THUNDER BAY - People of all faiths and backgrounds stood side by side in the cold January air to remember, to grieve, and to pray together.
More than 300 people gathered at the Thunder Bay Masjid on Tuesday night to honour the victims of the shooting in Quebec City and stand in solidarity against hate and racism.
“We could have remembered the victims alone,” said Imam Hikmatullah Sherzad during the vigil. “We could have grieved solo, prayed in solitude. But it is in the spirit of our Canadian values that we remember collectively, grieve together, and pray united.”
Six men were fatally shot and 19 others wounded in an attack on a Mosque in Quebec City last Sunday. Sherzad said he has received countless letters and messages of support from the people of Thunder Bay since the tragedy, including one email that he quoted during the vigil.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I want you to know that we stand behind you and if necessary we will stand in front of you,” Sherzad read.
“I wish to echo that here today,” Sherzad added. “I believe all of us, as we stand here tonight, we stand not only behind one another, but if need be, in front of one another.”
People young and old stood in silence to remember the victims and signed words of support and encouragement on a banner outside of the local Mosque.
Patricia Kartiuk said Sherzad really spoke to what everyone was thinking and she said being at such a large gathering left her with mixed feelings.
“It’s sad to be here on this occasion,” she said. “Unfortunately we couldn’t get together at happier times.”
Richard Matthews attended the vigil to fight back against racism, which he sees as a growing problem in the country.
“I think we are in a very dark space,” he said. “Canada is and the United States. It’s going to be difficult and it may get worse. But we have every reason to believe that we should be hopeful.”
But seeing how many people gathered to honour the victims of violence and racism, Matthews said it shows just how many people care.
“It was bigger than I expected and it shows that there are a lot of people who care and who are worried about this,” he said. “It is demonstrating that a lot of us care. It won’t bring everyone together but there are other people who care.”
For 14-year-old, Rahel Zeeshan, it was important to be at the vigil to support the victims’ families in Quebec City and fight back against racism that is fueling hate in the nation. Like Matthews, she is encouraged by the show of support from the community.
“I feel really happy because there are just so many people out here,” she said. “I just can’t believe it. These people are out here to support us. It’s a really great showing of gratitude. It’s really nice of them.”
Heba Zaroog added that she will take away many things from the vigil Tuesday night and she is always happy to learn and teach new things.
“I’m hoping people will be more than happy to learn from me, and me learn from other people as well,” she said.
Sherzad concluded the vigil by proclaiming that the attack in Quebec City failed in its attempt to fan the flames of hatred, and has only served to make the nation stronger.
“This is an attempt at hate turned into love, an attempt at disunity turned into unity,” he said.
