There’s going to be an interfaith vigil tonight in Bracebridge honouring the victims of the Christchurch shootings.
Last Friday, 50 people lost their lives in a far-right terrorist attack on two mosques in the New Zealand city. Organizer Shaun Binger says the vigil is about showing concern and support for the victims of the shootings as well as the citizens of Christchurch.
“We’re hoping to have people of all faiths attend, to reach out, show brotherhood and support not only to the Muslims of Christchurch and New Zealand but also to the Muslims that are in Canada and locally. I think that’s ideally what we’re looking to do.”
Binger, who practices Islam, believes Muskoka is already very supportive of the Muslim community.
“We have families in Bracebridge that have had people they know die in these kinds of attacks. The world isn’t as big as it used to be. We have the ability to reach out, even doing a small event in Bracebridge, that will reach out as far as Toronto, the rest of Canada, and the world.
“I think it does have a big effect on relations in that we share empathy and we don’t condone any violence. Whether it’s against Muslims, Christians, or any terrorist attacks. Fanaticism is evil at its worst, we’re looking for the good and to show there is good in mankind and to share our support to these families.”
Tonight’s vigil is happening in the cafeteria at Bracebridge Muskoka Lakes Secondary School at 6:30pm. Ideally, Binger says, he’d like to see at least 100 people show up.
“We’ve reached out to all the communities. We’re not making this a Bracebridge event; we’re making this a Muskoka event, so quite possibly there may be more.”
Binger is asking that people leave any candles at home since this is not an outdoor vigil. He is encouraging people to make posters of support though.