Statement on Palestine/Israel: October 13, 2023

The Embassy Cultural House expresses our profound grief as we mourn so many lives that have been lost since Hamas launched its horrific attack on Israel on Saturday October 7, 2023, which led to the massacre of Israeli civilians, and the kidnapping of hostages. Israel's subsequent retaliation on Gaza, has also led to the killing of innocent Palestinian civilians.

The magnitude of Israel’s devastating response and the impact of this war on both populations, including innocent children being killed and injured, will have lasting consequences. Both Israeli and Palestinian innocent lives have been lost to this senseless violence in this latest conflict. 

We hope for an immediate release of the hostages held by Hamas and a ceasefire, so that a dialogue can begin towards establishing peace and stability for all those affected by this conflict both on the ground and those who are further away.

Please consider giving to the Canadian Red Cross efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the violence: Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories - Canadian Red Cross

In the words of Francesca P. Albanese, United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory:

“I am profoundly convinced that while we cannot turn the clock back and make fully right the wrongs punctuating the past of that tormented part of the world that we learn to call Israel/Palestine, there is a just way out." - “Protecting Human Rights in Occupied Palestine: Working Through the United Nations", Richard Falk, John Dugard, Michael Lynk, 2022

From Maya Pontone at Hyperallergic, ​“After Hamas Assault, Israeli Strikes Destroy Mosques and Buildings in Gaza."