“No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
– Nelson Mandela (1994)
Dear Muslim Community of Concordia
There are no words to describe my heartfelt sympathy towards the members of your community. On March 1 a senseless act of hate threatened not only the students of Concordia, but your community in particular. As I read the letter that sparked an uproar of panic and fear, my heart sank and my eyes welled in tears.
For many reasons, this act of hate cannot be explained. There are, and will most likely always be, a fraction of people in this world committed to spreading hate and ignorant ideologies. No matter how much we try to educate or include, there will always be a darkness in this world. However, you found light in this situation. Despite the circumstances, the next day your table was proudly displayed in the EV building as you continued to spread the word about Islamic Awareness Week. As I sit here crafting this letter, I am in awe of the bravery, strength and compassion you have showed throughout this ordeal.
Not only am I in awe but I would just like to thank you. Thank you for showing us, that in the face of ignorance and fear, keeping the faith and honoring ourselves is always what’s most important. As I watched people going in and out of the prayer room, I realized that nobody could take your faith away from you. I watched the mass prayer in complete bewilderment. With so much hurt in my heart for your community.
I forgot the true meaning of forgiveness and that hate only fosters hate. We stand in solidarity with you and against the hate, fear, misjudgment and ignorance.
Love,
A fellow Concordia student