In this election year, an Islamophobic social media campaign relating to an Eid Al Adha custom, is refusing to die down in Clarington despite investigations by authorities finding no proof of any violation (see below).
On July 6, a multi-faith meeting was held in Bowmanville, where Mayor Adrian Foster said he was “pleased to join a packed hall of Clarington residents, local business owners and leaders at a community-organized event focused on listening, learning and understanding one another.”
His critics were quick to claim that the meeting was restricted.
“There is a great deal of conflicting information surrounding the so-called ‘event’ that took place last night,” said a social media post. “What was advertised as a community event was, in reality, a private event that was not open to all members of the public. Describing it as a community event created an expectation of broad public participation that simply did not exist.”
The post, however, went on to say: “Residents were given less than two day’s notice, and registration closed after only about a day and a half. That timeline severely limited the ability of many people to attend, raising legitimate questions about accessibility and transparency.”
Racism, Islamophobia, All Other Forms of Hate
The post asked why does the mayor continue to bring race into this discussion?
During the meeting, Foster declared: “We condemn Islamophobia, racism, and all forms of hate. Together, we will continue to build a Clarington where every resident knows they are welcome, they are valued, and they are safe.”
Foster pointed out that people of all faiths, including Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, and more, “stood together to share a voice and underline that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, and that hatred directed at any group is a threat to us all”.
Mayor Foster stressed that Clarington’s strength has never come from everyone sharing the same background, faith or life experience. The strength comes from the shared values, respect, compassion and a commitment to looking out for one another.
Diversity A Strength
He went on to say that “We are not strong because we come from the same place. We are strong because we have chosen to come to the same place: a community where everyone can belong. This is the Clarington I’m proud to live in.”
Mayor Foster thanked the organizers for “creating space for these important conversations, and everyone who participated”.
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