Standing Together With Israel on Parliament Hill in Ottawa

Margaret's Legacy's Georgina along with Marty, Debbie & Benjy standing with Israel on Parliament Hill in Ottawa

On December 5, 2023, together with the Hamilton Jewish Federation and a variety of Hamilton organizations, Margaret’s Legacy stood alongside thousands of individuals from across the country at Canada’s Rally for Israel on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, a national gathering that brought together people of all backgrounds, united in a shared message of solidarity, support, and collective responsibility.

The atmosphere was powerful. 

Standing among a sea of people, many wrapped in Israeli flags, some holding signs, others just being present, it was evident that our community shows up when it matters most.

In recent years, and especially in the months leading up to this gathering, the Jewish community has been navigating a renewed wave of uncertainty. Antisemitism has felt closer, more visible, and at times, more normalized than any other time in recent memory.

In that context, it felt pressing that our community feel an increase in togetherness. visibility. belonging.

We needed to feel this sense of togetherness.

What was perhaps most striking about the day was the diversity of those in attendance. Different ages, backgrounds, levels of observance, and personal connections, all standing together with a shared sense of purpose.

Events like this remind us that a big part of education is about showing up and modeling what it means to be an upstander, especially during the scariest times. It shows us that unity does not require uniformity. It requires compassion and connection.