Two of the men accused in the alleged terrorism plot exposed this week are former Montrealers.
Misbahuddin Ahmed and Khurram Sher worshipped at the same mosque in Brossard, and those who know the pair insist the allegations are a mistake.
"They're wonderful kids," said one family friend. "I can't believe they could do such kind of things."
People who worship at the Islamic Community Centre in Brossard say both Ahmed and Sher were model citizens who were active in the community starting at a young age, "always trying to help people."
Giving, generous public image
Every year during Ramadan, Sher collected food for needy families on the South Shore.
The doctor, who graduated in 2005 from McGill's medical school, also acted as director of the RS Foundation, a non-profit group which raises money for Southeast Asia.
Now known nation-wide for his appearance on Canadian Idol, friends say Sher auditioned for the show in 2008 on a dare.
Imam Foudil Selmoune says the arrests of two men who attended his services is bad for the entire Islamic community.
"It's like mathematics, Muslims equal terrorists, which is not true," said Imam Selmoune. "We have to look to the reality that Muslims are peaceful people."
Muslims hope charges won't stain entire community
Ahmed El Gamal, who has lived in Brossard for years, says he makes a point of talking with his Canadian-born son about being a responsible citizen.
"I always talk to my son about religion," said El Gamal. "You must be always close to your kids."
Whether the allegations turn out to be founded or not, worshippers hope they won't leave a black mark on the community.
Ahmed and Sher, along with two other men, are charged with conspiracy to facilitate terrorism. Police say the group was about to send money to terrorists overseas, and was plotting to launch a series of bombing attacks in Ottawa and Montreal within the next three months.
