In the past 18 months, Boufeldja Benabdallah has observed an increase in acts of vandalism and anti-Muslim rhetoric directed at mosques and cultural centers across Quebec. Despite this trend, the spokesperson and co-founder of Quebec City’s Islamic Cultural Centre is puzzled by the reasons behind it.
Benabdallah’s community is responding to these challenges with heightened vigilance. Recently, the mosque issued a public advisory to remind its members of security protocols following recent incidents. In one instance, the Mauricie Islamic Cultural Centre had its windows smashed in a vandalism incident amid a wave of online threats and harassment aimed at the Muslim community in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.
Another disturbing incident occurred outside the Verdun Islamic Centre in Montreal, where a hate crime investigation was launched after a gruesome object resembling a severed, bloodied human hand was left at the entrance. Additionally, two young individuals were apprehended for vandalizing the Centre Culturel Al-Rahma Portneuf, an Islamic center and prayer space in Donnacona, Quebec.
Benabdallah expressed a sense of apprehension among Muslims in Quebec City and emphasized the importance of community awareness and prompt reporting of suspicious activities. The mosque’s security measures, such as ensuring secure entrances and swift reporting of concerns, aim to maintain a sense of readiness without causing undue alarm.
Reflecting on the tragic history of a past attack at the same mosque that claimed lives, Benabdallah underscored the community’s determination to prevent such incidents from recurring. The rise of online harassment and hate speech targeting the Muslim community has further exacerbated concerns.
Evan Balgord, the Executive Director of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, highlighted the escalating levels of hate directed at religious communities over the past decade. Benabdallah shared his personal experience of facing online harassment, prompting him to delete his Facebook account.
Abdelouaheb ben Abdallah, a member of the Donnacona Islamic cultural center, acknowledged the prevalence of anti-Islam rhetoric online and stressed the importance of fostering positive relationships with neighbors. Following a recent vandalism incident at the cultural center, security measures, including the installation of cameras, were implemented.
Despite facing challenges, Benabdallah and the community remain committed to preserving their spaces of worship and tranquility. He emphasized the desire for a harmonious coexistence in Quebec, emphasizing their love for the city and the importance of maintaining a sense of unity and peace within the community.
