Message from Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia on the situation in the Middle East

Over the past ten days, like all Canadians, I have watched the devastating scenes from the Middle East. There are no words to describe how our hearts ache as we watch, in real time, the suffering of innocent people. These events have taken a personal toll on me, especially the most recent attack on the hospital in Gaza, and the avoidable humanitarian tragedy that is unfolding.

While these events are unfolding abroad, my mandate as Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia is to provide guidance and advice to the Government of Canada on how to combat bias, discrimination and hate against Muslims in Canada.

Right now, there are fears of a resurgence in Islamophobia which has troubling echoes of the past.

I have heard from Muslim communities in Canada that the period after 9/11 was traumatic. It was a time when Muslims, Arabs and those perceived to belong to these groups felt collectively blamed, stereotyped and racially profiled. We had to demonstrate our loyalty, we felt pressured to condemn actions unrelated to our communities, and we experienced a silencing effect, when voicing our views on human rights and dignity.

I heard that we cannot allow the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to re-open what was a painful chapter for our communities. The legacy of those dark times is being rekindled today.

I am committed to serving as a champion of Muslims in Canada, and an advisor and representative to the Government of Canada as we navigate these difficult times, so that together, we can confront the danger of rising Islamophobia and all other forms of hate.

Now more than ever, we need to collectively work to find the right words and actions to move forward.