URGENT ACTION ITEM: In response to the terrorist attack in Quebec City
Ring of Peace
Friday, February 3, 2017
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
After the terrorist attack against people at prayer, the President of the Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec cried out: “Why is this happening here?” We ask the same question. There is no room for such bigotry and violence in Canada. You have read the many important statements by: government officials, by Jewish communal organizations, and by The Union for Reform Judaism.
But what can we do?
Two years ago, when a synagogue in Oslo was attacked, other peoples of faith created a human chain, a Ring of Peace around the outside of the synagogue while the congregation prayed their Shabbat prayers inside.
Now we can offer the same message of solidarity.
Who: The Imdadul Islamic Centre
For three years this local mosque has graciously welcomed our Bar/Bat Mitzvah class for their comparative religions unit. The Imam and Lay leaders are exemplars of hospitality and kindness. Members of their congregation come from all over the world – the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
What: With their permission, we will create a symbolic ring of protection around the congregation as they pray inside. This will be a quiet gathering. No chants or speeches.
When: Their main prayer service this week is on Friday, February 3, 12:30 – 1:30 pm. The Imam is preparing a sermon about Faith in Humanity.
Where: The Imdadul Islamic Centre, 26 Lepage. (Major Intersection: Finch Avenue & Keele Street – map here.)
What else you should know:
- Parking will be limited. Please do your best to leave the parking lot spaces for the members of the mosque. Ride share if you can. You are welcome to use the Holy Blossom parking lot as a meeting place before and after.
- This is not a protest. No political signs. Signs with messages of peace and solidarity are welcome or you may wish to bring flowers. But just your presence is what matters most.
- There will be police and press.
- You are welcome to share this invitation with friends and family, including children. They’ll never forget it!
- Dress for the weather.
- RSVP is not required, but it would be helpful to know if you are coming, click here.
This is a wonderful and important initiative. I’m so proud that our congregation is responding in this way.
I am proud to be a new member of Holy Blossom. See you Friday as we join with our Muslim friends in solidarity and support.
I look forward to joining others on Friday (and happy to be a driver).
Sheldon and I wholeheartedly endorse this show of support and peace on Firday and would be happy to participate. However, we are hosting Shabbat dinner in celebration of our grandson’s Bar Mitzvah. We will be thinking of everyone.
Ruth Ellen Greenwood
We are out of the country and will not be able to attend. This is a significant way in which to demonstrate care and support from our congregation. We will be there in spirit and our thoughts are with this action.
Very nice initiative. I ill bring it to the attention of our community in the UK.
It is of utmost importance that we show our support and compassion as Our Tradition teaches us. we must fight against ternary and evil.
we will be there with our moral and physical support
We are out of the country but will keep all in our prayers. This is a wonderful way of making one aware and involved
I plan to come.
I will be proud to help show our support and solidarity on Friday.
I am out of the country, but will definitely be with all of you in spirit.
A beautiful, deeply needed voice of solidarity in these troubled times.
My sincere appreciation to Rabbi Splansky and the Board of Directors for organising this “Ring of Peace”.
Peace.
I will join in this initiative with our Holy Blossom community. Happy to offer a ride.
As a muslim in toronto, my family and I are overjoyed, with gratitude and love for you and the congregation from our hearts for your display of solidarity.
By our creator, we are all created the same, as mankind to do good. 🙂
Salaam, Shalom and peace!
I will be there-nice to hear Rabbi Splansky on CBC yesterday afternoon. Wonderful that the community rallies during times like this.
I have been reading things on social media that scare me as a Muslim – “muzzie” is what they call us. Thank you for this gesture. I will not be there but please know that this Canadian of immigrant parents is really moved by this. We may be of different faiths but we all believe in the same Creator whether Muslim, Jew or Christian. It sickens me that low lives use religion and pervert it to do things that are condemned by it – and others take that and manipulate it to justify their action/reaction. God bless you.