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Standing Together Against Islamophobia: Reflecting on this National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia
Written by Justice for All CanadaJanuary 29th, 2024 In marking the 7th anniversary of the Quebec City mosque shooting, Justice For All Canada reflects on the gross loss of life and the enduring impact of Islamophobia. On this day, and in remembrance of the victims—Azzedine Soufiane, Abdelkrim Hassane, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Ibrahima Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, and Aboubaker Thabti—we honour their lives and stand in solidarity with their families and the impacted Muslim community in Canada and around the world.
The targeted shootings that occurred seven years ago at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec (CCIQ) were not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader pattern of anti-Muslim racism and discrimination persisting globally. The tragic killings of these 6 Canadians as well as the injuring of 19 others continue to impact individuals, families, and entire communities in Canada.
“On this solemn anniversary of the Quebec City massacre, we renew our commitment to achieving a nation where Canadian Muslims, including all religious minorities, can live free from fear and persecution,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada. “Our work remains committed to seeking justice and ensuring that such senseless acts of Islamophobia are never repeated,” Ghayyur added.
The Government of Canada has issued a proclamation designating January 29 as the National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia. This declaration aimed to combat anti-Muslim racism and discrimination and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all Canadians. However, according to recent reports, there has been an alarming increase in anti-Muslim racism in Canada. Toronto police reported a significant rise in hate crimes, while British Columbia's human rights commissioner decried a surge in discrimination and violence against Muslims. Additionally, a recent landmark Senate report flagged Islamophobia as a persistent problem in Canada while emphasizing urgent recommendations to address it.
Recent examples, such as the inauguration of the Ayodhya temple in India, also reveal the alarming rise of Islamophobia globally. The temple was constructed atop the ruins of a 16th-century mosque, the historic Babri Masjid, originally demolished by supporters of India’s nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. This event marked one of many BJP-sponsored events eroding pluralism and tolerance in India, where Muslims face systemic discrimination and human rights violations.
Similarly, the ongoing genocide committed by Israel against Palestinian Muslims and Christians in Gaza demands urgent attention and concrete action. The death toll surpassed 26,000 Palestinian civilians on Friday as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent genocidal acts against Palestinians, as well as facilitate the delivery of immediate humanitarian assistance. Despite the sheer scale of violence, the undeniable humanitarian crisis, and the gravity of civilian suffering, the international community has not united in their call for a ceasefire or accountability.
The interconnected nature of Islamophobia has undoubtedly triggered the racist hatred leading to the events of January 29th, 2017. Canada’s government must address Islamophobia as a global phenomenon. We call on the government to take concrete steps to combat anti-Muslim racism and discrimination and ensure the protection of Muslim groups and individuals.
