NCCM stands with Jewish communities in denouncing anti-Semitism

– For Immediate Release –

(Ottawa – February 27, 2017) The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a prominent civil liberties & advocacy organization, strongly and unequivocally condemns a series of hateful incidents against Jewish communities that have come to light in recent days.

Recently, videos surfaced of appalling and reprehensible comments made by two individuals leading prayers at a mosque in Toronto in 2016 and in Montreal in 2014. The comments included supplications that contained incendiary speech towards the Jewish community. Both mosque administrations have since issued public apologies.

“All of our communities must remain free of hate and intolerance towards any group and must uphold the values of human rights, mutual respect and inclusion. We categorically repudiate such comments, and stand firm with our fellow Canadians in denouncing hate in all its forms, including anti-Semitism” says NCCM Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee.

“Institutions must ensure that they create and enforce policies that protect the human rights of all. This should include providing human rights training for all staff and volunteers,” adds Gardee.

Anti-Semitic vandalism

Toronto police launched an investigation last week after the front doors of apartments of Jewish residents were vandalized and anti-Semitic notes were left behind at a condominium building.

“We must understand that when one community in Canada is targeted, we are all targeted. We continue to stand firmly with Canadian Jewish communities in denouncing such acts of hate and intimidation,” says NCCM Communications Director Amira Elghawaby.

The NCCM encourages anyone who has been a victim of a hate crime or hate incident to immediately report to their local police service and to human rights organizations.

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