Canada _ (Commonwealth Union) _ Six years after the horrific mosque massacre in Quebec City, an emotional service commemorating the anniversary of the shooting was conducted in the same room where many of the victims were slain for the first time.
A shooter opened fire immediately after evening prayers at the Islamic Cultural Centre in the Sainte-Foy neighborhood, killing Mamadou Tanou Barry, Ibrahima Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzeddine Soufiane, and Aboubaker Thabti.
The attack, which left 17 children fatherless and a community eternally traumatized, was recalled, with organizers emphasizing the need of continuing to reflect on Islamophobia – especially since hatred and far-right extremism persist in Canada.
A representative for the event’s organizers stated at a press conference inside the mosque on Thursday that it will be the first time the community unites inside the mosque on the anniversary. This year’s anniversary occurs on a Sunday, the same day as the assault six years ago. “It’s quite emotional,” said Maryam Bessiri, a spokesman for the Commémoration Citizen of the Attentat.
“It’s quite important to us. We’re inviting the general public, as well as all Quebecers who wish to participate, to come to the Islamic Cultural Centre on Sunday as part of our purpose to be open and share with others.”
The mosque’s doors were open to the public for the most of the week. In addition to private activities for the Muslim community, the mosque will be open to the public on Sunday between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for the first time since the repairs were completed in 2021.
On the second National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia, community members and dignitaries sat shoulder to shoulder on the ground in the prayer room where the attack occurred. Bessiri writes that organizers and volunteers attempted to utilize this occasion as a springboard a chance to memorialize the lives lost while highlighting the efforts the Muslim community is doing to overcome systemic bigotry.
“For us, it provides us a platform to discuss Islamophobia, racism, and how we have survived the last six years, as well as an opportunity for young people to speak. Every year, we ask ourselves the same question about the need of holding a remembrance in order to move beyond the tragedy that occurred “Bessiri said.
