A Montreal Muslim teenager's message denouncing ISIS has gone viral after he took to Facebook to post some simple words following two separate fatal attacks on Canadian soldiers.
Ali Chebli, 17, posted a photo of himself to Facebook on Wednesday holding a sign reading "#Pas en mon nom" – which translated into English means "Not in my name." The photo was posted on a Facebook page of the same name.
The college student created the page after last week's slayings of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, 58, in St-Jean-sur Richelieu, Que., and Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, 24, at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
In both cases, the men were targeted and killed by suspects who had both separately tried to travel to the Middle East.
In his post, Chebli explained that as a Muslim Quebecer of Lebanese descent, he rejects the Islamic State terrorist group and will fight against the group's messages of hate.
"I am 17-years-old, I am a Quebecer of Lebanese origin, I am a Muslim and I disassociate myself from the Islamic State group," an English translation of the message reads. "My mission is to combat hate speech and the actions of the jihadists."
Chebli said he is taking steps to speak out against ISIS because the group falsely uses religion as a means of delivering messages of terror. This results in Muslims being unfairly associated with terrorism, he says.
He said he created the Facebook page so that other Muslims living in Quebec can share their stories and take a similar stand.
Since he posted his photo and message to Facebook Wednesday, both have been viewed shared more than 6,500 times. As well, other Quebecers have started to share similar photos and messages on the page.
In one post, a 16-year-old Moroccan Muslim student says that terrorism and extremism is forbidden in Islam. "Islam is a religion of peace and balance," an English translation of his message reads. "This group (ISIS) claims to act on behalf of God and Islam, which is totally absurd."
In another post, a 30-year-old Montreal police officer explains that he converted to Islam at the age of 17. He says his religion inspired him to become a police officer, because he wants to help save people. "Thank you and peace to all Canadians," he writes.
