N.L. mosque inundated with support
Peace and love must overcome evil, member of Muslim community says
The handwriting was small, but neat, and Moein Shahwan and his son, Abdullah, read the note carefully Monday, each word they repeated charged with their gratitude for the simple but kind gesture from a New Zealander who signed it “Anna.”
Written on orange stationary, it was taped to the Masjid-al-Noor mosque’s door with the skew stickers from a bouquet of mini carnations and was the newest among the offerings from the public as a show of support for the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (MANAL).
“As a New Zealander, I am truly sorry for this act against innocent people from your community,” wrote Anna, whose sentences were traced by Shahwan’s finger as he read.
“This is not who we are and the heartbreak we are feeling as a nation is indescribable. We are mourning with you. We are all sorry.”
On a nearby table flowers of every colour were crowded into vases. Someone left a plaque with the slogan “Love without limits.”
The association had its own note displayed, expressing thanks for all the support.
Shahwan said such gestures of love in the face of evil are exactly what are needed to combat hatred.
“Yes, it makes a difference, the love from all our brothers and sisters,” he said.
The sickness behind the attacks must be overshadowed by love and peace — lessons that must be instilled in all children for a better world in the future, Shahwan said.
New Zealand’s government has agreed to reform the country’s gun laws in the wake of last Friday's massacre at two mosques, in which 50 people were killed, according to reports.
The man accused of the Christchurch murders is 28-year-old Australian Brenton Tarrant.
Shahwan, vice-president of MANAL, and a civil engineer with the provincial government, is clear about the way to go beyond the horror.
“We must stand strong,” he said, sitting in the empty mosque with his son.
“Nobody expected it, but we have to accept the reality.”
Shahwan brought his family to Canada a dozen years ago from Gaza for better opportunities. They are Canadian — proud Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
“From the Holy Land to Newfoundland. My son doesn’t know any country for him, except Newfoundland and Labrador,” Shahwan said of Abdullah, 14, one of three siblings, the oldest of whom is 22.
“Canada is a peaceful place. There is a good future for my family.”
Precautions and security must be a consideration, but Shahwan feels safe in his community because of the outpouring from friends, neighbours and strangers.
“Peace is the easy way to deal with outrage,” Shahwan said. “(People) have come and shared their support and stood feet to feet, shoulder to shoulder. We appreciate that.”
While comforted by the support, 14-year-old Abdullah said it might be time mosques in Canada considered round-the-clock security guards. He said as much in a previous letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who acknowledged Abdullah’s community mindedness in a response.
“I am proud of him,” Shahwan said of his son.
“God bless Canada.”