The following letter was published by The Toronto Star, on March 20th, 2024.
I have subdued feelings seeing that the NDP motion regarding the conflict in Gaza, altered as it may be, was passed in Parliament. I applaud MPs who stood up for justice. However, I remain apprehensive, and unsure whether the motion will lead to any tangible efforts for Canada to pursue lasting peace. The world, be it in Ukraine or Gaza, is rapidly advancing towards a frightening situation. Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, spoke at the International Peace Symposium in the U.K. earlier this month and said, “we lie at the precipice of a catastrophic global war that will undoubtedly lead to such immense levels of destruction and carnage that lie far beyond our imagination.” He also said that to solve this impending destruction, “we must all come together, setting aside national, political, and other vested interests for the greater good of humanity.” I hope our political leaders heed this important message and advance tangible efforts for peace.
Sinwan Basharat, Ottawa, Ont
