Terrorist violence sadly familiar to many Muslim Hamiltonians

Jahan Zeb tried to avoid the horrific images of ISIS's attacks in Paris on Nov. 13 not only because there were terrible in their own right, but for him, sadly, the violence was not new.

Zeb immigrated to Hamilton from Pakistan in 2003. He's seen violence in war-torn Afghanistan. He hailsfromPeshawar, whereTalibangunmenkilled 134 children at an army-run school last December.

Like many, Zeb carries these pains with him. And with the news of 129 people killed in Paris, and another 43 in Beirut from suicide bombers two days earlier, came with the sad realization that it was more shock and horror in a world with far too much of it.

Many of the victims of terrorist groups have been in predominantly Muslim countries, he said. This brings the seriousness of the issuehome to everyone.

"Right now, it's happened in one of the western countries and the whole world has wakened," said Zeb, who is a community engagement co-ordinator at THRIVE Child and Youth Trauma Services. He's also involved with the Gandhi Peace Festival and the Malala Fund.

"Now we need to provide solidarity with the people of France. We share your pain. We are mourning with you."

Zeb's story carrying the scars of extreme, random violence was similar to many at a vigil at city hall on Thursday, where the predominantly Muslim crowd mourned the victims of Paris and Beirut.

Several vigil observers talked about the violence in their homelands. Among them was Khadija Muhsin, who arrived in Hamilton as a Syrian refugee in 2009. She fought tears remembering an explosion in Iraq that killed loved ones.

"So many people died," she said. "I can't forget."

When she came to Canada, "I was so happy because I realized I had peace and a safe place."

Hamilton MPs Bob Bratina, David Christopherson and David Sweet attended, all speaking against ISIS and encouraging Hamiltonians to accept the Syrian refugees due to arrive here by the end of the year.

Bratina and Christopherson mentioned calls to their offices from people who were against bringing more refugees. But the government, Bratina said, doesn't make policy based on "fear and ignorance."

ISIS isn't about religion, Christopherson said. "This is about power and greed."

Some Muslims in the audience said they're afraid after the Paris attacks, which have roused feelings of Islamophobia and brought hate crimes with it. In Toronto, for example, a Muslim woman was attacked.In Peterborough, someone set fire to a mosque.

"There was fear, among children, among women here," Zeb said. "When I met with some elders, some leaders, they were fearful. I thought, 'If they were fearful, what about the common person on the street here in Hamilton?'"

samantha.craggs@cbc.ca|@SamCraggsCBC