Jacqui Rivers Vital's daughter, Canadian-citizen Adi Vital-Kaploun, was murdered on October 7^th by Hamas terrorists while protecting her two sons: four-month-old Eshel and four-year-old Negev. The boys and their father survived the massacre, as did Jacqui’s husband and Adi’s father, Yaron Vital.  Originally from Ottawa, Jacqui will share her heartache and discuss what Canadians can do to stand against terrorism and hate.

Irene Nurith Cohn is a social worker, therapist and volunteer scuba diver for ZAKA Search and Rescue, Israel’s leading non-governmental rescue and recovery organization. As a first responder, Irene witnessed the evidence of atrocities from October 7^th, including the gender and sexual violence committed on this horrible day in Jewish history.

While these stories are difficult to process, we must bear witness and hear the truth amid continued disinformation about October 7^th by Hamas and their supporters.

These voices have been brought to Canada to support advocacy on behalf of the hostages and victims from October 7^th, with support from the Missing Families and Hostages Forum, Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, Secure Canada and UJA Federation Toronto. 

Opening Remarks: Naomi Parness

Discussion with Rabbi Adam Cutler, Jacqui Rivers-Vital and Irene Cohn