In the weeks following the October 7th massacre in Israel, Canadian society seemed to be coming apart at the seams. Massive protests against Israel’s military incursion into Gaza clogged the streets. Jewish schools and synagogues were targeted with bullets and Molotov cocktails. University campuses became hotbeds of hysterical shouting matches. In response, Justin Trudeau gave interviews promoting the Canadian values of pluralism and multiculturalism. He reminded Canadians that we are known for listening to each other and being respectful, even when we disagree.
I admired the sentiment. Here in Canada, we are not going to solve the problems in the Middle East, but we can control how we interact with each other. And yet it was hard to spot the harmonious, empathetic Canada Trudeau described. Then I heard about a small group of Canadians determined to do something radical, something that stood apart from all the polarized demonstrations and protests that had taken over Canadian cities: they decided to come together in a peaceful vigil to show support for each other, to demonstrate kindness, and share their feelings of grief and loss about the conflict in the Middle East.
The East Toronto Multifaith Community is a volunteer-run group of diverse members that include Christians, Jews and Muslims. Since October 7th they have met several times peacefully, insisting on one rule: no flags or signs or slogans. How do these Canadians overcome their tribal alliances to see the humanity in each other? At Maclean’s, we asked them. I found their answers touching and I think you will too.
—Sarah Fulford, editor-in-chief
