'Don't forget him': Alexandre Look, a Montrealer who was slain in Israel on October 7, is honoured with a green spot in Côte Saint-Luc
“I come here every morning before going to the [synagogue], and I feel very honored,” said his father, Alain.
The new name for a green space in Montreal’s Côte Saint-Luc is Alexandre Look Place.
This name commemorates Alexandre Look, a 33-year-old Montrealer who was killed by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, while attending the Nova music festival in southern Israel.
On Monday evening, the City held a ceremony to dedicate the green space in Look’s memory.
Côte Saint-Luc unveiled the new name for the green space in honor of Alexandre Look, who was killed in Israel on October 7, 2023. Sept. 09, 2024. (Alyssia Rubertucci, CityNews)
Look’s parents, Alain and Raquel, attended the ceremony and were deeply moved as they read the plaque dedicated to their son.
“It means everything because you, my son, were a hero that night. You fought for your beliefs and showed great bravery,” said Raquel Look. “This honor, in the place where he grew up, where he spent his childhood, and where we have our best memories, is so important to ensure we don’t forget him.”
Look was one of over 300 individuals killed in the festival attack.
Raquel mentioned that her son shielded others during the attack on the bomb shelter where he was hiding, reportedly saving eight people by using his body as a shield.
“He immediately stepped up, believing he could handle anything without fear,” said Look’s friend Itay Maor. “He even started speaking to them in Arabic, and tragically, he was the first to be killed.”
At the ceremony, Look was frequently hailed as a hero, with some expressing regret that he had been so brave and sought shelter.
“I’m upset with him. I always told him not to play the hero,” said friend Shay Benhamou. “I hope the world recognizes what kind of person he was—the most selfless person I’ve ever known.”
“It’s beyond words—losing a child so unexpectedly and violently,” Raquel said. “It changes you forever.”
The green space named in Look’s honor is located at the end of Kildare Road near Bialik High School, where Look spent his teenage years.
“It’s crucial for everyone to remember what happened on October 7, to honor Alex and all the others who were killed, and to recognize the ongoing issue of anti-Semitism in Canada and worldwide. Alex was at a concert for peace,” said Mitchell Brownstein, mayor of Côte Saint-Luc.
“I come here every morning before going to the [synagogue], and I feel very honored,” said his father, Alain.
Raquel noted that the location of the space is ideal, situated between the school and the synagogue.
“There will be young couples marrying at the synagogue, we will celebrate new births and bar mitzvahs, and have Jewish education and wisdom here,” she said. “This place is perfect because October 7 was meant to destroy us, but this is how we prevail.”
This dedication comes just over 11 months after his death and what would have been his 34th birthday on Tuesday.
“Since all his friends are coming, we will celebrate his life,” Raquel said, mentioning that she is hosting a party. “We will all be together, and we will get through it together.”
