Islamophobia on rise in Canada, Muslim leader tells vigil in Victoria
VICTORIA — A vigil to remember those killed and injured during a shooting rampage at a mosque in Quebec City heard from a religious leader Tuesday about a rise in Islamophobia and the struggle to connect rather than divide Canadians.
Ismail Mohamed-Nur, the imam at Victoria’s Al-Iman mosque, said he is heartened by the outpouring of support from Canadians since Sunday’s attack that left six dead and 19 wounded.
“We gather here today to show our defiance of hate,” said Mohamed-Nur. “Love truly conquers hate.”
Victoria Police estimated 3,000 people gathered outside of Victoria City Hall, halting traffic on a downtown street and crowding around the statue of Sir. John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister, that stands at the building’s entrance.