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Interfaith Vigil strengthens bonds of unity
2-07-2017
Surrey, BC -- Although Alexandre Bissonette made his voice heard through terror and violence by killing innocent and defenceless Canadians, the overarching voice of the Canadian spirit aspires to embrace the fruits of the spirit: compassion, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, forbearance, fortitude, grace, healing, kindness, mercy, love, patience, peace, self-control and understanding.
A vigil prayer for the victims of Quebec Islamic Cultural Center at Holland Park in Surrey was attended by about one hundred people with the aim to show solidarity with the victims’ families and to bring together generations of people from different faiths to promote peace and understanding in a world faced with extremism and violence. Linda Hepner, Mayor of Surrey, Councillor Mike Starchuck and a myriad of MPs and MLAs condemned the savage attack in the strongest terms possible.
A strong presence of faith-based and non-profit organizations made it clear that we will conquer hate with compassion, love, understanding and justice. Sikandar and Suzanne Hayat reflect on why the Amazing Tutors Children’s Foundation organized this event: “Our sincere hope is to protect and help our communities cope and build resilience in a rapidly changing world characterized with high levels of extremism. Terror has no place anywhere and it is a horrific crime committed against humanity. One way to stop acts of terrorism is to educate children and young people about Islam and other faiths in accord with strong curricula based on research findings.
We can pursue a long term strategy which instills in them the desire to act intelligently, wisely and prevent them from becoming enemies of the state. The fruits of such an inclusive, educational program will be a caring and giving community made up of compassionate, forgiving, respectful, tolerant, and trustworthy citizens.” We feel that people who are involved in hateful and religiously intolerant activities do not represent the majority of Canadians. From across Canada, the myriad stream of faith groups are promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation to end politically and religiously motivated violence. We aim to create cultures of compassion, respect, peace, understanding and healing for all living beings on earth.
We feel that no one has the right to take away a person's spiritual free will and self-determination, nor their underlying strength, and we are doing everything within our power to fight for peace and condemn this horrific attack. We need to be engaged in a process of healing that is collaborative, enhancing, inclusive, practical, pro-active and responsible. We must stand united together to create a society of love and justice. These horrific attacks on innocent civilians are really meant to divide us; however, with love and justice as our common shield, we can recognize our differences and strive to be the best human being.
Any savage attacks on innocent civilians, whether they occur in Canada, Syria, Paris, Beirut, Brussels, Pakistan, USA or in any other city or country, are heinous and without justification. We stand in solidarity and condemn these demonic, horrific acts in the strongest terms possible. Today, our thoughts are with the loved ones of those killed and injured. We are extremely gratified for the support we have received from the local media in promoting the vigil. We extend our gratitude to the staff at the City of Surrey for their gracious support. About the Foundation As a foundation advocating for children everywhere, The Amazing Tutors Children's Foundation condemns violence against children regardless of the form it takes. The children at the Mosque in the Quebec Islamic Cultural Centre attended with their families to pray and worship. A threat to their lives should raise concerns for everyone about religiously motivated violence. These innocent lives must be protected, for within them are the seeds of the world we want to build. If we hope to create a society of tolerance, freedom and compassion, then we must secure the safety of all children and their families regardless of race, religion, or gender.
Children represent the future of our society and community. Violence against them will only continue the cycle of intolerance and hate that divides us as people. By standing together in condemnation against violence, we can help break the cycle, and create communities of understanding, caring, and compassion. The children attended prayers with their families, making the mosque populated while the attack ensued.
The timing of the attack only raises concerns about intolerance and violence within our communities.
At a time when communication and diplomacy are needed more than ever, acts such as this only exacerbate and inflate tensions between religious communities here in Canada. If we hope to create greater understanding between people, we must take steps to end violence that fosters intolerance and hatred. We call to everyone to help end violence, especially when it threatens the lives of children.
As a community, we should strive to create a space for children to live that is safe, tolerant, and compassionate. Acts of violence threaten us all, even when directed at specific groups," advocate the directors of the Amazing Tutors Children's Foundation. We are grateful for everyone's support and encouragement in helping us build peace together. We seek to build communities by supporting youth and children through educational and volunteer opportunities in Surrey, BC. We involve our students and tutors in various programs, such as the leadership youth development program. We need more people to join us.
For more information about this event, please contact Sikandar or Suzanne Hayat at 604-765-4099 or AmazingTutors@hotmail.com
Suzanne and Sikandar Hayat, Director, Amazing Tutors Children's Foundation 604-765-4099
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