To the editor:

It is not uncommon to read letters from people who hold opposite positions on a particular subject. Recent examples appeared in the Capital News.

The horrific mosque attack in Quebec City only a few weeks ago has shaken our nation, and left profound pain and grief within us all. Many vulnerable Canadians are also experiencing deep anxiety as a result. The cold-blooded murder of six Canadians and the critical injury of five others is a chilling demonstration that the rising tide of Islamophobia is not only a problem faced around the world, but now requires urgent action in our own home as well. This tragedy must be a wake-up call for us all.

At the same time, the outpouring of support across the country, including Kelowna, is testament to the inherent goodness of Canadians and the love and respect that most Canadians have for each other.

The problem for Muslims is two-fold. On the one hand, there are people in the world who claim to be Muslims, but who do not follow the ethical or religious teachings of the faith. Well over a billion Muslims do not share, and are outraged by a bunch of terrorists who have no clue what Islam stands for. I will simplify things for you.

Islam calls humanity to the service of the one creator. It further instructs people on how they may live together in peace and harmony regardless of race, class or beliefs. The unity of purpose brought by all previous religious guides is highlighted as well as traditional morality, the equality of the sexes before God and the virtues of patience and humbleness.

To conclude, one thing many short-sighted Canadians do not understand is that Canada has a small, and aging population. Germany is worse. If these refugees were white and with Anglo-Saxon names, they would be fine. Hidden racism. And, anyone with a brain should be able to see how well many immigrants have done, both educationally and financially. Look at your TV stations as an example, not to mention university professors, medicine, law, and other professions, and, read the names: from Ian Hanomansing to91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¦..

Mo Rajabally, Kelowna