Montreal, Quebec, March 20^th, 2012- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) calls on all Canadians to renew their commitment to fighting racial discrimination, in honour of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21^st.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually around the world on March 21^st. It was on this day in 1960 that police in Sharpeville, South Africa killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid “pass laws.” The Day was officially proclaimed in 1966, after the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

“As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms, ‘all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights’”, Elmenyawi said. “It is our collective duty, as members of our communities, countries and as citizens of the world, to promote and preserve this ideal. We especially call upon our politicians and elected representatives in Quebec, to respect and uphold these values and commit themselves to working towards social harmony and justice and putting an end to the unjust targeting of minority and ethnic communities, which only serves to create division, intolerance and hate.”

MCM will be participating at a ceremony marking the Day at the Montreal City Hall on March 21^st, 2012.   

CONTACT:

Salam Elmenyawi

Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM)

Ph.: (514) 748-8427

E-mail: info@muslimcouncil.org

Website: http://www.muslimcouncil.org

 The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is an umbrella organization representing a number of Islamic institutions in the Montreal region. There are over 275,000 Muslims in Montreal, about 1,200,000 in Canada and 1.9 billion worldwide.

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Montreal, Quebec, March 15^th, 2012- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) strongly condemned this morning the recent inflammatory culture war being instigated by the Parti Québécois and the Journal de Montreal regarding the issue of halal meat in Quebec.

MCM thanks Pierre Corbeil, Food and Agricultural Minister in Quebec, for identifying the comments of the PQ as being “alarmist” and rejecting their unfounded claims that halal meat slaughter was cruel or unsafe.

“If the PQ is truly concerned about animal safety, we invite them to do something about the existence of the inhumane puppy mills in the province,” Elmenyawi said. “Instead of acting responsibly and doing something worthwhile, it is clear that they prefer to agitate the public by fanning the flames of intolerance, ignorance and division.”

CONTACT:

Salam Elmenyawi

Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM)

Ph.: (514) 748-8427

E-mail: info@muslimcouncil.org

Website: http://www.muslimcouncil.org

The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is an umbrella organization representing a number of Islamic institutions in the Montreal region. There are over 275,000 Muslims in Montreal, about 1,200,000 in Canada and 1.9 billion worldwide.

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Montreal, Quebec, February 3^rd, 2012- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) expressed its concern over the racial profiling of members of the Montreal Muslim community.

Mr. Saad Allami was arrested, detained and accused of being a terrorist in January 2011, after giving a pep talk to his fellow employees at a telecommunications firm encouraging them to “blow away” the competition at a convention they were attending.

“Mr. Allami’s statements, when considered in the context of which they were given, were nothing to draw such alarm or suspicion,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “It is clear that his arrest was the result of racial profiling and a knee-jerk reaction to label him as a terror suspect simply due to his religious background. Had these same comments been uttered by someone of a different background, the police would not have rushed to arrest and label him/her without any additional evidence or investigation.”

MCM urges the Quebec provincial police department to exercise increased caution before rushing to judgement and action in the future and to show greater regard for respecting the rights of others and avoiding victimizing entire segments of people within our society.

CONTACT:

Salam Elmenyawi

Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM)

Ph.: (514) 748-8427

E-mail: info@muslimcouncil.org

Website: http://www.muslimcouncil.org

The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is an umbrella organization representing a number of Islamic institutions in the Montreal region. There are over 275,000 Muslims in Montreal, about 1,200,000 in Canada and 1.9 billion worldwide.

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Montreal, Quebec, January 9^th, 2012- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) calls on all mosques and Islamic institutions to take the necessary measures to ensure that their facilities are equipped with adequate surveillance and alarm systems.

MCM welcomes the “Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program”, recently announced by The Honourable Vic Toews, Canada's Minister of Public Safety. The program will help provide funding for security infrastructure improvements for not-for-profit organizations, including places of worship that have a history of hate-motivated incidents.

For more information about the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program, including the eligibility criteria, please visit: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/prg/cp/sip/index-eng.aspx. The deadline to submit applications is February 9^th, 2012.

CONTACT:

Salam Elmenyawi

Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM)

Ph.: (514) 748-8427

E-mail: info@muslimcouncil.org

Website: http://www.muslimcouncil.org

 The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is an umbrella organization representing a number of Islamic institutions in the Montreal region. There are over 275,000 Muslims in Montreal, about 1,200,000 in Canada and 1.9 billion worldwide.

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Photos:

Left: Minister Kenney reiterates our government’s condemnation of these attacks to faithful attending Friday prayer service at the Outaouais Islamic Centre.

Montreal, Quebec, January 6^th, 2012- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) expressed its alarm over the second attack of vandalism in one week at the Outaouais Islamic Centre in Gatineau, Quebec.

