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Community leaders condemn attacks

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Religious and community leaders gathered at the Brantford Mosque on Friday to pray for those killed and wounded in the two Mosque attacks in New Zealand.

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Tim Dobbin, Rector of Brantford’s St. Mark’s Anglican Church and Gerald Fisher of the Hamilton Jewish Federation were among those who attended the special prayer service conducted by Imam Abu Noman Tarek of the Brantford Mosque.

“It as heartbreaking to hear about these shootings,” Dobbin, who is from New Zealand, said following the service. “It is heartbreaking for everyone but especially for all of the people of Christchurch.

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“It is a peaceful and welcoming community and something like this strikes at the very heart of who they are and what they believe.”

At least 49 people were killed and 20 more were seriously injured in the attacks that took place during the lunch hour in the community of Christchurch, New Zealand.

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Three people were arrested including a 28-year-old man who has been charged with murder.

Christchurch has long been thought of as a safe place for those fleeing violence and uncertainty in other parts of the world, Dobbin said, adding that the community was struck by tragedy in 2011 when an earthquake hit killing an estimated 185 people.

Dobbin and Fisher both spoke to the many people who gathered at the mosque for the prayer service.

Fisher read some letters including one from the Rabbis of Hamilton’s Jewish Community.

“We stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters at this difficult time,” the Rabbis said in their statement. “We know your pain too well.

“Jewish people have experienced it way too often ourselves. No one should ever have to experience horrors like this.”

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The statement went on to say that the “spirit of boundless hate which exists worldwide and continues to result in the ever-increasing loss of innocent lives must be brought to an end once and for all.”

The Canadian Rabbinic Caucus said in a statement that it is heartbroken, horrified and angry at the news and condemned it as an act of sheer evil targeting Muslims.

Others to attend the prayer service in support of the local Muslim community included Brantford city councillors Richard Carpenter (Ward 4), Joshua Wall (Ward 5), Jan Vanderstelt, (Ward 1), former councillor David Neuman, former Brant MPP Dave Levac and Amos Key Jr. of Six Nations.

Other community leaders took to social media to express condolences for those affected by the attacks.

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“It is with a heavy heart that I heard about the recent attack on two Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand,” MPP Brantford-Brant Will Bouma said in a post. “It is in the strongest terms that I condemn these attacks on innocent people while they were gathered quietly in worship and prayer.”

City officials also condemned the attacks in a post on social media.

“We send our deepest sympathies to the victims of this terrible tragedy and their families,” the post from the city said. “As a city that proudly celebrates our diversity, we join New Zealanders and Muslim communities around the world in grief, and condemnation of hate and violence.”

Brantford-Brant MP Phil McColeman said there is no place for these horrific attacks or the hatred that fuels them.

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“My thoughts are with the families of those lost in Christchurch and with the Muslim community of Brantford-Brant as they gather for prayer,” McColeman said.

Speaking at the service, Tarek said Islamophobia seeks to divide people and make them afraid.

“We will not be afraid and we will not be divided,” Tarek said.

Community leaders and people of all faiths cannot remain silent in the aftermath of such a senseless attack.

“We have to speak up against Islamophobia,” Tarek said. “But we must choose our words wisely.”

Tarek and others from the Muslim community including Naser Hamed and Anwar Dost also spoke about the importance of education and spreading love not hate in the aftermath of the attack.

They also spoke about how everyone must do their part to address Islamophobia including being involved in the broader community.

Just over a month ago, the Brantford Muslim Association held its annual awards and appreciation ceremony. The ceremony honoured those in the community both Muslim and non-Muslim who, through their time and efforts, have helped build peace and harmony in the community.

The Muslim association contributes to the community in many ways including participation in social service efforts such as the Sunday Supper Program which provides meals to those in need.

Vball@postmedia.com

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