July 24, 2018 – Press Release: The Jaffari Community Condemns Shooting in Toronto’s Danforth Area
The Jaffari Community Condemns Shooting in Toronto’s Danforth Area
Calls for increased gun control legislation and support for mental health services
Vaughan, ON, July 24, 2018 – The Islamic Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat (ISIJ) of Toronto joins Canadians in condemning Sunday’s ruthless shooting that took place in Toronto’s Danforth area, leaving a child and young woman dead and 13 others injured.
“We are utterly saddened and horrified by this brutal incident and our hearts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims and the survivors and the entire community,” said ISIJ of Toronto Vice President, Shafiq Ebrahim. “We thank the first responders, including the police and paramedics, as well as the countless civilians who helped the injured on Sunday night, showing true courage and compassion at this critical time of need,” he added.
This tragic incident is an unfortunate stark reminder of the need for increased gun control in our cities and country. “We urgently and strongly call upon on our elected officials at the local, provincial and national levels, to introduce legislation that will curb gun ownership and ensure guns are not readily available,” said Shafiq Ebrahim.
Likewise, it is critical to bring mental health concerns to the forefront and as Canadians commit to seeking and supporting mental health treatment and services. The Mental Health Commission of Canada reports that while one in five Canadians will experience mental health challenges in any given year, only one in three actually report seeking treatment.
We pray for God to give comfort to the victims, the survivors and their families.
About the Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat (ISIJ) of Toronto
The Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat (ISIJ) of Toronto is a charitable organization comprised of a diverse community of over 7,000 Muslims, the majority of whom reside in the City of Vaughan and the Town of Richmond Hill. ISIJ of Toronto operates three religious centres in the Greater Toronto Area in Thornhill, Brampton and Hamilton. The guiding principles of the ISIJ of Toronto espouse and promote the core Canadian values of equality, fairness and tolerance. ISIJ of Toronto’s progressive and socially responsible ethos is held up as a role model for other faith-based organizations in Canada and abroad. Through its centres, the organization successfully carries out its own youth programs, periodic publications, library, seniors’ activities, burial facilities and various other functions. For more information, please visit jaffari.org
For more information, please contact:
Shafiq Ebrahim, Vice President, Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Toronto
[email protected] | 647-972-4422
