file photo

By Chantal Wagner

City’s Islamic community feeling local support amid violence elsewhere

Jun 18, 2021 | 5:07 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Violent acts against the Muslim community continue this week in Alberta.

A vandalized swastika was discovered at an Edmonton mosque, which followed the targeted attack of the Muslim Canadian family who was killed because of their faith in London, Ont. earlier this month.

The president of Medicine Hat’s Islamic Association says families have moved to Canada from different parts of the world to live in peace and raise their families in a friendly environment.

Dr. Aijaz Ahmad says they are as concerned by violence as anyone else, especially when it’s targeted based on looks, race, and faith.

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“Any human life lost for any reason makes you sad, worried, and concerned when Canada is a peaceful country,” he added.

A few days ago city police and RCMP met with the Islamic community to hear their concerns.

“Our kids are growing here, they are born Canadians and they are watching these things and they go to the schools and they interact with other people,” Dr. Ahmad. “So it makes concerns for them also.”

Ahmad says Medicine Hat has been supportive. Locals have left flowers and cards at the mosque.

He has lived in the city for two decades and raised his family here.

Ahmad says the Islamic Association is trying to increase its interaction with the local community and plans to do more as the province opens up again.