In a poignant farewell, family and friends gathered on Wednesday to honour Michel Mizrahi, a 68-year-old civilian tragically killed during a violent altercation in Montreal earlier this week. Attendees at the funeral, held at Paperman & Sons funeral home, remembered Mizrahi as a self-sacrificing individual whose courageous actions saved lives during the harrowing event that left three dead.
A Lasting Legacy of Bravery
Hundreds turned out for the service, filling the venue to capacity and leaving many standing at the back. Rabbis from various synagogues across Montreal were present to offer their support and condolences. Eyewitness accounts from the chaotic scene on Monday indicate that Mizrahi actively guided people to safety as gunfire erupted, yet he himself did not seek shelter. Disturbing footage suggests that he may have been accidentally shot by a police officer during the incident. As of Wednesday, the Montreal police have refrained from commenting on the specifics of the shooting or the circumstances surrounding Mizrahi’s death.
Those who knew Mizrahi were not surprised by his selfless nature. His son, Shlomi, tearfully recounted at the service, “He died a hero, because that’s who my father was. Helping others was in his nature, and was stronger than him.”
Tragic Circumstances of the Shootout
Mizrahi’s death occurred during a violent exchange between police and a rifle-wielding suspect near a hotel in Montreal’s Côte-des-Neiges district. The shootout resulted in the deaths of Mizrahi, police Constable Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, and the gunman, while another female officer sustained serious injuries. An Islamic funeral prayer for Constable Benredouane was held later that evening, with plans for a public gathering to be announced.
The chaos unfolded in front of a building that houses the offices of the adult-content distributor Aylo, which operates the well-known site Pornhub. Authorities are currently investigating whether the operators of Pornhub were specifically targeted during the attack.
Identity of the Suspect Revealed
The suspect in the shooting has been identified as 25-year-old Seth Scott Hatfield, a university student from Lethbridge, Alberta. Following the incident, local police, at the request of Quebec provincial authorities, conducted a search of Hatfield’s residence. By Wednesday morning, the tactical and explosive disposal units had concluded their operations, allowing residents previously evacuated to return home.
An online manifesto attributed to Hatfield expresses a range of grievances, displaying antisemitic and anti-capitalist sentiments while advocating violence against police. Law enforcement has confirmed that this manifesto is linked to Hatfield, further complicating the investigation.
Survivor Accounts Highlight Mizrahi’s Heroism
Attendees at Mizrahi’s funeral shared harrowing accounts of his bravery during the shootout. Cousins Keren Loutati and Liel Navi explained how Mizrahi saved their lives. Just moments before the first shots rang out, Mizrahi alerted Navi to the danger, urging her to take cover inside the smoothie shop. Once inside, he guided Loutati and other patrons into the safety of a bathroom, where they hid for two hours as bullets flew outside.
Reflecting on their narrow escape, Loutati described Mizrahi as “like an angel,” while Navi recalled the terrifying moments of uncertainty as they feared for their lives. “We were calling our husbands and saying our goodbyes,” she recounted.
Isaac Mayer, a close friend of Mizrahi’s, expressed his sorrow, wishing fervently that Mizrahi had sought safety for himself. He shared how his father attempted to reach Mizrahi over a hundred times on the day of the shooting, only to learn of his tragic fate via social media. “We saw the most terrible video we could have ever seen,” he lamented.
Fond Memories and Farewell
Mizrahi’s friends, Alain Pereque and Leon Mayer, fondly remembered their lifelong bond with him, referring to themselves as “the three musketeers” since their childhood in Beirut. Pereque described Mizrahi as always positive, joking, and smiling, stating, “He had a big heart.” After emigrating to Canada in the 1980s, Mizrahi remained a beloved figure in their lives.
As the community mourns, plans are in place for Mizrahi’s burial in Israel, where his two daughters reside.
Why it Matters
The tragic loss of Michel Mizrahi highlights the profound impact of violence in our communities and the unyielding spirit of heroism that can emerge in the face of danger. His selfless actions serve as a poignant reminder of the potential for goodness in humanity, inspiring others to prioritise the safety and well-being of those around them, even at great personal risk. The ripple effects of this tragedy will resonate throughout Montreal, prompting discussions on community safety and the ongoing need for vigilance against violence.