In the last 18 months, Boufeldja Benabdallah has observed an increase in vandalism and anti-Muslim sentiments aimed at mosques and cultural centers across Quebec, a trend that perplexes him. Despite this, as the spokesperson and co-founder of Quebec City’s Islamic Cultural Centre, he emphasizes that their community is responding with heightened vigilance.
Recently, the Mauricie Islamic Cultural Centre faced vandalism where its windows were shattered, following online threats and harassment directed at the Muslim community in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. Additionally, Montreal police initiated an investigation into a hate crime at the Verdun Islamic Centre after a disturbing prop resembling a bloodied human hand was found at the entrance.
In a separate incident, two young individuals were apprehended for vandalizing the Centre Culturel Al-Rahma Portneuf in Donnacona, Quebec, less than 50 kilometers from Quebec City, as confirmed by Quebec’s provincial police. Benabdallah expresses a palpable sense of unease among Muslims in Quebec City and emphasizes the importance of community reassurance and awareness.
Addressing the security concerns, Benabdallah outlines measures such as ensuring secure entrances and promptly reporting any suspicious activities to staff. These precautions are not meant to instigate fear but rather to maintain preparedness, particularly given the tragic history of the Quebec City mosque where a deadly attack occurred a decade ago, claiming six lives.
Evan Balgord, the executive director of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, highlights the escalating levels of hate directed towards religious communities in recent years. He underscores the challenges in accurately measuring hate crimes and stresses the prevalence of online harassment, a sentiment echoed by Benabdallah, who recounts deleting his Facebook account due to the distressing experiences within his community.
Abdelouaheb ben Abdallah, treasurer of the Donnacona Islamic cultural centre, acknowledges the presence of anti-Islam rhetoric online, emphasizing the importance of fostering positive relationships within their community. Following a recent vandalism incident, security measures have been reinforced at the cultural centre, including the installation of surveillance cameras.
Despite facing adversity, ben Abdallah remains optimistic, stating that while there will always be individuals opposed to Islam, the community will persevere. He emphasizes the significance of these spaces—cultural centers, mosques, and prayer rooms—as essential sanctuaries for prayer, solace, and family gatherings, embodying a shared sense of joy and belonging in Quebec.
The resolve of these communities in the face of adversity reflects their commitment to preserving their cultural identity and fostering a harmonious coexistence within Quebec.
