Canadians can do better

I am a Canadian Muslim who was born in Pakistan and came here at the age of six. I am now a Concordia student, CIBC employee and a Vanier College alumni, ex-president of the Vanier College Students’ Association and a cadet commander of a Royal Canadian Air Cadet squadron.

It is with a heavy heart that I write after the barbarous and tragic events that have taken place in Paris and around the world.

I and other Muslims living in Montreal and elsewhere condemn unreservedly such atrocious and heartless acts of violence, purportedly in the name of Islam, a religion that preaches peace and respect.

Without undermining the victims of the Paris terrorist attacks, I will say the international response toward Muslims has been disappointing. I consider myself highly ambitious and a contributing member of Canadian society, like other Muslims. It is especially disheartening that members of my community seek revenge by targeting mosques and even individuals.

As for the Syrian refugees, these are people fleeing the Syrian war and share many of the same values as Canadians. There are people dying every day, and Canada is a country fortunate to be in a position to assist and save lives before they are senselessly lost. This is a chance for Canada to show its leadership as a compassionate nation.

Omar Riaz, Montreal