Halifax hosts vigil to mourn victims of Christchurch mosque attacks

Muslims and non-Muslimsgathered in the Halifax Grand Parade on Saturday to mourn the victims of the Christchurch mosque shootings as people across Canada come together to condemn Friday's attacks in New Zealand.

More than 100 people wereexpected to attend a vigil Saturday night in Halifax forthe victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks.

Fifty people were killed, a death toll that rose Sunday, New Zealand time, from 49,and dozens were injured after a lone gunman, who identified himself as a white supremacist, started shooting during Friday prayers in New Zealand.

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"I just think as Muslims we are always painted as terrorists or violent, and when we get subjugated to violence there is not as much of a focus on the impact and realities of Islamophobia," said Masuma Khan, the vigil organizer.

"Soyesterday I woke up to the news and I thought it would be appropriate to act quickly because I was so upset."

'Starting point for the conversation'

She believes the vigil will give Muslims and non-Muslims, who are trying to show solidarity, a space to mourn and support each other.

"I think when you show up to something like this, and you see non-Muslims supporting you, then maybe that's where you start building a community," Khan said. "This is like a starting point for the conversation."

The vigil was set to open with a message of love and solidarity from the Mi'kmawcommunity and a spoken-word poem performed by El Jones. Anyone who wishes to speak about their pain is encouraged to take up the mic.

People from the African Nova Scotia community and the Jewish Voices for Peace were also expected tospeak at the event.

"I think having other communitiescoming and speaking in support of us, it really makes you feel less alone and that there is a chance for hope, and I'm hoping that's what we can leave off with," said Khan.

Canadians speak out

The sentiments in Halifaxecho across country, including in Quebec, where people in the province endured a mosqueattack two years ago that left six people dead,but have come together in solidarity to pray.

In Windsor, Ont., faith groups condemned the violence.Riley McLaren, pastor at the Windsor Mennonite Fellowship, said it's important to address any sign of radicalization, bigotry or hatred.

"We call on all Christians everywhere to renounce violence and to grieve with our Muslim brothers and sisters, and to honour them in this time of grief," McLaren said.

What happened in New Zealand also reverberated across the North of Canada.

Nazim Awan,chair of the Islamic Centre of Yellowknife, described the shootings as inhuman. "It is an example of extreme Islamophobia, unacceptance, intolerance, and total ignorance," Awan said.

In Toronto, where hundreds attended a downtown vigilFriday,Shareefa Sayyidsaid her family members were in the mosque during the Quebec City shooting two years ago. "To see it repeat itself...it's heartbreaking," she said, choking back tears.

On Saturday, more than 500 people gathered innearby Mississauga, at Celebration Square,to pray for the victims in New Zealand.