Letter #2 to the Islamic community from a high school student after #MosqueShooting

[Reprinted with permission from TDSB teacher Mr. Sam Pisani. More info on the initial story: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/letters-to-toronto-mosque-1.3959341]

Jan. 30th, 2017

To whom it may concern,

I am seventeen, and although I am not religious myself, I believe that everyone deserves the right to practice their faith, and that everyone’s beliefs are valid. When I heard about what happened, I was instantly distraught, and I cannot even begin to imagine how it must feel for those that have a personal/religious connection. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure that what I say will entirely heal all emotional wounds, but I hope that it makes you feel a little bit better. The world can be a bit of a dark place at the moment, and it is so easy to feel like it will stay this way. However, I like to believe that people will eventually grow as a society, and that there is some light at the end of the tunnel. It is acceptable to feel sad or angry at a time like this, but I think that it is important to remember that we can fight this, as long as we think positively. I am also a firm believer that those that feel the need to hate, and act on such hate, are ultimately weak. WE have already achieved so much, and will continue to achieve more in the ways of acceptance. The only way we can go is up! It is cheesy, but I think that it is important to be strong and stand up for your beliefs.

Love from,
Anonymous.

#Muslims #Mosque #QuebecShooting #MosqueShooting #HateCrime #Islamophobia