January 29, 2023
Today, Canada observes the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia.
Six years ago, six Muslim men were brutally and tragically murdered while they prayed at the Québec City Mosque. Nineteen others were injured and one of those injured was left paralyzed. The loss to their families and community is tremendous.
On this day, we honour the lives of the men who were lost in this heinous act of violence and Islamophobia. FACL BC invites you to take a moment of silence to remember these victims and all victims of hatred:
- Ibrahima Barry
- Mamadou Barry
- Khaled Belkacemi
- Aboubaker Thabti
- Abdelkrim Hassane
- Azzedine Soufiane
FACL BC also takes this time to honour and remember the lives of the four members of a Pakistani-Canadian Muslim family who were killed while out walking together in London, Ontario on June of 2021. We stand against the racism and fear perpetuated against Muslims in this country and everywhere.
The National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia acts as a reminder that Muslim people and those perceived to be Muslim continue to face discrimination and the threat of violence. However, for those who face discrimination, no such reminder is needed.
FACL BC welcomes the appointment of Amira Elghawaby as Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamaphobia. Ms. Elghawaby is a journalist, an expert on issues of equity and inclusion, and a human rights advocate. Her mandate in her new role is to serve as champion, advisor, expert, and representative to the Canadian government for the purpose of enhancing efforts to combat Islamophobia and promote awareness of the diverse and intersectional identities of Muslims in Canada.
We encourage allies and those within the legal community to learn about Islamophobia and the actions we can take to combat this issue. FACL BC is an official sponsor of the Islamophobia Legal Assistance Hotline, a free and confidential hotline aimed at providing legal assistance to anyone who has been a victim of Islamophobia.
