Leaders of Canadian Muslim community in Halifax city, in the eastern Canadian province of Nova Scotia, have released a statement to condemn all terrorist attacks, warning Muslims to be vigilant about their safety after the latest attacks.
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"On behalf of Canadian Muslims in Nova Scotia, our mosques in Halifax and its surroundings, we will address the Muslim community members to stand shoulder to shoulder with their Canadian colleagues and give assurances that we are united today more than ever and should not be intimidated or scared by the actions of a few criminals," said the statement released by eight Muslim leaders in Nova Scotia and cited by CBC News on Tuesday, October 28.
"We also advise to our fellow Canadian Muslims to be vigilant for their safety."
Last week, Michael Zehaf-Bibeau stormed the Parliament building purportedly in the name of Islam after killing soldier Nathan Cirillo, 24, at the War Memorial.
The events followed the incident in which Martin Couture-Rouleau, who had reverted to Islam last year and took the name Ahmad Rouleau, rammed his car into two Canadian Forces members.
The statement, released yesterday, condemned all terrorist attacks, going on to ask for strengthening efforts to protect Muslim institutions from vandalism or attacks by others.
Expecting reprisal attacks against the community, Adam Esse, the imam at the Nova Scotia Islamic Community Centre, said security is at the top of his mind these days.
Among security measures taken, the imam said cameras have been ordered for the Bedford property. Until they're installed, he intends to make sure all the windows and doors are locked.
Esse said the recent radicalism has put all Muslims at risk, including "the Islamic institutions or the ladies who have veils that have covered themselves, or the youngsters who are going to Islamic school and have the Islamic uniform or the elderly."
Police Assurances
Assuring Canadian Muslims, Halifax Regional Police said they have been monitoring Muslim properties closely.
"We need to keep the lines of communication open so if somebody feels that they've been wronged or they feel that something's not right, that they should be able to go to their police force and we're the ones that are sworn to serve and protect," said Const. Shaun Carvery.
Carvery met with Halifax Regional Police Chief Jean-Michel Blais on Friday for a meeting to hear concerns from Muslim leaders.
"One, I'd like to see a Muslim police officer, at least one, join our ranks within the next two to five years," Blais said.
"Two, that we'd like to be able to have a member of the Muslim clergy join our ranks as a chaplain."
Blais added that more meetings should be held with the Muslim community, a suggestion approved by Esse.
"I'd love to see that, outreach for police to come to the Islamic institution, Islamic schools, Islamic centres and to give that kind of assurance," he said. /SR
