UPDATE – A spokesperson for the Okanagan Muslim community is thanking the broader community for its support following the massacre in Quebec City.
Hamid Butt is expressing appreciation for the large response at Tuesday’s vigil at the mosque in Kelowna.
He is sharing a letter, saying the support at the vigil was emotional and overwhelming.
Dear fellow Canadian thank you to each and everyone of you called, emailed and reached out to us it meant a lot to the Muslim community here and around the country. We are very humbled with the overwhelming support and above all very proud to be Canadians.
At the vigil for Quebec Mosque shooting yesterday night Kelowna Islamic Center was packed inside and outside; fence to fence to the street sidewalk. It was testimonial presentation of solidarity and I say out of this sad incident the best of us (Canadian) came out. We together failed the hatred and division again.
We pray for the departing souls and pray to God almighty to grant strength and courage to the family members to bear their unrecoverable loss, their lives have been shattered. Yesterday we stood together in solidarity with one loud voice that this is not acceptable. This is Canada, we as Canadian are compassionate, considerate and respectful to each other; recognizing our differences, just like bouquet of flowers. We are diverse communities yet united as one Canadians nation. That’s what who we are and we are very proud of our values.
This horrible incident has opened our hearts to each other and your presence was a testimony to our belief that we are all one. I want to thank all of you on behalf of our congregation and the Muslim community around the country for showing your support and extended your kindness – God bless you all.
Hamid Butt
On behalf of
Kelowna Islamic Center
People spilled out of the Kelowna Islamic Centre and onto the street at a candlelight vigil Tuesday night.
Hundreds of community members attended the gathering in the wake of the mass shooting inside a mosque in Quebec City Sunday night.
“I would not have been surprised for this to have happened anywhere else,” Donald Schmidt, a First United Church minister said. “As a Canadian I would like to think that we’re above this. Obviously we’re not.”
A huge mass of candles, along with flowers and Canadian flags, were placed in a mound of snow in front of Islamic Centre.
“It doesn’t touch only us as a Muslim community, but Canada as a whole,” Ahmed Rizki, a member of the Kelowna Islamic Centre said. “This is touching universal values. Canadian values.”
Inside, speakers took the stage and talked about the possibility of creating a stronger, more tolerant future for Canadians.
“I want to remind us all that we have an opportunity here in Kelowna and in the Okanagan to continue to be a beacon in the world; to show that we are diverse and we are accepting and we truly love one another,” Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran said.
Members of the Kelowna Islamic Centre expressed gratitude for the support they have received since the shooting.
“It’s overwhelming, the response,” Muhammad Zubair said. “We are really happy to see how united we are together and that’s really an amazing experience.”
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