Insights from Reverend Hazan Benlolo

Dear friends,

This has been without a doubt, one of the most eventful, difficult and heart wrenching week, the people of Israel and Jews around the world have been and continue to go through. In the past few days, throughout our Montreal community Rally after Rally, vigil after vigil has been mushrooming all around us. At each one I stood proud yet shaken, stoic yet vulnerable as I stepped up to the microphone to sing songs of hope and encouragement followed by the memorial prayer for our brothers and sisters. I sang with all my being, but I could not hide the pain nor hold back the tears.

Now we find ourselves at the threshold of a new reality. Yes, antisemitism never left us, it never hid its ugly face, but it seemed to be somehow controlled. Today we look over our shoulders not once, not twice, but every second of the day to make sure our families, our communities, our people are safe.

Here is one of the myriads of stories. But this one, written by Sammy Loco hits close to home. Alexandre Look is the son of my dear friends Alain Haim Look and wife Raquel Ohnona.

Today, our Cote St. Luc community in Montreal is enveloped in grief and sadness. We have been struck by a tragic loss that has left us heartbroken. It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the untimely death of a beloved member of our community, Alexandre Look. He left us yesterday in Israel, following a terrorist attack that has sent shockwaves through our tight-knit neighborhood. Alexandre, or Alex as many fondly called him, was a remarkable individual who touched the lives of all who knew him. In this article, we pay tribute to a true gentleman, a hero, and a cherished member of our community.

Alexandre Look’s life was tragically cut short in a place far from his Montreal home, but he left this world as a hero. In the face of danger, he showed remarkable courage and selflessness. In the midst of a terrorist attack, Alex put the safety and well-being of the people he was with above his own. His heroic actions speak volumes about his character and his unwavering commitment to protecting those he cared about.

Alexandre Look was a beloved figure in our community, cherished by young and old alike. Many of us have known him since he was a young boy, and even then, he exhibited a unique charisma and unparalleled generosity that left a lasting impression. His smile could light up a room, and his kind-hearted nature made him a friend to everyone he met.

Alex’s deep connection to our community was evident in the countless ways he contributed to its well-being. Whether it was volunteering at local events, lending a helping hand to neighbors in need, or simply being a friend to those around him, Alex was always there. His dedication to making our community a better place was inspiring, and his absence will be deeply felt.

Alex’s adoration extended beyond the boundaries of our community and reached into the hearts of his family. He was a beloved son, brother, and friend to his loved ones. The pain of his loss will be felt most acutely by his family, who knew him best and loved him unconditionally. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this unimaginably difficult time.