Within Our Borders: The Escalating Tide of Islamophobia in Canada
Image courtesy of Nam Y. Huh, AP News. Oday Al-Fayoume, bottom right of casket, holds the casket with the remains of his 6-year-old Palestinian American son, Wadea Al-Fayoume, after a prayer service in Bridgeview, Ill., on Oct. 16. Authorities allege that Wadea was killed and his mother was seriously wounded when their landlord attacked them because they were Muslim.
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The recent spike in Islamophobia across North America, particularly after October 7, has had profound impacts on the Muslim community. This surge of hate incidents, reminiscent of the post-9/11 atmosphere, has been deeply distressing and has resulted in both physical harm and psychological trauma.
Background
Islamophobia has long been a concern in North American societies, but recent events have led to a significant increase. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported an 182% jump in bias incidents against Muslims in the U.S. from October 7 to October 24, compared to an average 16-day period in 2022. In Canada specifically, organizations such as the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) work actively to combat Islamophobia and advocate for the rights and well-being of Muslim communities across the country.
Impact of Incidents
The horrifying incident in Plainfield, Illinois, where six-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume and his mother, Hanaan Shahin, were viciously stabbed by their landlord, Joseph Czuba, spotlights a deeply troubling rise in Islamophobia in North America. According to the Will County Sheriff’s Office, the motivation for this brutal attack was rooted in anti-Muslim sentiment, fueled by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Mahmoud Yousef, speaking for the boy’s family, and various community leaders highlighted the innocence of young Wadea and the pervading fear within the Muslim community following this incident. The funeral, attended by hundreds, became not just a space for mourning but also a reflection of the growing unease among Muslims in the United States, exacerbated by international conflicts and domestic tensions.
The court proceedings revealed that Czuba, who has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and committed hate crimes, acted out of a misplaced sense of retaliation for the Middle East conflict. Statements in court suggested Czuba confronted Shahin about the situation in Jerusalem before attacking her and her son. His paranoia and misdirected anger towards his tenants, based on their Muslim identity, tragically led to this senseless violence.
The response to this tragedy has been widespread, with officials at various levels of government expressing their condolences and denouncing the act of hate. The involvement of federal agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Justice, in investigating this as a hate crime underscores the seriousness with which such incidents are being treated. Statements from political figures like Vice President Kamala Harris and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and educational responses from institutions like the Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202, all reinforce a message of solidarity against hate and Islamophobia.
This incident is a reminder of the dangerous consequences of hatred and misinformation. It underscores the urgent need for greater understanding and tolerance in a society increasingly marred by divisive rhetoric and acts of violence based on religion or ethnicity. The outpouring of support for the victims’ families and the Muslim community at large, while a beacon of hope, also serves as a call to action against the rising tide of Islamophobia and hate crimes in North America.
Attack on a Muslim Teen in New York City Subway
In a shocking incident on a New York City subway, a 16-year-old Muslim girl became the victim of an apparent hate crime. While riding the southbound 5 train to school, the man told the girl “you’re a terrorist, you don’t belong here,” before pulling on the hijab she was wearing.
The man ran off and police are still searching for him. No arrests have yet been made, and police are investigating it as a possible hate crime.
This unprovoked attack is currently under investigation as a possible hate crime, emphasizing the alarming rise in religiously motivated attacks in the city.
Effect on Youth and Education
Dua, a 19-year-old Pakistani American and a second-year student at Johns Hopkins University, describes a significant increase in Islamophobic experiences following October 7. Dua, who prefers to go by her first name only due to safety concerns, mentions that she and her friend, both of whom wear hijabs, have faced unsettling incidents on campus.
They have been non-consensually photographed and encircled by fellow students, subjected to hostile behavior. This mistreatment is partly due to perceptions of them being pro-Palestinian, which affects even their routine campus activities.
One particular incident Dua recalls involves a male student photographing her and her friend. He then confrontationally accused them of vandalizing a school statue with a Palestinian flag, an act they were not involved in. As they attempted to defuse the situation, more individuals arrived, leading to Dua and her friend being cornered against a chain fence, surrounded by the group, and left feeling trapped and unable to leave.
