Lethbridge Jewish and Palestinian communities reflect on October-7

Three years ago, on October 7, 2023, the militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. The attack, which targeted communities near the Gaza border and included the Nova music festival, triggered the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and heightened tensions across the Middle East.

Since then, the conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza, while fighting and tensions have spread to other parts of the region. Three years later, all 251 hostages taken on October 7 have been returned to Israel, either alive or as remains.

Here in Lethbridge, members of both the Jewish and Palestinian communities are reflecting on the events of October 7, the war that followed, and how the conflict continues to affect them and their communities.