Abdeali Saherwala | Contributor
Featured image: The vigil was held in cooperation with York’s Indian Cultural Association and the Pakistani Students Association. | Amir Yazdanaparast
A vigil to remember and commemorate the lives of those killed in the terrorist attack on the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec was held in Vari Hall last week.
A total of six people were killed at the mosque in Sainte-Foy, Québec, and 19 other attendees were injured when a gunman opened fire during a prayer session on January 29.
The vigil on February 2 was organized jointly by York’s Indian Cultural Association, or ICA, and the Pakistani Students Association, or PSA.
Taskeen Husnoo, president of the ICA, believed that this display of unity sent a strong message to the wider community.
“We wanted to show the world that we are joining hands to promote love.
“It is believed that India and Pakistan share a hostile relationship,” she adds.
“We want peace and we believe in diversity.”
The 30-minute vigil was opened by Husnoo, who invited attendees to light candles for the victims, whose names were read out.
Haris Irfan, vice president of the PSA, called on young people to stand up against hate crime and discrimination.
“The vigil was a form of protest against violence, racism and all forms of discrimination. Someone’s faith or colour should not be the reason for their death. In today’s world, it is the responsibility of young people like us to stand with what is right and speak up against what is wrong,” says Irfan.
In a statement made to the House of Commons, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed the importance of acceptance and tolerance.
“Make no mistake, this was a terrorist attack. It was an attack on our most intrinsic and cherished values as Canadians—values of openness, diversity and freedom of religion,” he said.
In response to the attack, Canadians and people around the world have shown solidarity with Muslims, immigrants and refugees, notably in light of President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting travel from seven Muslim-majority countries.
In the face of hate and bigotry, the vigil was seen as a reminder to Canadians and international students that Canada is strong in its diversity and inclusivity.
Zainub Khan, first-year psychology student, felt the show of support provided a welcome hand for those in the Muslim community.
“I wanted to come and take part because as a Muslim and as a human, I think it’s important to show support and [offer your] condolences for a tragic event that happens in our community,” says Khan.
“It felt good to know that there were people who actually cared about it.”
Noah Deleon, first-year film student, attended to pay his respect to the victims.
“I always see life as a fragile and complicated thing that one should take great care of. To hear that someone had the audacity to go to a mosque and kill innocent people just tears me apart,” says Deleon.
“I wanted to offer my condolences to the families who are suffering in the aftermath of the shooting […] I attended on behalf of those who were unable to attend and on behalf of the university as a whole.”
Police have since charged the sole suspect Alexandre Bissonnette, 27, with six counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder.
Bissonnette, who studied at the Université Laval, appeared in court last week where he made no plea. The case is set to continue next month.
With files from Jonny Chard