Pre- and Post-October 7th Comparison
Before October 7, while Islamophobia was a persistent issue, the frequency and intensity of hate incidents were comparatively lower. The post-October 7 period has seen a sharp increase in such incidents, making many in the Muslim community feel like they are under blockade. The psychological impact of these incidents cannot be overstated. Many Muslims, especially women and children who are easily identifiable as Muslim due to their attire, feel particularly vulnerable. This constant state of fear and vigilance has significant mental health implications.
Nationwide Increase in Verbal Abuse and Vandalism
Both Muslim and Jewish communities in Canada have reported a significant spike in verbal abuse, vandalism, hate, and intimidation. This increase is connected to the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
High Volume of Islamophobia Reports
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) indicated a 1000% increase in Islamophobia incidents across Canada. These include racist language and intimidation targeted at children, hijab-wearing women, and workplace environments.
Vandalism in London, Ontario
A notable incident occurred in London, Ontario, where an apartment building predominantly housing Muslim families were defaced with graffiti reading “Kill All Muslims”. The London Police Service is actively investigating this vandalism.
Security Enhancements at Religious Centres
Islamic centres and mosques in Canada have ramped up security measures, including increased police presence, especially on Fridays during large congregations.
Government and Community Responses
The Canadian government has responded by appointing special envoys for Islamophobia to support affected communities. Community organizations like NCCM and B’nai Brith Canada are actively providing support and advocacy for victims.
Impact on Daily Life
Muslims across North America are altering their daily routines to ensure safety. Some avoid public spaces or gatherings, while others have taken measures like carrying pepper spray for self-defense. The sense of being constantly under threat has disrupted the normalcy of their lives.
Community Response
In response to these threats, Muslim communities are organizing self-defense classes and advocating for their rights. However, the pervasive nature of Islamophobia means that these measures are often insufficient in ensuring their safety and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the surge in Islamophobia that has swept across North America since October 7 is not just a cause for concern; it is a reminder of the urgent need for concerted action. The profound impacts on the Muslim community, from increased hate incidents to the psychological trauma inflicted upon its members, demand a stronger and more unified response.
To combat this rising tide of Islamophobia, it is imperative that leaders at all levels of society recognize the gravity of this situation. Law enforcement agencies must continue to investigate hate crimes vigorously, while the justice system must ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. But the responsibility does not solely lie with official authorities. Communities, educational institutions, and individuals must actively engage in dialogue, education, and solidarity to counteract the divisive rhetoric and violence fueled by prejudice.
The resilience of the Muslim community and determination to protect their rights and well-being are commendable, but they should not bear this burden alone. A safer and more inclusive North America can only be achieved through collective efforts that promote understanding, tolerance, and unity among all its diverse inhabitants. It is time for us all to stand together against hate, ignorance, and discrimination, reaffirming the principles of justice and equality that define our societies. In doing so, we can work towards a brighter, more harmonious future for everyone, regardless of their faith or background.
Works Cited
Allison, Ismail. “CAIR Reports Sharp Increase in Complaints, Reported Bias Incidents since 10/7.” CAIR, 25 Oct. 2023, www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-reports-sharp-increase-in-complaints-reported-bias-incidents-since-107/.
New America. “Anti-Muslim Activities in the United States.” New America, 2019, www.newamerica.org/in-depth/anti-muslim-activity/.
O’Brien, Brendan. “Funeral for Chicago-Area Palestinian Boy Killed by Landlord to Be Held.” Reuters, 16 Oct. 2023, www.reuters.com/world/us/funeral-be-held-chicago-area-muslim-boy-killed-attack-2023-10-16/.
Santia • •, Marc. “Muslim Teen Girl Called “Terrorist,” Attacked While Riding Subway to School: Police.” NBC New York, 23 Oct. 2023, www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/muslim-teen-girl-called-terrorist-attacked-while-riding-subway-to-school-police/4794415/.
“The Fatal Stabbing of a Palestinian American Boy Is Being Investigated as Hate Crime.” NPR Illinois, 16 Oct. 2023, www.nprillinois.org/2023-10-15/the-fatal-stabbing-of-a-palestinian-american-boy-is-being-investigated-as-hate-crime. Accessed 20 Feb. 2024.
Venkatraman, Sakshi, and Mirna Alsharif. “For Muslim Americans, a Spike in Hate Incidents Feels Reminiscent of Post 9/11 Islamophobia.” NBC News, 31 Oct. 2023, www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/muslim-americans-spike-hate-incidents-feels-reminiscent-post-911-islam-rcna122570.