Men and women, young and old, gathered in front of City Hall Monday night to stand as one with the Muslim community.
Hundreds of Prince George residents held up candles and signs, remembering those affected by Sunday night’s shooting in a Quebec City mosque. The event left six dead and 19 others injured.
Long-time city resident Ann O’Shea had never been to a vigil or service like this. She was thinking of those affected, like her family in Quebec City, while she participated.
“I just felt called to be with other people that are like-minded,” she says, “I felt very honoured that I am part of this group. It seems small but it isn’t, it’s very powerful when people stand together in the likemindedness and in a place of love,” she says.
O’Shea and the crowd heard from a handful of speakers. MLA Shirley Bond and members of Council showed their support and commented on our diversified community. However, the most moving speaker was Hira Rashid. She began by stating she’s “unapologetically Muslim,” thanked everyone for attending, then used her platform to spread positivity.
“The best way to beat hatred is to love. Love each other, love your neighbours, love your community, get to know them, learn their names, learn their stories, participate with them in their events. It is only with love that we can survive through times like this,” she says.
“Because, at the end of the day, love trumps hate.”
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
