Nearly ten years following the shooting incident at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Quebec City’s Sainte-Foy neighborhood, Aymen Derbali is now focusing on the small victories in his recovery journey. Despite being paralyzed from the chest down after the tragic event on January 29, 2017, where six men lost their lives and 19 were injured, Derbali has made progress. He can now move his fingers, prepare his own coffee, and has regained enough strength to handle his laptop.
Remaining in his motorized wheelchair at home, Derbali considers these improvements as minor but significant milestones in his rehabilitation process. One of the bullets that struck him during the attack remains lodged in his spine due to the high risk of removal, making him feel fortunate to have survived the ordeal.
Recalling the moment of the shooting near the mosque’s entrance, Derbali thought it was the end for him. However, his resilient spirit kept him fighting, despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Today, nine years later, he is dedicated to his family, community, and advocacy work, especially in combating the rising Islamophobia in Quebec due to recent laws reinforcing secularism in the province.
Derbali emphasizes that the laws introduced post-attack have fueled Islamophobia instead of fostering tolerance as he had hoped. The secularism laws implemented under the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government have been criticized for hindering efforts to promote understanding and inclusivity.
Bill 9, the latest legislation aimed at enhancing secularism, joins previous laws restricting public prayers and banning religious symbols in various settings. The impact of these laws, labeled as “Islamophobic” by Derbali, extends beyond the survivors to affect widows, children, and the broader Muslim community.
Mohamed Labidi, the Islamic center’s president, expresses concerns that the restrictive laws are prompting some community members to relocate out of the province. Labidi warns about the potential escalation of xenophobia and racism stemming from these laws, emphasizing the need for unity and tolerance.
Despite the challenges posed by the legislation, survivors of the mosque shooting continue to advocate for connection, compassion, and acceptance to combat Islamophobia. Their annual commemorations serve as a platform to denounce hate and promote solidarity within the community.
While Derbali acknowledges the necessity of secularism, he advocates for a more inclusive and humane approach that respects diversity. He remains optimistic, believing that change requires a collective effort from all Quebecers to combat discrimination and uphold fundamental human values.