Quebecers wanting to join fight against ISIS on the rise, expert says

The tale of a former Canadian Forces soldier who spent five months fighting Islamic State militants in Iraq has prompted other Quebecers to express interest in joining the front lines. 

Montreal's new anti-radicalization centre says it has been receiving calls from families worried that their loved ones want to get involved as well.

The flow of calls has increased since a young man known only as "Wali," a 33-year-old elite marksman who served in Canada's military with the Van Doos, made a number of media appearances to tell of his battles alongside the Kurds in their fight against ISIS. 

Wali's influence has been so great that Herman Deparice-Okomba, who heads Montreal's radicalization prevention centre, has dubbed it the "Wali effect."

"It has created a craze," said Deparice-Okomba, who said that he is considering organizing a meeting with Wali to discuss the situation.  

"These days parents are calling us to say that their kids are showing signs that they plan to enlist in the fight against Islamic State."

Wali, however, does not appear to have any intention of discouraging those who want to enlist. 

"I get a lot of messages from potential volunteers," Wali wrote in an email. 

"I am proud that our youth want to fight barbarism. I am proud that young people want to take up arms against extremism! I also realize the responsibility that now weighs on my shoulders."

Not all experts consider the trend troubling. 

"The biggest threat that we face is young people who became radicalized in the ideology of Al Qaeda or the Islamic State," said former Canadian secret services analyst Phil Gursky.

The radicalization prevention centre says it has dealt with 90 families and received 360 calls since it kicked off last March.

The organization is funded by Montreal and the province and seeks to combat violent radicalism.

CSIS believes that 140 Canadians have joined a terrorist organization.