British Columbia

'Treat each other with respect,' say those at Abbotsford rally to denounce KKK propaganda

Residents in Abbotsford gather in solidarity against racism at local Gurdwara following the distribution of Ku Klux Klan literature to homes.

'Incitement, hatred should never be accepted or tolerated,' says man at temple rally

Dozens of people from diverse backgrounds gathered in Abbotsford, Sunday, Jan 22, 2017, to denounce racist literature disseminated in their community. (Kamil Karamali/CBC)

Dozens of residents in Abbotsford, B.C. spoke passionately at a local Gurdwara Sunday afternoon to denounce racist literature that's been distributed in their community.

Shai Mor said it was important for him to attend the rally to speak out against racism. (Kamil Karamali/CBC)

"Incitement, hatred should never be accepted or tolerated," said Shai Mor, who attended the rally at the Gur Sikh Temple on South Fraser Way.

Earlier this month, plastic bags containing Ku Klux Klan literature were distributed to homes in east Abbotsford, marking the second time in the last three months that racist pamphlets were disseminated in the Fraser Valley.

About 70 pamphlets were dropped off in driveways in the 35200 block of Marshall Road.

In October, similar materials were also discovered in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission.

Many people at the rally filmed the speeches and plan to distribute them online to create awareness. (Kamil Karamali/CBC)

The Abbotsford Police Department is investigating and the B.C. Hate Crime Team has been contacted.

RCMP are also investigating a separate incident in Richmond in November when someone distributed anti-Chinese flyers.

"It sinks my heart every time I see an evidence of racism or bigotry," said Fauzia Rafique who attended the rally.

Rafique said it was uplifting to see so many people from different backgrounds come together to speak out against hatred.

Fauzia Rafique said she draws inspiration from rallies like the one held in Abbotsford because of how passionately people denounce racism. (Kamil Karamali/CBC)

"It's incredible to be with other people who think similar to you, it gives tremendous strength," she said.

"It was a lot of power in that room."

Organizers say they plan to hold more rallies.

with files from Kamil Karamali.