Dear Editor:
As a proud Canadian who immigrated to Canada in 1970 with my family, I am
mourning the deaths of the Afzaal family of London, Ontario. The five members of this
family were mowed down on June 6th, 2021, at the hands of a terrorist who’s sole
purpose was to kill them due to their Islamic faith. Four members of this family were
killed while the youngest is recovering in hospital.
This terrorist attack is yet another sign to all Canadians that deeply rooted hate and
bigotry against Muslims continues and, in fact, thrives in certain groups and
communities. Muslims in Canada and around the world feel devastated and more
isolated and misunderstood as we continue to face religious persecution. Globally, the
image of Canada is one of tolerance, peace and acceptance of immigrants which has
now been shaken to the core.
Where do we go from here and what can be done to stop the spread of hate and
intolerance?
The federal, provincial, municipal governments and community organizations need to
work hard to root out individuals, organizations and websites that support and spread
hatred and Islamophobia.
Sadly, the Canadian government has done an extremely poor job of tackling hatred
and Islamophobia in Canada. As hate crimes against Muslims continue to rise,
stronger laws, government actions and harsher penalties must be put in place for
people who commit these crimes against Muslims and people of other faiths.
It is completely fair to say that Conservative and Bloc MPs especially are accountable
and responsible in part, because of their opposition to a federal non-binding motion
condemning Islamophobia in 2017. These same members who are now conveying
their condolences should have taken a stand against Islamophobia years ago. Prime
Minister Trudeau is not innocent in this matter either. His tiptoeing around Bill 21 in
Quebec for political gain lays clear that crimes of hate against Muslims in Canada are
not a priority. Hollow and meaningless rhetoric by our highest officials not only open,
but provide the space for certain individuals and groups to spew their hate.
We demand truly active engagement and partnership with the Muslim community.
Supporting motions, enacting policies, and strengthening our communities are the only
ways we can fight against this insidious hate.
Canada is impacted by every act of racism and extremism regardless of which race or
religion is being targeted. Muslims don’t need lip service and photo ops from our
elected officials which we have been subjected to for years. The Prime Minister’s
speech regarding the deaths of the Afzaal family made no mention of any future
change in policy, funding and national dialogue to combat this issue.
The Canadian education system also requires changes so that educators and
students learn the facts about Islam and Muslims. Most don’t know that many
inventions and discoveries made by Muslims are ingrained in everyday modern
society. Students from a young age who learn about Islamic history and valuable
contributions will be kinder, respectful and accepting adults.
There is still much work that is required to rid our communities and country of
Islamophobia, and all Canadians have a responsibility to stand up to racism and acts
of hate toward any member, community or faith group. As Muslims, we are a strong
community and we will always stand together. We feel unsafe right now, but this is our
country and we we will not let hate scare or intimidate us. Patriotic Canadian Muslims
too have a right to a Canada that is safe and peaceful.
As a British Colombian, I ask all elected officials including Prime Minister Trudeau and
Premier John Horgan, to take concrete steps in combating Islamophobia and racism in
all forms.
Mahmood Awan
Richmond, British Columbia
