It has been a week since a gunman walked into two Christchurch mosques and opened fire, killing 50.
On Friday, more than 100 people came together at the Peterborough mosque to show support and solidarity with the local Muslim community.
They joined hands and formed a ring of peace around the outside of the mosque as afternoon prayers went on inside.
READ MORE: Rally against racism in Peterborough at Confederation Square draws dozens
“I’m saddened, what happened last Friday at Christchurch. I’m also pleased, on the same note, that we have so much care and support in Peterborough. It’s unimaginable,” said Muhammed Shaikh, president of the Kawartha Muslim Religious Association (KMRA).
“It really represents the love and acceptance and inclusivity of our community,” said Diane Therrien, mayor of Peterborough. “We come out for each other when we’re needed.”
One of the supporters was Hermione Rivason, a native of Christchurch.
“I believe the more support we have around the world, it strengthens our connections with each other and that’s important,” said Rivason.
READ MORE: Support for Peterborough’s Muslim community pours in following New Zealand mosque shootings
Rivason, who has been in Canada since the 1980s, also had a close connection to the shooting. Two of the people murdered went to her high school.
“When I heard on Friday, I have to admit, I sat down in shock,” Rivason said. “I was speechless.
“Christchurch is a quiet little city, where you think nothing will happen. Unfortunately, it did.”
This isn’t the first time Peterborough has rallied in support of the KMRA. It also came to the aide of the community when the mosque was set on fire in an act of hate in November 2015.
“At that time, we felt we are not alone here,” said Shaikh. “Hate does its own thing, but love has an aroma of its own. We can see that.”
- Canadian man dies during Texas Ironman event. His widow wants answers as to why
- ‘Sciatica was gone’: hospital performs robot-assisted spinal surgery in Canadian first
- Honda’s $15B Ontario EV plant marks ‘historic day,’ Trudeau says
- Several baby products have been recalled by Health Canada. Here’s the list
Comments