Hundreds pack Markham Civic Centre for vigil for Muslims killed in Quebec

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 2, 2017
By Tim Kelly

Hundreds of people packed the Markham Civic Centre overflowing council chambers Wednesday night in a vigil for six Muslims killed and 19 injured at a Quebec City mosque Sunday night.

People of all faiths attended the two-hour vigil service that included speeches, a book of condolences, and a candlelight ceremony in the peace garden to conclude the solemn event.

Mourners were visibly moved and some exchanged hugs and greetings at the event as they remembered those killed in the terrorist attack in Quebec. A lone gunman has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted murder for his attack on the mosque.

"Thank you all for showing your love and solidarity," said MC Khalid Usman to the crowd of 400 in council chambers as about 100 more milled in the hallway and watched intently on a TV monitor outside the chambers.

Imam Imran Khan of the Islamic Society of Markham told the crowd: "We condemn this (violence). All Canadians stand together with overwhelming support and sympathy, tears, and we really appreciate that greatly."

"There will be no fear, no hate, not in our hearts, not in our churches, synagogues, temples, not in our schools, not in our city, not in Quebec City, not in our province, not in our country, our nation, in our world, in Canada we stand on guard for thee," Khan said to loud applause from the audience.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti quoted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when he told those assembled that, "A Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian. While we may look different, while we may sound different and while we may listen to different music and eat different food, all of us have made Canada our home."

The mayor praised Markham as the most diverse city in Canada and said it was strong because of its diversity and tolerance.

Scarpitti added, "We will not tolerate hate in our communities. We will do what we can to stamp out hate."