'Treat each other with respect,' say those at Abbotsford rally to denounce KKK propaganda - Action News
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British Columbia

'Treat each other with respect,' say those at Abbotsford rally to denounce KKK propaganda

Residents in Abbotsford gather in solidarity against racism at local Gurdwara following the distribution of Ku Klux Klan literature to homes.

'Incitement, hatred should never be accepted or tolerated,' says man at temple rally

Dozens of people from diverse backgrounds gathered in Abbotsford, Sunday, Jan 22, 2017, to denounce racist literature disseminated in their community. (Kamil Karamali/CBC)

Dozens of residents in Abbotsford, B.C. spoke passionately at a local GurdwaraSunday afternoon to denounce racist literature that's been distributed in their community.

Shai Mor said it was important for him to attend the rally to speak out against racism. (Kamil Karamali/CBC)

"Incitement, hatred should never be accepted or tolerated," said ShaiMor, who attended the rally at the Gur Sikh Templeon South FraserWay.

Earlier this month, plastic bags containing Ku Klux Klan literature weredistributed to homes in east Abbotsford, marking the second time in the last three months that racist pamphlets were disseminatedin the Fraser Valley.

About 70 pamphlets were dropped off in driveways in the 35200 block of Marshall Road.

In October, similar materials were also discovered in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission.

Many people at the rally filmed the speeches and plan to distribute them online to create awareness. (Kamil Karamali/CBC)

The Abbotsford Police Department isinvestigating and the B.C. Hate Crime Team has been contacted.

RCMP are also investigating a separate incident in Richmond in November when someone distributed anti-Chinese flyers.

"It sinks my heart every time Isee anevidence of racism or bigotry," saidFauziaRafique who attended the rally.

Rafique said it was uplifting to see so many people from different backgrounds come together to speak out against hatred.

Fauzia Rafique said she draws inspiration from rallies like the one held in Abbotsford because of how passionately people denounce racism. (Kamil Karamali/CBC)

"It's incredible to be with other people who think similar to you, it gives tremendous strength," she said.

"It was a lot of power in that room."

Organizers say they plan to hold morerallies.

with files from Kamil Karamali.