‘I lost their smiles’: Quebec City Muslim community counters hate 8 years after deadly mosque attack
On the night of January 29, 2017, Boufeldja Benabdallah received a call that would change his life forever. As he pulled up to the mosque he co-founded in Quebec City, he was met with a scene that still haunts him to this day. The Islamic Cultural Centre in the Sainte-Foy neighbourhood was completely surrounded by police, a stark reminder of the tragic events that unfolded that night.
Six men lost their lives that fateful evening after a gunman opened fire in the mosque, leaving 19 others injured and 17 children without fathers. The memories of the victims, Azzeddine Soufiane, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Aboubaker Thabti, Ibrahima Barry, and Abdelkrim Hassane, continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew them. Benabdallah fondly recalls their personalities and the impact they had on the community.
Years later, Benabdallah emphasizes the importance of keeping the memory of the victims alive. He reflects on the good times shared with his friends and the positive outlook they instilled in him. Despite the tragedy, he remains hopeful for the future and believes in the power of unity and resilience.
Mohamed Labidi, the president of the Islamic centre, also shares a deep connection with the victims, describing them as friends who always greeted him with smiles. He acknowledges the progress made in combating Islamophobia in Quebec but warns against the harmful stereotypes and political rhetoric that can hinder their efforts.
On the eighth anniversary of the attack, the mosque hosted a commemoration to remember the victims and raise awareness about the ongoing fight against Islamophobia. Despite their efforts, Labidi expresses disappointment over the lack of public attendance at information sessions held by the mosque. He urges for increased curiosity and interest from the community to combat ignorance and prejudice.
Arif Virani, the federal minister of justice, echoes Labidi’s sentiments and emphasizes the need for continued efforts to combat Islamophobia in Canada. He acknowledges the alarming statistic of 11 deaths due to Islamophobia since 2017, urging for a collective response to address this issue.
In the face of adversity, Benabdallah stresses the importance of forming connections and fostering unity. He believes that the majority of people are capable of love and understanding, but it is the vocal minority that often perpetuates hate and division. By standing together and amplifying voices of peace and tolerance, he remains hopeful for a future where all communities can coexist harmoniously.
