In a multi-faith show of solidarity, hundreds of Londoners rallied at the London Muslim Mosque on Monday to denounce the rise of anti-Muslim rhetoric and promise to stand with the Muslim community.
The gathering over the lunch hour was in response to Sunday's fatal mass shooting at a Quebec City mosque that left six dead and 19 others injured. Roughly 300 people, both young and old, gathered on the front lawn of the Oxford St. mosque to hear from leaders from the Christian, Islamic, and Jewish faiths.
London Muslim Mosque Imam Abd Alfatah Twakkal called the community response overwhelming.
"This is really a symbol of what it means to be Canadian and what it means to be a part of this beautiful city of London. I am overwhelmed with emotion," said Twakkal. "We are proud and honoured to be a part of this community."
Twakkal told the crowd of supporters that together they can stop those who spew hate.
"Your message is speaking loud and clear to those who want to divide us, or those who want to spread hate, or those who want to spread violence that we in one single resounding voice say no," Twakkal said as cheers erupted from the crowd.
As a precaution, mosque officials are keeping a closer watch over the facility.
"We are just simply more aware of what's happening around the mosque and we do have security systems in place as well as we are working with the local authorities to help us in this respect," said Twakkal.
Deputy Police Chief Daryl Longworth also addressed the crowd. He offered reassurance that police are working to keep every member of the community safe, no matter their religion.
"We are in constant communication with our national security partners across this country and we will respond to any specific threat," said Longworth. "There are no specific threats that we are aware of right now within London."
Longworth urged the group to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unusual activity to police.
Mayor Matt Brown and London -Fanshawe New Democrat MPP Teresa Armstrong were among the other officials to speak.
The solidarity gathering was organized overnight by Rev. Kevin George of St. Aidan's Anglican Church.
"As a community here in London we need to show the country that we love Muslims, that Muslims are an important part of this community. They contribute a lot here. This mosque is one of the oldest in North America. We have a long rich history here," said George. "With the rhetoric that is increasingly Islamophobic, it's important for us, particularly from my perspective as a Christian, to reflect something different."
George is encouraging Londoners to embrace their Muslim neighbours and help them feel safe within the community.
"Perhaps you see a woman in a grocery store who is wearing a hijab, say hello, smile at people, strike up a conversation. If you are a person of faith, talk about faith, learn a little bit about who they are and how they live. A lot of it is about opening up a dialogue and getting into a conversation," said George.
After hearing about the deadly shooting in Quebec, Jessica Everett said she knew she had to bring her two young sons, Lucas and Rowan, to the rally.
"This is the best lesson that they can learn today," said Everett. "Lucas in particular has a lot of interest in current events and when we heard about what happened on the news we just felt like we couldn't be silent anymore and that it was our responsibility to let people know that we care."
Nusaiba Al-Azef, who has worshiped at the London Muslim Mosque all his life, said the multi-faith expression of solidarity goes a long way toward calming fears within the Muslim community.
"That people are able to show their support and come together in this time of need instead of letting fear and division continue to create riffs in the community, to join together and express love, that is the biggest triumph," said Al-Azef.
The crowd spontaneously sang O Canada at the end of the rally. Those in attendance were then welcomed into the mosque to take in the 12:45pm prayer session.
Londoners will gather a second time later this week to honour those killed in the Quebec mosque shooting. A candlelight vigil will be held in Victoria Park at 6pm on Wednesday.
