A North York councillor has condemned the recent airport bombing in Moscow, Russia, which left 35 people dead and dozens wounded Monday, Jan. 24.
"I condemn in the strongest possible terms the senseless bombing of Domodedovo Airport in Moscow, Russia, that killed 35 people and injured at least 152," Ward 10 Councillor James Pasternak said in a statement. "I wish to extend my sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims and hope for a full recovery of those injured in the attack. It is the responsibility of all governments to stamp out terror and ensure the safety of their citizens. I encourage the Russian government to find the perpetrators of this heinous crime and bring them to justice. Terrorist attacks such as this accomplish nothing and only result in the loss of innocent life. I stand with Toronto's Russian community in this time of sorrow and offer the full resources of my office to assist in any way possible in both English and Russian."
Pasternak, who held a meet and greet with constituents Tuesday, Jan. 25 at Antibes Community Centre near Bathurst Street and Drewry Avenue, put out a book of condolences for people to sign at the meeting in light of the attack.
"The ward meet and greet was scheduled a long time ago and is unrelated to the attacks," he told The Mirror. "We are inviting people to sign it and we will then present it to the Russian Consul General (in Toronto) or (Russian) Ambassador (to Canada)."
Noting 19 per cent of Ward 10 constituents are of Russian descent, Pasternak said residents are closely tied to the European country.
"When something tragic happens there, we feel it here," he said, adding he's unaware of personal constituent ties to the bombing. "We have a responsibility to condemn it."
Mayor Rod Ford stopped by the event and signed the condolence book.