TORONTO — Omer Lubaton-Granot, the son of Ada Sagi, an Israeli Canadian who was held by Hamas and later released, said this week that his repeated appeals to federal leaders were ignored. He publicly accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of failing to press for the unconditional release of hostages and said Prime Minister Mark Carney did not call him after his mother was returned.
Lubaton-Granot made the statements in a public post and in interviews. He said he met Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on multiple occasions and pleaded for urgent diplomatic action. He said he begged Trudeau to demand the unconditional release of his mother and other hostages. He added, quote, “I met Justin Trudeau many times, I pleaded for action, I begged him to demand the unconditional release of my mom…but all hostages, he did nothing. Carney didn’t even call me, didn’t even do anything when my parents were returned, absolutely nothing.”
The claims underscore continuing anger within Canadian Jewish and pro-Israel communities about Ottawa’s response following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas in southern Israel. The assault killed more than 1,200 people and led to hundreds of abductions. Families of victims have sought stronger diplomatic intervention and clearer public support from allied governments.
Lubaton-Granot’s mother, Ada Sagi, is an Israeli-Canadian who was among those taken during the October 7 attacks and later released. Her case, and Lubaton-Granot’s public comments, have drawn attention from family groups and community organizations pressing Ottawa for more visible action on behalf of victims and hostages.
Family advocates have repeatedly called for Canada to use all available diplomatic channels to secure the safe return of captives and to provide families with direct government assistance. Some relatives say they expected stronger, more personal outreach when remains were returned or when survivors came home. Lubaton-Granot’s assertion that he received no call from Prime Minister Carney after the return of his mother reflects those wider grievances.
Government officials have not responded directly to Lubaton-Granot’s specific allegation about a call from Prime Minister Carney. Federal spokespeople routinely say Canada works through diplomatic channels and with allies to protect Canadian citizens and to press for humane treatment of detainees. They also point to consular support and quiet diplomacy as ongoing measures.
Observers note that public criticism from victims’ families can be politically sensitive. Officials sometimes prioritize discreet, multilateral channels to avoid jeopardizing negotiations. Critics argue that silence or perceived inaction fuels distrust and deepens community anger. Supporters of the government counter that measured diplomacy and coalition building are necessary to protect lives and to sustain long-term outcomes.
Lubaton-Granot’s remarks follow other public complaints by relatives of those killed or detained on October 7. Those families have appeared at rallies, written op eds, and given interviews to amplify calls for accountability and for policies they say would better protect Jewish Canadians and dual nationals. The comments have intensified debate in Ottawa over foreign policy toward Israel and the Palestinian territories.
This article is based on verified information from Omer Lubaton-Granot’s public statements, family accounts, and related reporting.