Islamophobia, Anti-Palestinian and Anti-Arab Racism at Crisis Levels in Canada, Warns FMC-CMF
by FMC-CMF | Aug 8, 2025 | Press Release |
For Immediate Release
Montreal, August 8, 2025
The Canadian Muslim Forum (FMC-CMF) expresses deep concern over the findings of the report, “Documenting the Palestine Exception”, authored by Dr. Nadia Hasan of York University’s Islamophobia Research Hub, which highlights the alarming rise of Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Arab racism in the country.
This report shows that these forms of hate and discrimination are no longer limited to social stigma or misinformation. They now manifest in acts of intimidation, harassment, violence, and the systematic silencing of voices, particularly those advocating for Palestinian human rights. Such realities directly undermine freedom of expression, academic freedom, and the right to peaceful civic engagement.
The FMC-CMF believes strongly that as high as the reported numbers of Islamophobia may be, they still underestimate the true scope of the problem. Many incidents go unreported due to fear of repercussions, intimidation, or the risk of being exposed to further violence. This climate of fear not only distorts the reality on the ground but also perpetuates a culture of silence that emboldens perpetrators.
These phenomena are in direct contradiction to the principles enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms of Quebec, which guarantee equality, dignity, freedom of conscience, and freedom of expression to all, without discrimination.
The FMC-CMF:
• Calls on all levels of government to recognize the intersection of Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Arab racism, and take decisive action.
• Reaffirms the importance of protecting fundamental freedoms so that advocacy for human rights—whether for Palestinians or any other community—remains fully protected under Canadian law.
• Urges increased investment in prevention and education to counter hate and promote social cohesion.
• Stresses the need for strict accountability for all acts of intimidation, discrimination, or violence.
The democratic values of Canada and Quebec demand the rejection of all forms of hate and the uncompromising defense of the human rights and freedoms of all people.
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