Peacekeeping veteran Tony Keene stood guard at the door as members of Maryam Mosque in Oro-Medonte prayed Saturday night.
It was his way of showing support for the Muslims who are coming to terms with the events that took place in Christchurch, New Zealand, about a week ago.
“These are my neighbours and my friends,” said the Oro-Medonte resident. “I spent four years in Bosnia, trying to prevent people from killing one another. I could not miss this opportunity to come here to show support.”
Keene was among the dozens of people who came together in solidarity to help the Muslim community heal at the vigil at the mosque on Line 7 South.
“I just came to be with my Muslim friends and neighbours,” said Bill Mindell, a member of the Am Shalom synagogue in Barrie. “We have experienced this as well at the Pittsburgh synagogue, and I know how much it hurts. I just wanted to be a part of this event today, and I really appreciate the opportunity to come.”
Healing from an event like this can be impossible, said the Barrie resident, adding Jews have never forgotten the Holocaust and won't forget what's happening now around the world.
“White supremacy is a horrible, horrible thing and it's unfortunate,” said Mindell. “Even in the Christian religion, there's nothing that says you should kill other people or hurt other people.
“What the imam said is extremely important, that we need to find love and peace and get stronger at that, not weaker,” he added.
Oro-Medonte resident Cindy Hache had come for the same reason as Mindell.
“I like the consistent message of love — fighting hate with love,” she said. “That's the message I heard from the Pittsburgh shooting. That's the message I hear coming from New Zealand, and it really resonates with me.”
Everyone’s heart goes out to the people affected by this, said Mahmood Sheikh,
vice-president of the local community at the mosque.
“This is more about getting to know Islam,” he said, talking about the purpose of the vigil. “There are a lot of misconceptions, as I mentioned earlier. Ignorance is a breeding ground for prejudice and misunderstanding. All ignorance means is not being aware. Come and learn about the religion and the true (Islamic) teachings. What you'll see is that we're really not any different than other human beings.”
Local politicians also attended the vigil to show their support.
“It strikes at our hearts when we see something like what happened in Christchurch,” said Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton.
He called the shooting an incredible and heinous act, which was justified to the young, crazed mind that carried it out.
“Simcoe residents are ready to denounce this kind of vile behaviour,” said Stanton. “We are one with you. Your mosque is every bit a part of our community and will continue to be.”
Being present for the vigil was an action that said more than any words could, said Oro-Medonte Mayor Harry Hughes.
“When I heard the tragic news in Christchurch, my thoughts immediately came to our neighbours in Oro-Medonte and how it would impact them,” he said. “Sometimes we become stronger as we heal.”
Keene feels the Christchurch attack is a result of the growing trend of nationalism around the world.
“We (in Canada) are becoming more of an island as more and more countries become nationalistic, building walls, and demonizing a group,” he said. “That isn’t what Canada is all about, and I absolutely reject it all.”
