Untold Stories of Islamophobia in Honour of January 29: Report by Islamic Relief Canada

This Saturday January 29 is the 5th anniversary of the Quebec City Mosque attack, one of the worst acts of Islamophobia experienced in Canada.

Today, we are still feeling the aftermath of this attack, as well as the sting and continued rise of Islamophobia. None of us can forget the horrific attack in London just a few months ago. 

In commemoration of this January 29, we embarked on compiling the powerful and moving experiences of Muslim Canadians to show all the various ways Islamophobia manifests itself in Canada. 

This report brings the authentic voices of our community, our concerns and opinions on governmental responses to the forefront. We encourage you to read the report and let it be the spark that inspires further action in each of our circles. 

Our Op-Ed in the Toronto Star accompanies our report, and conveys most importantly that it is the everyday Islamophobia that continues to have long-term impact on Muslims. 

We must remind ourselves of the power of community and the strength in healing we can bring for one another when we stand together proud of our identity. We must also remember the power in our duas and simultaneously be vocal and take action for positive change.

We dedicate this piece to honour the memories of those who were killed, their loved ones, the children surviving them, and the many others who have lost their lives and continue to be impacted by Islamophobia in Canada and around the world.