Heartache in Toronto in wake of deadly New Zealand mosque shootings
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Local Muslim Ali Majied says he feels sad for humanity after the massacre at two mosques in New Zealand on Friday.
A self-proclaimed racist loaded with weapons killed 49 people and wounded dozens other in two mosques in Christchurch.
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“It’s hard to put into words,” Majied said at the Salaheddin Islamic Centre in Scarborough. “The Muslims have a deep command taught to be intertwined with the whole, so it is sad to see that some people hate us.”
“There is more love than hate, so it is important to find the love now,” he added.
Idrahim Hindy said the mass shooting in New Zealand evoked horrific memories of the mosque attack in Quebec two years ago.
“This is an attack on the entire community. It will be hard to get past and I’m not sure how,” Hindy said. “When you see this type of violence you can feel so alone. Others in the community have reached out and that is some comfort.”
Police throughout the GTA have increased security around religious institutions.
“I want to send our condolences to those impacted by the heinous attacks in New Zealand,” Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders said in a statement released Friday. “Please be assured that police officers will be patrolling your communities today, visiting mosques and other places of worship, to ensure everyone’s safety,”
“The Toronto Police Service continuously monitors security issues within the City of Toronto and around the world. In response to the attacks in New Zealand, we have a heightened police presence in the community focusing on places of worship — especially mosques,” police said in a statement.
The Toronto sign and CN Tower were dimmed Friday night in memory of the victims and those injured in the attack.
“I am deeply saddened by the terror attack in New Zealand & stand with our Muslim community to condemn this hate-fuelled violence,” Mayor John Tory tweeted.
“On behalf of all Torontonians, we send condolences to the families & friends of those killed in Christchurch & those injured in this heinous attack.”
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Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre said the organization stands in solidarity with the Muslim community against hatred,
“Today we stand in solidarity with the Muslim community and stand up against growing racism and hatred around the world,” said FSWC president Avi Benlolo. “People should never have to fear for their safety when going to a place of worship. Prayers go out to the victims and families whose lives have forever changed because of this senseless attack.”
It is a dark day for those who care about the law, acceptance and freedom of religion said Jeffrey Rosenthal, co-chairman of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.
“As Canadians, we are acutely aware that this is not the first time Muslims have been targeted while at prayer. That these innocent victims were murdered in their house of worship adds an additional dimension of horror to a deeply tragic situation,” Rosenthal said.
