The Quebec victim is all of us
Re Deadly mosque attack in Quebec City, Jan. 30 Almost 12 years ago, there was a shooting in a mosque in Pakistan. I was 10 years old. I was there. I got shot.
Canada offered the refuge that my own country could not. Now I see such a horrendous thing so close to home, Canada, and it brings back memories and feelings.
The victim is all of us, as one human race; the enemy doesn’t care about faith, sex, creed, nation or anything else. The victim is the peace of our houses and houses of worship. This is what we must remember, lest some of us may be encouraged to build walls against each other out of hate, literally. Omar Farooq, Vaughan
Re It is time to learn from history’s lesson, Jan. 31 Martin Regg Cohn is right to remind readers of previous acts of terror committed against innocent worshippers in their holy places in other countries. Anyone who desecrates a place of worship is a coward and depraved of humanity.
As a Muslim, I call on Muslim brothers and sisters to integrate in the Canadian society and adopt the Canadian way of life without abandoning our beliefs. Let us remember that the Canadian way of life is full of morals and principles that we admire. Let us get to know our neighbours — invite them to our homes, introduce them to our culture.
We shouldn’t just sit there waiting to be invited. We should take the initiative and embrace this beautiful and generous land that has, and is, offering us peace and freedom. Belle Jabouri, North York
The Quebec mosque attack has shaken me to the core, because something so barbaric and senseless has hit us so close to home. These types of incidents are a result of the anti-Muslim rhetoric and agenda being propagated across the border, even more now with the “reformed” immigration policy.
These types of legislation will only result in a continued spiral into ignorance. The public will continue to be misinformed about Islamic teachings and will foster an environment of xenophobia and hatred. No one deserves to be killed on the basis of faith, especially when engaged in acts of worship.
As Canadians, the principle of protecting religious freedom is ingrained in our values and way of life. We must stand together and fight this ignorance with education and compassion towards our fellow Canadians. Wajahat Nasir, Scarborough
I stand with all who support the victims of terrorism in our country and abroad. It was beautiful for me to see the support of all of our federal, provincial and municipal leaders, and the candlelight vigils for the people of the Centre culturel islamique de Québec, also known as La Grande mosquée de Québec.
It can be difficult to see current events in our world and to still keep our sanity. At the same time, all that is happening is serving to show what is going on beneath the surface. People are divided, polarized. We choose, “us” or “them.” We have chosen to allow ourselves to be divided. We can choose to not allow ourselves to be divided.
The time has come to support each other and those among us who most need help. Jaret Blidook, Oliver, B.C.
Our nation has again failed as a beacon of multicultural tolerance, co-operation and unity. We must accept our failure while understanding the only real defence against such madness is our collective voice and presence.
Multiculturalism is Canada’s “wall.” It protects our safety, our wealth, our strength and our common future. Our enemies within are massively outnum- bered by an amazing cavalcade of Canadians who just want to live, love and laugh. May our collective spiritual, cultural and human wisdoms guide us as we all go forth, together. Randy Gostlin, Oshawa
“Multiculturalism is Canada’s ‘wall.’ It protects our safety, our wealth, our strength and our common future.” RANDY GOSTLIN OSHAWA
Congratulations on your recent articles and editorial comments on Trump’s policies and the mosque shootings in Quebec. The reporting is in-depth and your editorial stands on democratic values are clear. In this world of disappearing newspapers and “alternate facts,” your coverage on these and similar issues is very important. Cathy Brown, Toronto
It is crucial that all 35 million Canadians continue to support the peace and community that make up the fabric of our wonderful country despite the senseless, brutal killing of six of our citizens. It was only one person who has caused so much grief. We must not let that one person dictate, in the name of law and order, the loss of liberties and freedoms we value so highly.
Hate-mongering individuals within our society have and will continue to foment suspicion among us. Stand strong, fellow citizens. We are a great nation that has compassion, understanding and tolerance as the cornerstones of our democracy. David Gladstone, Toronto