Graffiti containing anti-Islamic and anti-Arab messages were found on the walls of the mosque on Thursday. It is the third time in the last month and the fourth time in the last four months that the mosque has been a victim of vandalism. Earlier this week, vandals attempted to set fire to two cars in the mosque parking lot. Two windows of the mosque were also broken.

“We call on all Canadians to speak out against such attacks and work together to promote peace and social harmony. There is also a need for increased training for the police departments to help recognize potential hate motivated crimes and to dedicate more resources to preventing such criminal acts. Religious institutions and other community organizations that are often targets for such crimes should also be helped to install adequate security systems to help deter such attacks.”

MCM calls on the Gatineau police department to thoroughly investigate the incident as a potential hate crime and to move quickly to bring the perpetrators of this criminal act to justice. MCM further urges all officials and members of the community to exercise increased caution and report any suspicious individuals or activity to the authorities immediately.

CONTACT:

Salam Elmenyawi

Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM)

Ph.: (514) 748-8427

E-mail: info@muslimcouncil.org

Website: http://www.muslimcouncil.org

The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is an umbrella organization representing a number of Islamic institutions in the Montreal region. There are over 275,000 Muslims in Montreal, about 1,200,000 in Canada and 1.9 billion worldwide.

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Montreal, Quebec, January 3^rd, 2012- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) expressed its concern over an attack of vandalism at the Outaouais Islamic Centre in Gatineau this Monday.

The vandals attempted to set fire to two cars in the mosque parking lot, in addition to smashing the windows of the cars. Two windows of the mosque were also broken. It is the second time in the last month and the third time in the last four months that the mosque has been a victim of vandalism.

MCM asks the Gatineau police department to investigate the incident as a potential hate crime and to move quickly to bring the perpetrators to justice. MCM further urges all officials and members of the community to exercise increased caution and report any suspicious individuals or activity to the authorities immediately.

CONTACT:

Salam Elmenyawi

Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM)

Ph.: (514) 748-8427

E-mail: info@muslimcouncil.org

Website: http://www.muslimcouncil.org

The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is an umbrella organization representing a number of Islamic institutions in the Montreal region. There are over 275,000 Muslims in Montreal, about 1,200,000 in Canada and 1.9 billion worldwide.

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Montreal, Quebec, December 22^nd, 2011- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) expressed its concern over a recent attack of vandalism at the Abou Hourira mosque in Verdun. Graffiti messages were found on the walls, doors and windows of the mosque.

MCM is further disturbed to see the growing trend of inflammatory statements from certain members of the media and Quebec politicians, singling out the Canadian Muslim community for attack and instigating suspicion, hostility and hate towards them.

“It is not surprising to see an increase in incidences of Islamaphobia when our own politicians and media are spewing seeds of hate against our communities,” Elmenyawi said. “Enough of this irresponsible, divisive rhetoric that is having serious ramifications and causing so much hurt.”

MCM urges all officials and members of the community to exercise increased caution and report any suspicious individuals or activity to the authorities immediately.

CONTACT:

Salam Elmenyawi

Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM)

Ph.: (514) 748-8427

E-mail: info@muslimcouncil.org

Website: http://www.muslimcouncil.org

 The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is an umbrella organization representing a number of Islamic institutions in the Montreal region. There are over 275,000 Muslims in Montreal, about 1,200,000 in Canada and 1.9 billion worldwide.

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Montreal, Quebec, December 21^st, 2011- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) applauded the recent settlement reached between the Quebec Public Security Department and the provincial human rights commission to allow its correctional officers to wear the hijab.

MCM thanks the commission for ruling that the restrictions on religious articles of clothing worn by the correctional officers were discriminatory and a violation of the provincial and federal charter of rights. In order to ensure the safety of its staff, the Public Security Department will provide a Velcro-fastened hijab upon request for religious reasons. Correctional Service Canada also permits for its Muslim guards to wear the hijab in the federal penitentiary system.

“It is disturbing to see the Parti Quebecois calling the settlement ‘excessive’ and ‘completely unacceptable’”, Elmenyawi said. “It is time for them to stop infringing on the rights guaranteed to all Canadians in the charter and constitution and stop sowing seeds of Islamaphobia, and instead commit to working towards social cohesion and harmony.”

The settlement came after a complaint filed by a Canadian Muslim female correctional officer at Bordeaux jail, who was fired from her position in March 2007 because she refused to remove her hijab.

CONTACT:

Salam Elmenyawi

Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM)

Ph.: (514) 748-8427

E-mail: info@muslimcouncil.org

Website: http://www.muslimcouncil.org

The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is an umbrella organization representing a number of Islamic institutions in the Montreal region. There are over 275,000 Muslims in Montreal, about 1,200,000 in Canada and 1.9 billion worldwide.

