Captain Abdul, co-organizer of the World Peace Awareness Conference, brought together members of the Somaliland community to speak about peace and respect for the law on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 in Edmonton.
Edmontonians from the Somali community gathered at two separate events on Sunday to work on peace, unity and providing positive role models for youth in light of recent attacks.
The Edmonton Mogadishu Crisis Response Team held a vigil and fundraiser at the Edmonton Islamic Academy at 14525 127 St. to raise money to help with burials of the 358 people who died and medical costs for the 400 injured in the Oct. 14 bombing in Somalia’s capital of Mogadishu, which they call “Somalia’s September 11.”
The group hopes to raise $100,000 for relief efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Dr. Habiba Mohamud said there has never been a terrorist attack of that magnitude in the fragile country of Somalia.
“On behalf of the Somalis and well-wishers, we are extending our sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the victims of the Mogadishu terror attacks,” Mohamud said.
While the enemy may have overpowered Somalians in the bombing, Somalians can support each other, she said.
“We’re going to pray together, cry together and show we are strong,” she said.