Solidarity and defiance — two of the key messages coming from a vigil in Windsor held to recognize the attack in Edmonton being investigated as an act of terror.
Dr. Maher El-Masri with the Windsor Islamic Council, which hosted the event, says terrorists won't divide Canadians.
El-Masri says hearing of the attack made him feel like something had to be done and wanted to show solidarity with those in Edmonton. He was left shaking after hearing of the attack.
"Anger, anger. I was like, 'Oh no, not again, not again,'" says El-Masri.
October 3, 2017: President of the Windsor Islamic Council, Dr. Maher El-Masri, speaks at a vigil in Windsor held to show solidarity with those in Edmonton after a violent attack sees police in the city investigate the incident as an act of terror. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
He stresses whoever commits murder in the name of Islam is not being true to the faith.
"We want to make it clear that these guys are criminals, they're actually anti-Muslim, anti-Islamic, they're actually defaming my faith every time such an act happens," says El-Masri.
About 50 people attended the vigil held in City Hall Square.
El-Masri feels showing a united front is the best way to tackle hate.
"The best way forward is for us to come together and be very clear in our rejection of all hate messages from all kinds, from all sides and also come together and unite."
October 3, 2017: The Windsor Isamic Council hosts a vigil to show solidarity with those in Edmonton after an attack being investigated as an act of terror: (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Pastor of Our Old Lady of Assumption Maurice Restivo attended the vigil as well.
He says his prayer is that every time there is a lone wolf terrorist attack the Islamic community doesn't have to come forward to defend itself.
"The shooting that just happened in Las Vegas, no one has had to come forward to say, 'This is not us,' — because everyone knows this guy is sick, there's something wrong with him," says Restivo. "I can guarantee you that if that was a Christian man there would not have to be a gathering of Christians saying, 'This is not Christian,' — because everyone knows that."
El-Masri says terrorism has no religion and says those who do violence in its name are twisted and evil.
"We just witnessed a heinous act in Nevada a few days ago — hate and killing and terrorism does not have a religion."
The vigil concluded with everyone in attendance linking arms to show their solidarity against hate and violence.
October 3, 2017: The Windsor Isamic Council hosts a vigil to show solidarity with those in Edmonton after an attack being investigated as an act of terror: (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)