Peace, unity, love, that was the message many conveyed at a commemoration at Montreal City Hall on Tuesday night.
They held a vigil in honour of the six people who died, the 19 others injured, and the countless families shattered, when a gunman entered a Quebec City Mosque and opened fire on this day two years ago.
"First and foremost (the vigil was to remember) the deceased, those whose lives were taken from them unjustly," said Adil Ahmad, Co-founder of Canadian Muslim Alliance.
He added, "(it was also) to try to bring the community together so this thing never repeats itself."
There were people from all walks of life at the vigil, including religious leaders of different beliefs.
They were all there to stand in solidarity against hatred.
"Being together just shows how strong we are together," said Mayor Valerie Plante.
She added, "Montreal and Quebec are cities where inclusion is important, where peace is important, where love is important."
Six candles lit. This in memory and honor of the six dead, and 19 others injured in the #QuebecMosqueShooting on Jan. 29, 2017. #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/RtmuTpSyBT
— Saif Kaisar (@StaySaif) January 29, 2019
Samer Majzoub is the President of the Canadian Muslim forum.
He had a message to those who commit race-based hate crimes.
"We are here, we raise our children here, we live here, we work here, we pay our taxes here, and we are going to stay here."
He is the President of the Canadian Muslim Forum. He adds, "If you have a misunderstanding, you have certain ignorances, it will be our pleasure to open up to you and to have a dialogue. Before (you) start hating, or deciding who's bad and who's wrong, just please communicate."
A memorial is being held at City Hall marking the 2nd anniversary of the #QuebecMosqueShooting. 6 people were killed, 19 others injured, and countless more lives shattered when a gunman entered the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City and opened fired on Jan. 29, 2017. #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/UaoU44idBa
— Saif Kaisar (@StaySaif) January 29, 2019