Torontonians gathered in Nathan Phillips Square Friday evening to honour the victims of the deadly New Zealand mosque attacks that left dozens dead and have heightened concern about Islamophobic sentiment around the world.Hundreds of people stood in a cold drizzling rain outside city hall holding signs that read “United Against Islamophobia” and “Our Hearts Are With New Zealand.”Among those in the crowd was Ushna Nadeem, 23, who said that, while the massacre took place on the other side of the world, for GTA Muslims like her, it hit close to home, especially because the attacker struck during Friday prayers.“Friday prayer is such a big deal for Muslims around the world,” she said.“The thought of someone going there to peacefully pray (and being attacked), it’s just heartbreaking.”She said she was worried that the New Zealand attack was fueled by anti-Muslim sentiment that is spreading across the world, including in Canada and the United States.“With Islamophobia spreading worldwide, it’s not just a New Zealand problem; it’s a world problem. So if it can happen all the way in New Zealand, it can easily happen here,” she said.Mubdi Rahman, 34, said the attack was particularly painful because it occurred during Friday prayers. He noted that the word “peace” is common in the prayers worshippers would have been reciting before the gunman opened fire.He noted that a gunman attacked Muslims at a Quebec City mosque two years ago, and worried that such violence could be repeated.But he said he was encouraged by the solidarity shown with the community by other Canadians.“I’m overwhelmed by the support that people have been showing. That’s the thing that’s been the silver lining in all of this. Sadly, this has happened many times and will likely happen again, but people still keep on coming out to support the community,” he said.Merle Metalin, 61, and Kri ...
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