‘Standing up against hate’ on anniversary of Quebec mosque attack

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/01/2021 (2018 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In 2017, a gunman walked into a mosque in Quebec City and opened fire, killing six people and wounding five.

Manitobans are invited to gather Friday for an online commemoration on the fourth anniversary of the attack to remember the victims and show opposition to hate.

The event, sponsored by the Islamic Social Services Association, the Social Planning Council, and Independent Jewish Voices, will feature prayers from the Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Indigenous traditions.

“We want to remember those who lost their lives and those who continue to suffer,” said Shahina Siddiqui, ISSA executive director.

It’s also a time to “show our commitment to standing up against hate against any race, culture or religion.”

Although there has not been another similar attack on Muslims in Canada since the Quebec shootings, Islamophobia and other forms of hate continues and is on the rise, she said.

It’s not easy to see, Siddiqui said, but it exists on social media. “We monitor social media and we see it.”

It’s also happening in other ways, such as vandalism or discrimination against Muslims.

“Less than a third of hate crimes are reported,” she said, adding, “Sometimes I feel like I am just waiting for another shooting like in Quebec City to occur… There is a lot of ugly hate out there.”

The commemoration starts at 5:30 p.m. and runs about an hour. To participate, e-mail info@spcw.mb.ca to get a weblink. 

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