Local Imam hopes for a Middle East ceasefire Imam Saber Alkilani of the Islamic Association of Sault Ste.Marie appeared before City Council Monday night. The Imam wished to speak publicly for a “noble cause,” a ceasefire in the Middle East and Gaza.
“We came to ask for a ceasefire in the Middle East and Gaza, for both sides…as it benefits both parties,” said Alkilani. “And to let all the humanitarian aide go through, to the people in need. There are innocent people, children, women, elderly people, dying for no reason. We came to you because you are our representatives and you can take our voices to a higher level.”
Imam Alkilani concluded his remarks by thanking the Mayor and Council. “On behalf of our community, the Muslim community in Sault Ste. Marie, we would like to again, to thank deeply, everyone of you. Everyone of you makes this happen tonight. We ask God Almighty to spread peace, kindness and love, all over the globe. Thank you so much for listening and we wish the best for everyone. Thank You.”
Sault Mayor Matthew Shoemaker thanked Imam Alkilani for appearing and offered his thoughts on the conflict and its negative impact in Canada. “The ongoing violence in the Middle East has brought upon a considerable rise in Islamophobia and in anti-semitism. In Sault Ste. Marie, I have said and will continue to say, we are a place where people of all faiths can practice their faith openly and safely. And we will continue to be that for the indefinite future. We, along with you, grieve the loss of life in that region and also hope it comes to an end quickly.”
