Muslim communities in Canada say they are facing increasing threats as anti-immigrant attitudes and Islamophobia continue to grow across the country.
A 14-year-old Muslim boy, identified as Ahmed, said he and his family were attacked while returning home from night prayers during Ramadan in Toronto. He said a man shouted racist insults, grabbed him by the collar, and pushed him, leaving his younger siblings traumatised.
Community leaders say the incident is part of a wider pattern of growing hostility toward Muslims and immigrants.
Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s former special representative on combating Islamophobia, described the situation as a “perfect storm,” saying anti-immigrant rhetoric is increasingly mixing with anti-Muslim hatred.
Canada has experienced several serious anti-Muslim attacks in recent years, including the 2017 Quebec City mosque shooting that killed six worshippers and the 2021 attack in London, Ontario, where four members of a Muslim family were killed after being struck by a vehicle.
Experts say economic pressures, including housing shortages and rising living costs, have contributed to increased anti-immigrant sentiment, which some groups link to Muslim communities.
Fahad Ahmad, a criminology professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, said negative stereotypes about Muslims can influence how hate incidents are viewed and addressed.
The Canadian government says it is committed to fighting all forms of hate and has introduced measures to combat racism and discrimination.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Islamic Centre said it has introduced additional safety measures, including a buddy system, after a series of threats and attacks.
Community members say they do not want to be viewed only as victims, but as part of Canadian society.
Ahmed said education is important to challenge stereotypes, adding that Muslims are not different from other members of the community.
.jpeg)
.jpeg "Sunayen kofofin aljanna guda takwas 8")
0 Comment about the Post: