A Muslim student and longtime Nanaimo resident is touched by the show of support in light of the shooting that took place at a Quebec mosque on Sunday.
Six people died and more were injured in the shooting at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec in Québec City. Alexandre Bissonnette faces six counts of first-degree murder.
Meshal Alyousof, founder of Vancouver Island University’s Saudi Student Association and a volunteer at Islamic Center of Nanaimo, said he feels sadness for those who were killed. There have been flowers and notes of support left at the centre, he said.
“When I saw the flowers yesterday, the overwhelming response was, from the community, great and on a personal level, I have many reasons to love Canada, but this kind of enhances it,” said Alyousof.
Despite Sunday’s incident, Alyousof said he hasn’t felt discrimination and feels safe in Nanaimo.
“Nanaimo is perfect. It’s a lovely place. I have been here 14 years, believe it or not. I just fell in love with Nanaimo,” said Alyousof.
He said the show of support isn’t out of the ordinary in Nanaimo.
“This is not unusual for Nanaimo people. This is something I know people that live in Nanaimo will do that and more,” said Alyousof.
In an e-mail, Waqas A Rehman, Islamic Centre of Nanaimo chairman, said he condemned shooting and expressed deep condolences to his brothers and sisters in Quebec City.
Rehman also asked Nanaimo residents to be vigilant.
“Safety, security and well-being of the community is our number one priority,” said Rehman. “We are asking the community to be more vigilant and report to local authorities for any suspicious activities, incidence or threats.
“The Muslims of British Columbia call upon the authorities to help protect all locations of worship from such violent and illegal acts.”
