Saint Johners Attend Vigil For Plane Crash Victims

Saint John residents have come together to remember the victims of this week’s plane crash in Iran.

About 100 people gathered outside City Hall on Friday evening for a special vigil.

Many of those who came out lit candles and laid flowers in front of pictures of the victims.

Raha Mosca, vice-president of the Saint John Iranian Community, helped organize the vigil in less than a day.

“It’s a turning point for us to be able to come together and show each other the support and the bond we hold together in this community,” said Mosca.

The vigil came just two days after a Ukrainian aircraft crashed near Tehran, Iran. All 176 people on board were killed, including 57 Canadians.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said they have evidence to suggest Iran may have unintentionally shot down the plane with a surface-to-air missile.

Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long, who attended Friday’s vigil, described the emotion and turnout as “unbelievable.”

“When you see over 100 people here tonight to mourn, to stand with the Iranian community, it’s a bittersweet feeling of emotion, sadness, and resolve,” said Long.

“As the government of Canada, we will stand and we will demand answers and we will not stop until we understand what happened, who was responsible, and who should be held accountable.”

Mosca said there is a lot of sadness and sorrow in the city’s Iranian community, which is made up of around 150 people.

“Everyone is trying to come together, to show their friendship to each other, and to show that they care about their loved ones, they care about their community, and to also remember those who lost their lives,” said Mosca.

Flags have been lowered across the city as a symbol of respect for the victims.

Dozens of people have come out to tonight’s vigil, including MP Wayne Long and the mayors of Saint John and Rothesay. pic.twitter.com/qaJjwgto0Y

— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) January 10, 2020