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Montreal, Quebec, December 19^th, 2011- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) expressed its concern over the increased targeting of the Canadian Muslim community, specifically in the media and by certain members of the National Assembly.

MCM encourages all Canadians to practice critical thinking and discernment when reading, listening or watching the news and to question and challenge the assumptions and messages being made, especially when they single out a group of people for attack, as well as to remember that all media is a construction of reality and all statements must first be verified before being accepted as fact.

“We also remind all our politicians to respect their office and the National Assembly of Quebec’s history, democratic status and its representation of all Quebecers,” Elmenyawi said. “It is time to stop passing motions without first seeking public consultation and to stop passing motions and bills singling out minority groups for attack and suspicion. This is not conducive to social harmony and a prosperous future for our society and they would do well to stop indulging groups intent on promoting intolerance and prejudice.” 

MCM invites all members of the media, National Assembly and the general public to make an effort to understand the Canadian Muslim communities better and to feel free to visit their local mosques for more information or any questions they may have.

CONTACT:

Salam Elmenyawi

Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM)

Ph.: (514) 748-8427

E-mail: info@muslimcouncil.org

Website: http://www.muslimcouncil.org

The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is an umbrella organization representing a number of Islamic institutions in the Montreal region. There are over 275,000 Muslims in Montreal, about 1,200,000 in Canada and 1.9 billion worldwide.

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Montreal, Quebec, December 13^th, 2011- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) expressed its dismay over Monday’s announcement by Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney banning Muslim women from wearing facial veils when taking their Canadian citizenship oath.

“It is outrageous to hear our federal ministers say that the wearing of a face veil by a woman who elects to do so out of her own free will in accordance to her religious obligations is against Canadian values,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “Mr. Kenney forgets that the protection of religious freedoms and expression, as well as respect and tolerance for the religious beliefs and practices of others, are also Canadian values that we cherish in our multicultural country. So long as the women wearing the face veil identify themselves and do not pose any harm to anyone else, it is not Mr. Kenney’s place to deny them their rights and freedoms.”

Mr. Kenney stated that in order to prevent citizenship fraud it is required to be able to actually see the faces of the people to ensure they are reciting the oath. However, MCM notes that the oath-takers at a citizenship ceremony routinely recite the oath en masse, making it difficult to even ascertain that those with uncovered faces are reciting. Moreover, those desiring citizenship are not just required to vocalize the oath, but to sign it as well, given that the recitation is mostly symbolic and that some, like those with speech defects and children, are not able to recite it.

“By suggesting that the women covering their face are not in fact reciting the oath is casting unjustified suspicion on their commitment to Canada and only seeks to marginalize the Canadian Muslim community,” Elmenyawi said. “Why are only they singled out while no provisions are taken to ensure that everyone is reciting? Instead of perpetuating negative stereotypes and fueling suspicion against innocent law-abiding Canadians, our government would be better served to seek a compromise to accommodate the religious beliefs of others when needed.”

“We are also disturbed to see Mr. Kenney stating that the face veil is not a religious obligation, as though he is qualified to interpret the rulings of Islamic jurisprudence and tell others how to observe their faith,” Elmenyawi said. “While all Muslim women do not choose to wear the face veil, the wearing of it is still from a legitimate mainstream school of thought in Islam. His comments regarding the Hajj only further demonstrate his utter lack of understanding. It is also preposterous to suggest that all Canadian Muslim women who wear the face veil are extremists, or that they are not equal, productive, contributing members of Canadian society. If a woman chooses to dress a certain way out of her own free will, she should not be made to feel as though she is not a legitimate Canadian, or that she is against Canadian values.”

CONTACT:

Salam Elmenyawi

Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM)

Ph.: (514) 748-8427

E-mail: info@muslimcouncil.org

Website: http://www.muslimcouncil.org

The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is an umbrella organization representing a number of Islamic institutions in the Montreal region. There are over 275,000 Muslims in Montreal, about 1,200,000 in Canada and 1.9 billion worldwide.

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Montreal, Quebec, December 7^th, 2011- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is disturbed by the recent alleged hate crime that occurred Sunday at the Hamilton Downtown Mosque, in Hamilton, Ontario.

Two copies of a cartoon image depicting the burning of the Quran in an open fire were found taped to an entrance of the mosque. Plants around the mosque were also uprooted. Mosque security surveillance footage shows a car with two passengers pulling up in the mosques parking lot and one man exiting the vehicle holding what appears to be the cartoon images.

MCM urges all officials and members of the community to exercise increased caution and report any suspicious individuals or activity to the authorities immediately.

