How one Canadian town dealt with Islamophobia after the Ottawa shooting

A small Canadian town has rallied together in support of the Muslim community after their local mosque was vandalised.

How one Canadian town dealt with Islamaphobia and racism after the Ottawa shooting. (Imgur)

When Mahmoud Elkadri arrived at Cold Lake Mosque in Alberta, Canada for morning prayers, he was met with a disturbing message.

Vandals had spray-painted the words "Go home" and "Canada" on the front, and smashed two of the mosque's windows.

"When you’re coming in the morning for a peaceful prayer, it is hard," Elkadri told CBC News. "This is our home. My kids have been born and raised in Cold Lake… I have been in Cold Lake since 1996."

But a few hours later, the unexpected happened. Residents from the town showed up to help repair the damage, some even taped messages like "You Are Home" and "Love Your Neighbour" to show their support.

One Cold Lake resident Matt Downey told CBC: "It's sad. I mean, these guys are peaceful. I think it is important for the community to show them that we know the difference between extremists and a religion."

Some believe the vandalism occurred in response to the Ottawa shooting which killed 24-year-old Nathan Cirillo. The soldier is being commemorated today.

 

 

Post by Mac Islamic Center Of Cold Lake.