Hundreds attend vigil for mosque shooting victims
‘Heartwarming’ sight sees strangers come together to denounce hatred
City hall was the site of a sombre memorial as Calgarians stood vigil to mourn the killing of six people in a mass shooting at a Quebec City mosque.
Holding candles and carrying signs reading messages like: “No hate no fear, immigrant and Muslim welcome here,” hundreds of Calgarians from many faiths and backgrounds gathered to spread a message of solidarity and unity with Muslim Canadians.
“My heart told me I had to be here today,” said Caryle Barr, who attended the vigil with members of her church and Muslim friends. “I was desperate, I needed to be down here today and I didn’t want to come by myself.”
Chris Mah Poy said he felt a need to attend the vigil to stand against an “atmosphere of division.”
“Canadians have demonstrated time and time again that we will stand with each other regardless of our background and we reject the politics of fear and division in whatever form it might take,” Mah Poy said.
David Swann, leader of the Alberta Liberal Party, spoke at the rally and said the vigil was an example of citizenship at its best.
“It’s wonderful to be a part of this, but at the same time a tragic thing to bring us together,” Swann said.
Earlier in the day, Mayor Naheed Nenshi offered his condolences while speaking at the University of Calgary.
“We will not accept hatred and fear. We will not accept xenophobia,” Nenshi said. “We will not tolerate those who spread it and those who commit atrocities out of cowardice and hatred. We will not let it break our collective spirit of openness and optimism and love for humanity.”
The Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation organized the event and encouraged attendees to carry signs showing solidarity to the victims but asked for “no political messages.”
“As a community, we must stand together with the victims and one another against hatred,” the Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation said online.
Fatima Khan said the show of unity is encouraging for Calgary’s Muslim community.
“I think it’s beautiful,” Khan said. “It’s a sad occasion that would bring people together like this, but it’s heartwarming to see everyone come together.” Other Calgary vigils, prayer events planned to remember the Quebec City mosque victims: Tuesday: 6 p.m., Akram Jomaa Center (2612 37th Ave. N.E.), organized by Muslim Council of Calgary Wednesday: 6 p.m., city hall atrium, organized by Calgary Interfaith Council and Jewish-Muslim Council Friday: Memorial service, 1:30 p.m., Genesis Centre (7555 Falconridge Blvd. N.E.), organized by Islamic Supreme Council and Muslims Against Terrorism Friday: Rally against racism, 4 p.m. At city hall, organized by Islamic Supreme Council and Muslims Against Terrorism