Anti-Muslim Hate Rears Its Ugly Head in Fleetwood, BC.
This incident reportedly occurred between August 28 and 29, 2026, at the Fleetwood Islamic Center (FIC), located at 162 Street in Surrey, BC.
According to the Secretary General of FIC, Haji Asif Ali, the congregation discovered the disturbing acts of vandalism and hate when they arrived for the morning (Fajr) prayers over the weekend. They were shocked to find messages such as “get out or die” and “Islam is trash” spray-painted on the mosque’s exterior.
Not content with their loathsome handiwork, the perpetrators allegedly hung pieces of pig meat from the mosque’s door handle and left additional pieces near its windows, clearly aiming to instill fear within the community.
“This is reminiscent of the pig remains left in front of the Quebec City Mosque before the 2017 massacre,” brother Ali stated. “We also know that these kinds of threats and acts of Islamophobia have been a daily reality for Muslims across the country in recent months.”
“We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of our congregants, and we urge all leaders in BC to unite with us against these hateful attacks to ensure a better future for all communities here in Surrey.”
The incident occurred last weekend, between 11 pm PST on Friday and 5 am PST on Saturday. According to Surrey police, the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit (SPOSU) has classified the incident as a hate crime and is currently investigating it.
Reactions:
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) stated, “This sort of intimidation and hatred has become a norm in Canada against the Muslim community. It is deeply disturbing and disappointing. It is time for elected officials to collaborate with community members to build a national strategy to combat Islamophobia.”
BC Attorney General Niki Sharma expressed her sympathies for the Fleetwood Islamic Center, stating she was saddened by the “hate incident and threats of violence.”
BC Premier David Eby remarked, “No one should face threats of violence while attending their place of worship. Islamophobia has no place in BC.”
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke added, “The hateful messages and threats directed at the Fleetwood Islamic Center are deeply offensive and heartbreaking. Attempts to intimidate individuals because of their faith undermine the sense of safety and belonging that every resident deserves. I stand with the Muslim community and the members of the Fleetwood Islamic Center during this difficult time. I am grateful to the RCMP for their efforts in investigating this incident to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
Annie Ohana, a teacher at L.A. Matheson Secondary in Surrey, expressed her disgust at the attack. As a teacher and leader of Mustang Justice, the school’s youth social justice leadership program, she has witnessed the “incredible work, responsible citizenship, and beautiful leadership” of many Muslim community members. This is a time for the community to stand united against hate, Ohana emphasized.
About FIC:
Located in Surrey’s Fleetwood area, the Fleetwood Islamic Center has long served local and visiting Muslims as a community space for worship and learning. The center is part of Surrey’s broader Muslim community and is listed online as a mosque and prayer space. It offers a welcoming space for prayer, community connection, and Islamic activities.
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