January 29th as a day of National Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia
Assalam Alaikim Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today, Hikma joined 75 other Muslim organizations across Canada calling for the federal government to designate January 29th as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia.
The following message was shared with our federal members of Parliament:
Re: Designating January 29 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia
I write to you today regarding the fourth anniversary of the January 29th mass shooting that took place on January 29, 2017, at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City. Each year the Canadian Muslim community remembers the lives of Azzedine Soufiane, Abdelkrim Hassane, Mohamedou Tanou Barry, Ibrahima Barry, Aboubaker Thabti, and Khaled Belkacemi who were barbarically gunned down after their evening prayers.
Hate crimes against Muslims rise each day, and at an even more alarming rate during the pandemic. For four consecutive years, Canadian Muslim organizations have called on the government to deliver the final recommendation made in the M103 report by the Ministry of Heritage. To date, this recommendation has not been implemented. Major cities Montreal, Markham, Toronto, Hamilton, London, Windsor, Brampton, and Vancouver are among others across Canada that have already designated January 29th as a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia.
This decision is far overdue. In fact, designating January 29th as a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia should have been the first step in responding to the Quebec shooting. Delivering on this recommendation this year would reaffirm the government’s commitment to countering Islamophobia. There are multiple priorities pending when it comes to government action to combat racism and hate against Canadian Muslims. Such priorities include addressing the rise of white supremacy and other far-right groups, designating hate groups who are a threat to our national security as terrorist groups, and overcoming systemic racism in government institutions, security and law enforcement.
The M103 report was an unprecedented step by the government with well-thought-out recommendations. As your constituent and a concerned Canadian, I ask that you please advocate to have January 29th designated as a “National Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia.”