Hamiltonians stand against Islamophobia at massive city hall rally

Hundreds of Hamiltonians braved sub zero temperatures Monday night to push back against Islamphobia and hatred at a rally in front of city hall.

The event, which was organized in response to a tragic shooting during prayers at a mosque in Quebec City on Sunday night and to the U.S.'s ban on refugees from seven Middle East countries, drew crowds so large that most of the city hall forecourt was packed full.

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"You will not scare us. You will not push us into a corner because we will always be unapologetically Muslim," saidWalidAbdulAzizofMcMasterUniversity Muslims for Peace and Justice.

"That is who I am, and that will never change," he told the crowd.

Many speakers condemned the immigration ban handed down through an executive order from U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday. Chants of "love trumps hate!" reverberated against the concrete walls of downtown Hamilton, so loudly that it could be heard down Main Street.

"Shocked, yes we are. Dismayed, yes we are. But we are not shaken," said Imam Sayed Tora, leader of the Hamilton Downtown Mosque. "Our trust in our fellow Canadian citizens is not shaken. And it never will be shaken.

"We are sending a message of strength, unity, and extra vigilance. An attack on one is an attack on us all."

Many non-Muslim associations were in attendance, and also spoke in solidarity, including the Anglican Diocese of Niagara, Eucharist Church, The United Church of Canada, and the Hamilton Jewish Federation.

Politicians like Mayor Fred Eisenberger and Liberal MP Bob Bratina were also there, as was former NDP MP Wayne Marston.

"When you go home tonight, watch the news, because tens of thousands of Canadians will be gathered across this country to say no to the racists take heart in that, because standing together, there are far more of us than there are of them."

• Quebec police ID all 6 victims of fatal mosque attack

Alexandre Bissonnette, the 27-year-old man accused of opening fire onthe mosque Sunday night, has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted murder while using a restricted firearm.

Online, Bissonnette followed several profiles that espouse right-wing ideologies, including that of Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader of France's National Front.

RCMP spokesperson Camille Habel said Bissonnettecould later face terrorism-related charges, depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Six men were killed in the shooting, while five people remain in hospital with injuries.

Two of the surviving victims will need more surgery, while the other three are stable and may be discharged soon. Another 13 people with minor injuries have been released, according to a hospital spokesperson.