CONTACT:

Salam Elmenyawi

Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM)

Ph.: (514) 748-8427

E-mail: info@muslimcouncil.org

Website: http://www.muslimcouncil.org

The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is an umbrella organization representing a number of Islamic institutions in the Montreal region. There are over 275,000 Muslims in Montreal, about 1,200,000 in Canada and 1.9 billion worldwide.

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Montreal, Quebec, December 6^th, 2011- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) calls on all Canadians to help end violence against women, in commemoration of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada.

“This marks the 22^nd anniversary of the tragic murders that took place at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal and all Canadians should remember those innocent victims by renewing our pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about any form of violence against women,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “Around the world, the numbers for abuse against women range from 15% to 71%. At times of war and in conflict zones, it is often girls and women who pay the heaviest price, becoming victims of war rapes, sexual slavery and forced prostitution. Here at home, 61% of Canadians say they know at least one woman who has been physically or sexually assaulted. We must speak out against this and say enough is enough.”

“We call on all organizations and individuals to help raise public awareness about this issue and help to eradicate violence against women, in our homes, in our communities, in our nation and around the world. Domestic violence and abuse against women remains a problem in all communities across Canada and internationally, irrespective of religious and ethnic background. We must work together to address this problem and take concerted efforts to end it.”

According to the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, violence against women is defined as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.”

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada is marked annually on December 6^th, on the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal.

CONTACT:

Salam Elmenyawi

Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM)

Ph.: (514) 748-8427

E-mail: info@muslimcouncil.org

Website: http://www.muslimcouncil.org

The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is an umbrella organization representing a number of Islamic institutions in the Montreal region. There are over 275,000 Muslims in Montreal, about 1,200,000 in Canada and 1.9 billion worldwide.

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Montreal, Quebec, December 6^th, 2011- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) invites all mosques to dedicate their Friday sermons on December 9^th to address the issue of domestic violence, in commemoration of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada is marked annually on December 6^th, on the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal.

“This marks the 22^nd anniversary of the tragic murders that took place at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal and as Canadians we should remember those innocent victims by renewing our pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about any form of violence against women,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “Around the world, the numbers for abuse against women range from 15% to 71%. At times of war and in conflict zones, it is often girls and women who pay the heaviest price, becoming victims of war rapes, sexual slavery and forced prostitution. Here at home, it is estimated 60% of Canadian women have suffered from physical or psychological violence at some time in their life. We must speak out against this and say enough is enough.”

“We call on all mosques to help raise public awareness about this issue and help to eradicate violence against women, in our homes, in our communities, in our nation and around the world. Domestic violence and abuse against women remains a problem in all communities across Canada and internationally, irrespective of religious and ethnic background. We must work together to address this problem and take concerted efforts to end it.”

“Islam has placed great emphasis on the rights of women and on treating women with respect, dignity and compassion. Our religion teaches us of the sanctity of the marital bond and the family life and with these teachings we should seek to improve our families and our communities. It is the responsibility of all Imams and community leaders to address the social problems of the community, to speak out against these injustices and take effective action towards eliminating violence against women. Starting dialogue about domestic violence is a necessary first step, to address the reality of the problem and raise awareness. We also encourage all mosques to work together with community organizations such as the Amal Center for Women, to both support their efforts and also to make full use of the resources available to the community.”

According to the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, violence against women is defined as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.”

STATISTICS ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN CANADA

·         One third of all violent crimes in Canada are crimes of domestic violence

·         There are 420, 000 cases of domestic violence in Canada every year

·         Only 36% of women report the abuse to the police

·         40 individuals (women and children) are admitted into a shelter every day

·         Every 6 days, a woman is killed by her intimate partner

·         60% of Canadian women have suffered from physical or psychological violence at some time in their life

·         61% of Canadians say they know at least one women who has been physically or sexually assaulted

·         360,000 children witness violent acts in their home every year

·         70% of violence done to women is by someone they know

·         The Amal Center for Women meets at least one new Muslim woman who has survived domestic abuse every week

·         The Amal Center for Women has served over 150 women in face-to-face meetings and has answered over 2000 phone calls this year alone

For more information about the Amal Center for Women:

Amal Center for Women

Phone: (514) 855-0330

E-mail: info@amalwomencenter.ca

Website: www.amalwomencenter.ca

Other Services:

Masjid Assuna Women Committee (514) 278-8441

CONTACT:

Salam Elmenyawi

Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM)

Ph.: (514) 748-8427

E-mail: info@muslimcouncil.org

Website: http://www.muslimcouncil.org

The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is an umbrella organization representing a number of Islamic institutions in the Montreal region. There are over 275,000 Muslims in Montreal, about 1,200,000 in Canada and 1.9 billion worldwide.

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