Town of Ajax Stands in Solidarity with the Muslim Community

In light of the recent Islamophobic attack and to show the Town’s continued commitment to the Muslim community, we will be hosting a Community Healing Event on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall, Council Chambers. Local community leaders and officials will address attendees with the goal of fostering unity and understanding.

The Town has also launched a support page with resources to connect with Muslim community leaders and organizations, as well as a space to share messages of love and solidarity. Visit the support page at ajax.ca/TogetherInPeace

The Town of Ajax is committed to fostering a diverse community where all feel safe, valued, welcome and respected. Let’s take action and come together in a place of healing, connection and solidarity.

“The Islamophobic attack on a Muslim woman at the Ajax Library is appalling and unacceptable. Everyone should feel welcome and safe in our community and acts of hate will not be tolerated. I urge all residents to come together to show support for the Muslim community and offer a sense of healing during this time. Please visit our support page at ajax.ca/TogetherInPeace for details on our Community Healing Event and to share messages of love and solidarity.” – Shaun Collier, Mayor and CEO, Town of Ajax

“Hate has no place in Ajax. We must stand in solidarity with our Muslim community and unequivocally condemn this violent act. It’s so important to continue to have conversations that address acts of hate and ensure everyone feels safe and respected. Diversity is and always will be our strength.” – Deputy Mayor, Council Liaison to the AARTF, Ajax Public Library Board Member and Regional Councillor Sterling Lee, Ward 2

“I am deeply saddened by the recent attack on a Muslim woman at the Ajax Library. This horrific act of Islamophobia serves as a reminder that racism is a very real issue in our community. The Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force is committed to standing against such injustices, and we stand in solidarity with our Muslim community. Racism and hate have no place in Ajax or anywhere else.” – Chantelle Vernon, Co-Chair, Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force

“I as Chair of the AARTF, and on behalf of the Task Force, forcibly condemn the recent attack on a Muslim woman of our community in what is supposed to be a safe place the Ajax Library. It is indeed a sad day when individuals believe that there is a place for such hate against a fellow resident. We should condemn all acts of Racism & Hate and remember as the late Martin Luther King Jr said: “Hate begets Hate; Violence begets violence”. There must be zero tolerance for such behaviour. The AARTF is fully committed to work towards eliminating all acts of Hate and Racism in our community and call on all residents to be vigilant. Let us all in our communities work together to ensure that Ajax continues to be a safe place to Live, Work & Play.” - Malcolm Barrington, Co-Chair, Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force

Quick Facts

According to Durham Regional Police, a Muslim woman was physically assaulted at the Ajax Public Library on March 22, 2025. Her hijab was forcefully removed, and an attempt was made to set it on fire.

A Community Healing Event is being held on Friday, April 4 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Council Chambers to hear from local community leaders and officials committed to fostering unity and understanding.

A support webpage has launched with resources to connect with Muslim community leaders and organizations, as well as a space to share messages of love and solidarity. Visit ajax.ca/TogetherInPeace to learn more.

The Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force (AARTF) aims to address systemic racism and hate experienced by various groups in the Town through a hub and spoke model with identified working groups addressing disparities in racialized and underrepresented communities.

For questions, please reach out to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.