Regional and community leaders have condemned the attack at the Ajax Library on Saturday March 22, and said the victim is receving support.
John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, said we firmly stand against all forms of religious discrimination. “There is zero tolerance for hate in Durham Region.”
Henry added that the victim is receiving support and noted that the Town of Ajax will host a Community Healing Event on April 4. “Residents will hear from local community leaders and officials committed to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive communities. I encourage you to join,” he said.
On Saturday, a woman was attacked at Ajax Public Library, had things thrown at her and the suspect tried to rip off her Islamic head dress (hijab) and set it on fire. The victim was saved by library security and other patrons.
In a separate statement, the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force (AARTF) condemned the incident as an act of Islamophobia.
“We, the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force (AARTF), unequivocally condemn the vicious act of Islamophobia that targeted a Muslim woman in Ajax,” the statement read.
The task force emphasized that the incident undermines the town’s values of dignity, respect, and inclusion. The release cited statistics from the National Council of Canadian Muslims, noting a reported 1,800 per cent increase in Islamophobic incidents across Canada, and called for legal measures and community accountability.
“The AARTF supports all Muslims and we will not allow any such incidences of racism within our community to go unnoticed or unpunished,” they said, stressing the importance of confronting all forms of racism while promoting understanding and respect.
Both statements underscore the commitment of local leaders to address and prevent acts of discrimination and hate within the community.
There have been several hate incidents across Durham municipalities, including Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa and Clarington, since the ongoing war in the Middle East erupted.
Here is the victim’s own story in her own words.
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