News Walthamstow

Town square vigil for terror victims

Submitted by: Staff Writer On the 20th of December a candlelight peace vigil was held at Walthamstow Town Square to remember the innocent lives lost in the […]By wfechoadmin

Submitted by: Staff Writer

On the 20th of December a candlelight peace vigil was held at Walthamstow Town Square to remember the innocent lives lost in the recent terror attacks that took place in Peshawar, Pakistan and Sydney, Australia.

Local resident, Natasha Salahuddin organised the event with a team of volunteers, with support from Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy, Waltham Forest mayor Terry Wheeler and other local councillors.

vigilDuring the vigil, two minutes’ silence was observed with respect, candles were lit by everyone old and young, and prayers were said for those whose lives were cut short due to terrorism and war.

Natasha Salahuddin says that when she heard about the attacks, she talked to her mother and friends about organising the vigil and posted on the Walthamstow residents Facebook page.

She said: “Within minutes of my post I had received very positive feedback. I was getting support regardless of ethnic background which shows as a community Waltham Forest is already very strong!

“The main reason I wanted to organise this vigil was because I wanted to send out a message of peace, unity and respect. That no matter what race, background, ethnicity religion or beliefs we carry everyone is united against terror.

“As British Pakistani Muslims we cannot allow the actions of a minority of fanatics destroy relationships that have been built over years. I wanted to be a voice of reason and send out my message very clearly that any war in the world must end!

“There is no victory in the death of civilians.”


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