights," he said.

As tensions continue to rise, the family hopes for a future where understanding and respect can replace violence and fear.