Violence in Iraq prompted hundreds of Sunni and Shia Muslims in Calgary to stand together in protest of ISIS on Saturday.
About 200 people gathered outside Calgary City Hall Saturday, many carrying signs opposing the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Over the past few weeks ISIS militants have taken control of multiple northern Iraqi cities and also launched an attack on the country’ largest oil refinery.
Signs read “save Iraq” “no to Isis” and “Shia and Sunni are brothers” #no2isis #yyc https://t.co/WY5UNUZWS6
— Ian Campbell (@news_ian) June 21, 2014
“Youth are really getting close to Islam, which really teaches us to be together, living with harmony and staying away from the terrorism of any human activities,” says Khawaja. “They try to make a divide between the Muslims and make a division between Shias and Sunnis. That’s what they;re trying to focus on Iraq and saying there’s a sector in violence, which isn’t true.”
Khawaja adds the community is worried because of the recent incidents of young Canadian Muslims being brainwashed and going overseas to fight.
Another rally will be held Sunday at 4 p.m.
Agencies/Canadajournal