The death of Mohamoud Hersi Abdulle, widely known as Indhacase, shocked entire communities around the globe, especially in his hometown of Ottawa. It is difficult to convey how a community’s heart becomes heavy with sorrow and sadness when its best, most esteemed and irreplaceable personality is silenced forever by ruthless terrorist bullets.
Mohamoud’s Qualities
Mohamoud’s connector qualities transcended our city of Ottawa and linked communities across the globe; from his university cohorts, diaspora professional colleagues to a large extended family. Mohamoud was well anchored in all of these circles and networks.
Mohamoud had remarkable character in the way he maintained his personal dignity and treated everyone with respect, he was truly an extraordinary human being. His demeanor broke down the barriers among community members and fostered unity, and epitomized hard work and perseverance. He acted as the glue that held together the whole community. He was a role model to others because of his decency and profound sense of morality. He had a rare ability to make everyone, young and old, feel valued and respected.
Mohamoud was a professional mediator who led community healing circles. In these healing circles Mohamoud would engage both the victim and perpetrator in conflict resolution processes through the use of dialogue. Its aim was to heal their communal bond and foster a productive relationship.
The Somali community of Ottawa will remember him for many things. His message of hope, compassion and dedication will resonate in the hearts and minds of those who were blessed to work with him throughout his life.
Mohamoud was a community leader and served in many capacities and through various organizations.
Mohamoud’s community services
- At the height of the Somali migration influx in Ottawa, Mohamoud was a Multicultural Liaison Officer (MLO) who served several schools; his responsibilities involved bridging the cultural differences between the schools and the populations they serve.
- He was an educator, a trainer and continued his professional life here in Canada. Although he pursued other careers over the years, he was the first teacher to teach Somali Language courses in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. He was also involved in educating immigrant parents in Ottawa on the issues surrounding the Ontario secondary school curriculum and the roles of parents in the education of their children.
- Mohamoud was a youth employment counselor where he helped countless youth find jobs and establish themselves in the world of work.
Mohamoud spearheaded and co-founded a number of community-based organizations.
- He was one of the founders of the Association of Somali Canadian Teachers of Ottawa-Carleton in the early ‘90s, with prominent leaders in Ottawa.
- He was one of the founders and most fervent supporters of Ridgemont High School Students’ Scholarship Foundation, which provides funds to Somali students pursuing post-secondary education.
- He was a loyal member of the Canadian Somali Fathers Association
- He co-founded The Council for Somali National Unity.
- Mohamoud also co-founded Homework Club programs that are still functioning across the city. Some of the children who benefited from these homework clubs are young professionals today.
Mohamoud’s Patriotism
One of the rare qualities Mohamoud possessed was his patriotism – the love of his homeland Somalia as well as his new home Canada. He felt a sense of duty towards both of his countries. He believed that at this historical juncture Somalia needed his talents, his expertise and his sagacity in as much as he needed his native homeland.
Mohamoud knew his duty to share both the joys and sorrows with his people in homeland. He was an extraordinary individual with exceptional devotion, love and a determination to help rescue the dignity and grace of his people. There are no words to describe his nobility, his humility, his respect and admiration for his community and countries. Through his education and teaching experience, he accumulated wide variety of skills and expertise that enabled him to serve his community and countries so well.
Mohamoud walked away from a life of privilege and fearlessly travelled to navigate his way through the complex political, economic and social problems that devastated Somalia. He not only contributed to rebuilding his war-torn home, he sacrificed his life for the common good.
Mohamoud will be remembered by his community for his laborious mind, his great intelligence, his unyielding commitment to helping the youth and his deep and unwavering devotion to community excellence.
He was an incredible human being, great leader, a critical thinker and wonderful colleague. Mohamoud’s death leaves holes and scars in the fabric of the Ottawa Somali community, but his legacy will be cherished forever.
The Council for Somali National Unity will always remember his sacrifices and the precious price he paid for his community here in Ottawa and for his native homeland.
Members of The Council for Somali National Unity
Golaha Midnimada Qaranka Soomaaliyeed
Ottawa, Ontario
Submitted by Ifrah Hassan