Sault mayor speaks out on 'senseless loss of civilian lives' in Israel and Gaza

Mayor Matthew Shoemaker has issued a statement on the Israel-Hamas war, decrying “the senseless loss of civilian lives” in the region and reassuring residents that Sault Ste. Marie is a “safe place” for people of all backgrounds.

“The City grieves the tragic losses of life in Gaza and Israel,” reads the statements, posted this morning on the mayor's social media feeds. “Sault Ste. Marie will continue to be a safe place for Muslim and Jewish communities, and those of all backgrounds who call our community home. We stand steadfastly against Islamophobia and Antisemitism, and wish, pray and call for an end to the losses of civilian life.”

It continues: “Our community is an example of how people from diverse backgrounds can share the same love of place, and practice their faith and culture openly and it is my hope that we can be an example for the global community on how all can co-exist peacefully.”

The City grieves the tragic losses of life in Gaza and Israel. @CitySSM is a safe place for Muslim and Jewish communities, and those of all backgrounds. We stand steadfastly against Islamophobia and Antisemitism, and wish, pray and call for an end to the losses of civilian life. pic.twitter.com/ViB2z38pHw

— Matthew Shoemaker (@SooShoe) November 16, 2023

Below is the mayor’s full statement:

"​​The October 7th attack on Israel and the response to that attack has left much of the world concerned about the senseless loss of civilian lives, and about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The City grieves the tragic losses of life in Gaza and Israel. Sault Ste. Marie will continue to be a safe place for Muslim and Jewish communities, and those of all backgrounds who call our community home. We stand steadfastly against Islamophobia and Antisemitism, and wish, pray and call for an end to the losses of civilian life. Our community is an example of how people from diverse backgrounds can share the same love of place, and practice their faith and culture openly and it is my hope that we can be an example for the global community on how all can co-exist peacefully.”