NCCM denounces ‘craven attack’ on Toronto Muslim girl

-For Immediate Release-

(Ottawa – January 13, 2018) The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a prominent civil liberties & advocacy organization, categorically condemns the recent attack on an 11-year old Muslim girl in Toronto who was attacked in broad daylight by a man who attempted to cut off her hijab as she walked to school with her 10-year old brother.

See: CBC – ‘I felt really scared:’ Toronto girl says man tried to cut off her hijab as she walked to school

“We denounce this appalling attack and we are relieved that the girl and no other child was injured,” says NCCM Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee.

“We welcome that law enforcement is investigating this act as a hate crime and we call on them to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrator of this cowardly attack to the fullest extent of the law. We cherish our cohesive communities and celebrate our diversity; such attacks have no place in Canada,” says Gardee.

“Canadians of all backgrounds stand united against hatred of any kind, and we must continue to stand together against such ignorant acts of racism. This attack coming as it does, a mere two weeks ahead of the first anniversary of the Quebec City mosque massacre where 6 innocent Muslims were gunned down while worshipping, is a prescient reminder of the dangers of allowing hatred and bigotry to go unchecked and unchallenged.

“We also urge community leaders to remain vigilant and to immediately report suspicious and criminal behaviour firstly to the authorities and also to the NCCM in order to establish a clear record of such incidents,” adds Gardee.

The NCCM has issued a call to designate January 29th as a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia and we encourage Canadians of all backgrounds to support this call.

Related Resources:
NCCM’s Hate Crimes Map
Community Safety Guide

* An earlier version of this press release included the name of the eleven year old girl. This has been removed to protect her privacy