A group of Canadians whose families have been killed or held prisoner by Hamas is asking for the Canadian government to work with other countries to make sure those who have been kidnapped are released.

Harel Lapidot of Regina says his 23 year old niece called her mother on October 7th and told her she was being hunted by Hamas. She had been at the music festival near the Gaza Strip border where Hamas’s attack began on October 7th. Lapidot says it took 11 days for her body to be identified. “Parts of her were missing.” Lapidot stresses that his niece knew nothing about politics. She had never held a gun. He believes citizens should be off limits in any war.

Aharon Brodutch says his sister-in-law and his brother’s three children, four, eight and ten years old, were taken hostage. He understands that this is a complicated war, but when it comes to kidnapping citizens, including children, having them released should be the priority. “There is a crime against humanity happening every single day. Thirty-three children, two-hundred and…I think thirty-nine hostages that we know of right now are being held.”

Brodutch appreciates that the Prime Minister spoke with them and he hopes that the Canadian government can be part of the solution in the release of the hostages.