Boufeldja Benabdallah has observed a surge in vandalism and anti-Muslim rhetoric targeting mosques and cultural centers in Quebec over the past 18 months. The spokesperson and co-founder of Quebec City’s Islamic Cultural Centre expressed bewilderment at this trend but highlighted the community’s proactive response through increased vigilance.
Recently, the Mauricie Islamic Cultural Centre had its windows smashed in an act of vandalism, preceded by online threats and harassment directed at the Muslim community in Trois-Rivières. Likewise, Montreal police initiated an investigation into a hate crime at the Verdun Islamic Centre after a disturbing incident involving a fake severed human hand.
In a related event, two young adults were apprehended for vandalizing the Centre Culturel Al-Rahma Portneuf, an Islamic facility in Donnacona. Benabdallah acknowledged a growing sense of unease among Quebec City Muslims and emphasized the importance of community security measures.
Reflecting on the tragic history of his mosque, where a past shooting claimed lives, Benabdallah stressed the need for preventive measures to avoid similar incidents. Meanwhile, Evan Balgord of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network highlighted the escalating hate towards religious communities in recent years, particularly impacting the Muslim community in Quebec.
Benabdallah underscored the distress caused by online harassment, leading some to delete social media accounts. He acknowledged the prevalence of such mistreatment within the community and underscored the need for awareness and support.
Abdelouaheb ben Abdallah, treasurer of the Donnacona Islamic cultural center, also noted the rise in anti-Islam rhetoric online. Despite efforts to build positive relationships with neighbors, incidents of vandalism have tarnished the center’s sanctity. The community remains resilient, with security enhancements like surveillance cameras being implemented to safeguard their spaces.
In conclusion, Benabdallah emphasized the significance of these cultural centers as places of solace and community for Muslims in Quebec. He expressed a desire to maintain a sense of “joie de vivre” and love for the city despite facing challenges.