Islamic Leader Walks the Peace Walk Across Canada

October 26, 2008

Author: Katherine Dedyna

Source: The Times Colonist

http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/life/story.html?id=6cbffa2a-88a7-49d0-90ad-629f2886b75b

An Islamic leader who mortgaged his house to walk across Canada in the cause of non-violence is striding toward Victoria after six months on the road.

"We should be in Victoria on [Monday] and we are looking forward to people of all faiths, all Canadians, to come and join us during our walk," said Imam Syed Soharwardy. He remains passionate about his Multifaith Walk Against Violence, but in a cellphone interview at the 5,945-kilometre mark near Kelowna, admitted he was glad it's nearly over.

Since Soharwardy, the founder of Muslims Against Terrorism, began walking April 20 in Halifax, he has encountered everything from a large bear to tornado territory, suffered severe heat stroke and lost nearly 10 kilograms.

The closing ceremony -- a multifaith gathering -- is slated for 3 p.m. at the B.C. legislature and all are welcome.