Zachareah Quraishi, a 21-year-old from Airdrie, Alberta, was released from the Canadian Armed Forces reserves on July 10, 2023. Just 12 days later, he traveled to Israel, where he allegedly attempted a terror attack on July 22 at Netiv Ha’asara, a gated community near the Gaza Strip.

Israeli authorities reported that Quraishi arrived in Israel, rented a car, and acquired a large kitchen knife. Within hours of his arrival, he confronted security guards at the community, reportedly shouting, "Free Palestine." Video footage shows guards firing at him after he ignored multiple warnings to stand down. He was shot and killed at the scene.

Quraishi's military background has come to light following the incident. According to the Department of National Defence, he had joined the Canadian Army Reserve on July 17, 2023, completed his Basic Military Qualification on December 6, 2023, and was released from service on July 10, 2024. The department has not disclosed the reasons for his release, citing privacy laws.

On November 11, during Remembrance Day, Quraishi's father, Adam Quraishi, shared images of his son in military uniform alongside photos of his war veteran ancestors. He suggested that his son should be remembered as a veteran despite the allegations against him. Adam claimed in a video that his son was killed for "looking too Palestinian" and has consistently asserted that Israel wrongfully targeted him. He stated, "He went hoping to save lives... He was killed 12 hours after getting to Israel."

In social media posts, Adam expressed his grief and frustration, stating, "War is never a solution... The act of killing civilians and individuals who are not fighting... is incredibly risky." He did not respond to requests for further comment.

The incident has raised concerns about rising antisemitic extremism in Canada. Knesset member Sharren Haskel remarked that radical ideologies have created significant cultural challenges, making it unsafe for Jewish communities. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) director, Dan Rogers, noted that violent extremism remains a major national security concern, with a worrying trend of younger individuals being involved in terrorism investigations.

Most tourists to Israel typically visit major cities like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, rather than remote areas like Netiv Ha’asara. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Quraishi threatened members of the community's rapid response team with a knife before being neutralized. No injuries to the security forces were reported.

The Department of National Defence has not provided additional details regarding Quraishi's military service or his release from the reserves, citing privacy regulations. Tom Ellard, a veteran and member of the Royal Canadian Legion, emphasized that to be recognized as a veteran in Canada, one must have served at least one day in uniform, which represents a commitment to the nation.

Netiv Ha’asara is a moshav located about 60 kilometers south of Tel Aviv, near the Gaza border. The community has been affected by violence, losing approximately 20 residents in the October 7 Hamas attacks, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals. Reports indicate that Quraishi arrived in Israel claiming to be a tourist, with his passport issued in Cold Lake, Alberta.