Prime Minister Carney Marks Two Years Since Hamas Terror Attacks Against Israel

Carney honours victims, reaffirms support for Jewish communities, and calls for renewed efforts toward peace and security in the region.

Ottawa — Prime Minister Mark Carney has issued a statement marking two years since the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attacks against Israel, which claimed the lives of nearly 1,200 people and saw more than 200 hostages taken, including several Canadians.

The Prime Minister described the assault as “the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust” and paid tribute to the victims — among them Canadians Vivian Silver, Netta Epstein, Alexandre Look, Judih Weinstein, Shir Georgy, Ben Mizrachi, and Adi Vital-Kaploun, as well as others with close ties to Canada.

“May their memories be a blessing,” Carney said. “On this day and every day, we stand with the victims, their families, and their communities, who continue to carry unimaginable grief.”

Canada’s Position on Hamas and Path to Peace

In his statement, Carney reiterated Canada’s unequivocal condemnation of Hamas, labeling it a terrorist organization that “must play no role in the future governance of a demilitarised Palestinian state.”

He called for the immediate release of all hostages and renewed diplomatic efforts toward a comprehensive two-state solution, stating that peace and security in the region must be built through dialogue and humanitarian support.

Two years ago, young Israeli music lovers gathered at a peaceful festival — when the terrorist organisation Hamas launched the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

On this day and every day, we stand with the victims, their families, and their… pic.twitter.com/pxeiueiH6v

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) October 7, 2025

Canada has committed over $400 million in assistance to the West Bank and Gaza, supporting humanitarian aid and regional stability. The government is also working closely with international partners to advance negotiations and ensure aid reaches civilians in need.

Confronting Antisemitism in Canada

Carney’s remarks also acknowledged the continued rise in antisemitism globally and across Canada since the October 7 attacks.

He condemned the wave of hate incidents targeting Jewish Canadians and reaffirmed the government’s determination to protect faith communities.

Earlier this fall, the government introduced Bill C-9, legislation to:

• Strengthen hate crime provisions under the Criminal Code.

• Protect religious and cultural spaces, including synagogues, schools, and community centres.

• Prohibit the public display of terrorist symbols.

• Make it a criminal offence to intentionally obstruct access to places of worship.

In addition, the federal government is funding new provincial training programs for law enforcement and Crown prosecutors to improve hate crime enforcement and community protection.

“These crimes are a betrayal of the values that bond Canadians together,” Carney stated. “Jewish people must always be able to live their lives safely, openly, and freely.”

A Message of Solidarity

As Jewish Canadians observe the festival of Sukkot, the Prime Minister urged Canadians to stand in solidarity with their Jewish neighbours and reaffirm a collective commitment to peace, dignity, and inclusion.

“In solidarity, Canadians must renew our efforts to build a country where Jewish people will always be able to live their lives safely, openly, and freely,” he said.

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