Memorial Park in the city's downtown was the site of a gathering of more than 100 people on Tuesday evening, as a candlelight vigil was held in solidarity with the victims of an attack at a Quebec City mosque.
The attack on Jan. 29 claimed the lives of six men who were praying at the mosque when the attack took place.
The vigil in Memorial Park was organized by Aédan Daniel Charest, Monique Beaudoin and Laurie Magaulie, with Charest emceeing the sombre ceremony.
Abdul Hak Dabliz, Imam of the New Sudbury Mosque, addressed those in attendance as his brothers and sisters, while stressing the importance of unity in the wake of Sunday's tragic events.
"It is a sad occasion to be here, all of us, remembering the people who were killed, and the people who are still in the hospital," said Dabliz.
"But my brothers and sisters, Canada is one, everybody is equal in the eye of the Canadian law and in the eyes of God, too. We're here as one, we are united against the evil doing and against anyone who thinks they are above the law, because there is no place for terrorism here in Canada, in Sudbury, in Quebec, or anywhere else."
The theme of unity and oneness was consistent throughout the ceremony. Sudburians of different cultures and faiths spoke in a show of support for the city's Muslim community.
Dr. Jacques Abourbih spoke on behalf of the Jewish community, recalling the 13 years that he lived in Egypt.
"There had been no hatred between us and the Muslim community," said Abourbih. "What happened is tragic, I hope that at one point we will be able to move on and come together and ensure that there will be no more hatred and hate crimes."
Coming together was a point echoed by Deputy Mayor Al Sizer, who expressed his pride in the unity shown by Sudburians as a whole. Sizer spoke on behalf of fellow members of Greater Sudbury council in attendance, including Deb McIntosh, Marc Signoretti, and Reneé Lapierre.
"There are so many good things going on in this community and so many good people and so much to be proud of," said Sizer.
"Unfortunately, this is not a joyous occasion, but that other part still resonates. I am proud of our city, I am proud of our citizens, and those that are here tonight, and it's important that we stay united as a community in extending our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those killed and affected by the horrible events that transpired in Quebec City."
A number of members of Sudbury's Muslim community took the opportunity to address the crowd, before the 100-plus in attendance observed a moment of silence. The crowd broke spontaneously into singing O Canada, in both French and English, to close the vigil.
You can watch the entire vigil below.
