Amira Elghawaby Urges End to Stigmatization of Canadian Muslims, Palestinians

Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia, is calling for an end to the growing stigmatization of Canadian Muslims and Palestinians.

Elghawaby’s message comes as another Islamophobic incident took place earlier this week in the province of Quebec when the Canadian Institute of Islamic Civilization—also known as the MAC Centre—was defaced in downtown Montreal. The damage is being investigated as a hate-motivated attack. 

Elghawaby, in a statement posted on X, said, “Vandalism fueled by hate targeting community centres, public spaces, and places of worship sends a frightening message that threatens our collective safety and well-being.”

She cautioned that this incident is a dangerous intersection of anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia. 

Elghawaby said that the rights and freedoms of all Canadians are under threat when any community is targeted. 

The National Council of Canadian Muslims echoed her concern, reporting a sharp increase in anti-Palestinian racism across the country. 

The MAC Centre plays a vital role in promoting interfaith harmony and fostering a sense of community belonging. 

Community leaders say the targeting of the institute is a wake-up call to the severity of the situation. They say it is a test of how Canada commits to inclusion and equal rights for all communities.