Imam Mohamad Jebara of the Cordova Mosque condemned the persecution in a statement read by a representative to about 1,000 people. 

“Persecution, oppression and tyranny are deplorable and repulsive regardless of who perpetrates them and against whom they are perpetrated,” said Jebara. 

“I stand in solidarity with my Christian brethren and other minorities who are suffering in the Middle East and condemn acts of intolerance against them as satanic deeds, contrary to the mercy which the scripture calls us to embody.” 

Imam Zijad Delic called on Muslim leaders to denounce “this brutal segment of our community that is shame, that is shame, that is shame to all of us — a shame to me, a shame to my daughters and a shame to all my community.” 

Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast expressed solidarity with Middle East Christians, especially in Iraq and Syria.” 

“They are victims of every manner of horror: death, torture and deprivation of homes and businesses,” he said. 

He also highlighted the plight of other religious and ethnic minorities suffering at the hands of ISIS. 

“They have been killed, raped, robbed, displaced, and otherwise abused in ways that trample on their human dignity,” he said, expressing dismay that governments in Iraq and Syria have been unable to protect these populations. 

“Make it clear to the government of Canada that you want more available spaces for Iraqi Christians to find refuge here,” the archbishop said. “Tell your MPs to remove bureaucratic barriers to persecuted Iraqi Christians being received in Ottawa and across Canada.” 

Prendergast read a statement from Rabbi Reuven Bulka who was unable to attend due to the Jewish Sabbath. 

“I speak to you as a survivor of many generations of attempts to perpetrate genocide on the Jewish people, including present iterations,” Rabbi Bulka said.