Boufeldja Benabdallah has observed a surge in vandalism and anti-Muslim sentiment directed at mosques and cultural centers across Quebec over the past 18 months. Despite the perplexity surrounding these incidents, the spokesperson and co-founder of Quebec City’s Islamic Cultural Centre emphasizes that their community is responding with increased vigilance.
Recently, the mosque issued a public advisory to remind its members of security protocols in the face of recent events. In June, the Mauricie Islamic Cultural Centre faced vandalism, including shattered windows, following a wave of online threats and harassment targeting the Muslim community in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.
In a separate incident, Montreal police initiated an investigation into a hate crime at the Verdun Islamic Centre after an artificial imitation of a bloodied, severed human hand was left at the entrance. Additionally, two young adults were arrested for vandalizing the Centre Culturel Al-Rahma Portneuf, an Islamic center and prayer room in Donnacona, Quebec.
Benabdallah expressed concern over the heightened unease among Muslims in Quebec City and emphasized the importance of reassuring worshippers and the community of their awareness and preparedness. Highlighting security measures such as ensuring closed entrances and prompt reporting of suspicious activities, Benabdallah stressed the need for readiness without being alarmist.
Reflecting on a tragic past event where six individuals were killed in an attack on the same mosque nearly a decade ago, Benabdallah emphasized the community’s determination to prevent such incidents from reoccurring.
Evan Balgord, the executive director of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, acknowledged the escalating hate towards religious communities over the past decade, with challenges in accurately measuring hate crimes targeting these groups. Benabdallah also raised concerns about online harassment, with some community members resorting to deleting social media accounts due to the extent of discrimination and threats faced.
Abdelouaheb ben Abdallah, treasurer and member of the Donnacona Islamic Cultural Centre, echoed similar sentiments, citing instances of anti-Islam rhetoric online. Despite the challenges, he emphasized the center’s commitment to fostering positive relationships with the community.
Following recent incidents, the cultural center in Donnacona installed security cameras to enhance safety measures. Benabdallah reinforced the importance of these spaces as places for prayer, tranquility, and community bonding, expressing a desire for continued harmony and “joie de vivre” in Quebec.
