Muslim groups in Canada called on political parties to work harder to stamp out Islamophobia in Canada, and to not paint criticism of Israel as anti-Semitic.

The concerns centered on condemnations of pro-Palestinian rallies and advocacy since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

“The response that the Muslim community in Canada, for months, has been receiving from our elected leaders has been duplicitous,” National Council of Canadian Muslims head Stephen Brown said.

He told the House justice committee that it is contradictory for politicians to call out discrimination while vilifying people for attending peaceful pro-Palestinian protests.

“One that says they care about our concerns, and the other that immediately turns around and further spreads misinformation and makes deliberate attempt to villainize an entire community as hateful and intolerant people,” he testified.

His testimony was part of a parliamentary study into Islamophobia in Canada, which followed a similar study of antisemitism. Police have reported an increase in crimes targeting Jews and Muslims across Canada since the Israel-Hamas war started last October.

Brown’s group called on MPs to pass a motion to denounce anti-Palestinian racism and urge that civil liberties be protected, “including the ability to critique foreign governments.”

“If we’re going to combat Islamophobia, in all its ugly forms, it’s imperative for this government to walk the talk first,” said Samya Hasan, head of the Toronto-based group.

“Muslims in Canada are not safe from violent Islamophobia,” Brown said. “Islamophobia is real, it has killed and will continue to kill, if this study is not taken seriously.”

Source: CTV News