Humanitarian crisis in Haiti: Muslim community launches appeal to help

January 14, 2010
Montreal, Quebec, January 14th, 2010- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) urges all Canadians to donate generously to help the relief efforts in Haiti, following the devastating earthquake that struck the island nation earlier this week.
 
“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that has struck Haiti,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “We strongly urge everyone to donate generously to help the victims and help relieve the suffering of millions. There is critical need of food, clean water, shelter and emergency medical attention. Everyone must do their part to help, in whatever way possible. At the same time, we remind everyone to give thanks for their blessings and pray for all the victims.”
                      
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Islamic school/mosque in Hamilton target of firebombing on first day back to school after holidays

January 4, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, January 4th, 2010- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) condemns the recent firebombing attack on an Islamic school/mosque in Hamilton, Ontario, occurring in the early hours of Monday, January 4th, 2010 and calls for increased vigilance against hate crimes.

“This despicable attack is far from being an isolated incident and instead of being an attack on a single centre, it is an attack on the values of respect, peace and tolerance that we all hold dear in our nation,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “In addition to strengthening the application of current laws, new policies and laws are needed to effectively fight hate, racism and discrimination within our society. A clear message must be sent out that hate crimes are atrocious acts which absolutely will not be tolerated.”

 

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Muslim community jubilant as Federal Courts knock down security certificate against Hassan Almrei

December 16, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, December 16th, 2009- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) applauds the recent decision from the Supreme Court of Canada to quash the security certificate against Hassan Almrei.

 

“We are grateful that our Federal Courts are doing what the Harper administration has repeatedly failed to do, namely uphold our constitutional values of justice and liberty,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “National security is undeniably a priority to us all, but the federal government cannot continue to sacrifice civil rights and charter protections to target individuals on mere suspicion without any solid evidence.”

 

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Wenesday, November 18th is the first day of Thul-Hijja, and Eid Ul-Adha is on Friday, November 27th, 2009

November 17, 2009
Assalamou alaikoum wa rahmatou Allahi wa barakatouh,

This is to let you know that, based on credible reports, the crescent has been sighted in number of places in our agreed upon horizon (matlaa) in accordance with the imams' approved criteria. Therefore, Wednesday, November 18th will be the first day of  Thul-Hijja, and Friday, November 27th will be the day of Eid-ul-Adha, in shaa Allah Taala.
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Statement by Canadian Islamic Scholars and Mainstream Muslim Organizations Reaffirms Freedom of Religious Expression

October 9, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA - October 9, 2009-  In response to recent calls to ban the niqab (face veil) in Canada, a wide coalition of mainstream Canadian Muslim organizations in conjunction with Canadian Islamic scholars issued a statement today reaffirming the freedom of religion and conscience in Canada.

The statement read as follows:

“The recent calls to ban the niqab (face veil) in Canada are misplaced and contravene the fundamental principles of our free and democratic society.  All Canadians, whether Muslim or not, are guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms the freedom of religion and conscience. The state has no business in the wardrobes of the nation.

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Need for greater vigilance and penalties against hate crimes, as Muslim center in Montreal is attacked on day of Eid

September 30, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, September 30th, 2009- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) calls on government and police officials to enact stricter laws against hate crimes, following the recent attack on a mosque/Islamic community center in Cote-des-Neiges. Vandals attacked Masjid Tebah, located on avenue Van Horne, in the early hours of September 21st, 2009.

 

“In the past few years, we have seen a sharp increase in the number of attacks against our mosques, community centers and schools,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “We need more concrete measures from government and police officials to put an end to such despicable crimes. There are a few mosques that are even attacked 3-4 times a year. It is especially alarming to see how the attacks often coincide with hate messages against Islam propagated by number of talk show hosts.”

                                               

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Muslim community elated as Judge declares Adil Charkaoui totally free

September 25, 2009

MCM calls for an enquiry into abuses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, September 25th, 2009- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) applauds yesterday’s decision from Federal Court Judge Danièle Tremblay-Lamer in taking necessary steps to drop the security certificate against Adil Charkaoui and for lifting all conditions on him.

 

“We congratulate Mr. Charkaoui in succeeding to clear his name and regain his freedom and also thank Judge Lamer for upholding the values of justice and liberty that were threatened by the government,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “We hope this is the beginning of the end of the nightmare caused by the security certificates and that similar rulings will soon follow for the remaining four Canadian Muslims being currently targeted.”

 

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