Planned Protest Events to Commemorate the Quebec Mosque Tragedy Anniversary
In the heart of Montreal, next Sunday, several groups will gather at Place de la Gare-Jean-Talon, near the Parc metro station, for a poignant commemoration. This event, organized by Commémoration Citoyen, a group formed by diverse individuals from various backgrounds, jobs, and religions, aims to denounce "anti-Muslim racism in Quebec."
The commemoration serves as a space for mourning, remembrance, and denunciation of the unacceptable crime that took place a year ago, echoing the sentiments of organizers like Benabdallah, who has been working tirelessly to support the families of the victims and members of the mosque.
The rising tide of Islamophobia in Canada, and Montreal in particular, has been a concerning trend. Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in Islamophobia incidents reported by advocacy groups like the National Council of Canadian Muslims, with thousands of cases detected post-2017 and post-October 2023 events.
This environment of growing Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian discrimination influences activism and protests addressing hate crimes, racism, and freedom of expression issues. Montreal regularly hosts sessions addressing Islamophobia and immigrant rights, indicating ongoing activism and public awareness efforts in the city.
Canada’s Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby, has highlighted a resurgence of Islamophobic tropes linked to Middle East conflicts, noting that this has intensified Islamophobia-related hate crimes and public discourse. The complicating factor of the "Palestine exception"—where Palestinian rights advocacy is often excluded or stigmatized—adds layers to the protests and the messages behind them, reflecting struggles for dignity and equal recognition within diversity and anti-racism movements.
As the alleged shooter's trial is set to begin next March, the rallies serve as a call for stronger policies against hate crimes and a plea for inclusion and equal rights for Muslim and Palestinian communities in Canada. The declaration urges Montrealers to "take all necessary means to fight Islamophobia and all forms of racism and systemic religious discrimination."
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has invited Montrealers to visit city hall next Monday to remember the Muslim victims of the shooting. The rallies will take place in front of the Verdun, Mont-Royal, and Jean-Talon metro stations, with the mosque making several psychologists available to answer questions or provide advice during the commemorations.
As we remember the tragedy, Benabdallah believes it is necessary to view it as a lesson for humanity and society, warning about the rise in groups and individuals who promote hatred. The commemorations and rallies are not just about looking back, but also about moving forward, fostering understanding, and promoting unity in the face of adversity.
- The commemoration and rallies addressing anti-Muslim racism in Quebec underscore the importance of addressing war-and-conflicts and Palestine-related Issues in policy-and-legislation, as Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante and Canada’s Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby, have been urging for stronger policies against hate crimes, including those stemming from Islamophobic tropes linked to Middle East conflicts.
- General-news outlets have highlighted the continued efforts in the city's politics, with regular sessions addressing Islamophobia and immigrant rights, as Montreal actively works towards reducing crime-and-justice incidents stemming from hate crimes and anti-Palestinian discrimination, demonstrating that the commemorations and rallies serve as a call for much-needed change within Canadian society.
