Montrealers gathered to remember the six victims of the Quebec mosque attack, emphasizing unity against Islamophobia.
Montreal: On Wednesday night, people from all walks of life came together at Parc metro. They gathered for the National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia. This event honored the six Muslim men who tragically lost their lives in the Quebec City mosque attack eight years ago.
Jawad Kanani, a board member of Muslim Awareness Week, shared his thoughts. He called the attack one of the most tragic acts of Islamophobia in Canada. He stressed that it’s crucial to remember this event even after eight years.
This vigil coincides with Muslim Awareness Week. It’s a time for everyone to take action against Islamophobia and to highlight the ongoing struggles faced by the Muslim community.
Members of the Muslim Awareness Week, including Samira Laouni and Salam El-Mousawi, were present. They emphasized the importance of understanding and combating misconceptions about Muslims and Islam.
Hassan Farajallah, another member, pointed out that ignorance leads to fear, which can result in hate. He mentioned that Muslims need to do more to dispel myths and educate others about their faith.
Salam El-Mousawi also spoke about the impact of laws like Bill 21. He argued that such laws strip women of their rights to express their identity, particularly regarding the hijab. He urged politicians to be more considerate of these issues.
Many politicians and Montrealers attended to show their support. Diane Johnston, who has been coming to this vigil since 2017, expressed her disapproval of targeting different communities.
Farajallah concluded by saying that it’s essential for the community to grow stronger and build connections with people from all backgrounds. That’s the key to moving forward together.
