Muslim Council of Montreal http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/ The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is an umbrella organization representing number of Muslim institutions in the Montreal region. en Copyright 2012 Tue, 20 Mar 2012 06:26:43 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=4.0 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Muslim Council of Montreal calls for renewed efforts and action to eliminate racism, in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, March 20th, 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 21st.

“Although the most overt manifestations of racist laws and practices, such as slavery, the apartheid system in South Africa and discriminatory immigration laws, have long been dismantled and abolished, racism still remains a very serious and real problem in Quebec, Canada and all around the world,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “Hate, discrimination, xenophobia and racial profiling continue to plague our societies and only by standing together against such unacceptable behaviour and speaking in one voice against it can we begin to work towards eliminating it.”
]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/03/muslim_council_of_montreal_calls_for_renewed_efforts_and_action_to_eliminat.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/03/muslim_council_of_montreal_calls_for_renewed_efforts_and_action_to_eliminat.html Press Releases Tue, 20 Mar 2012 06:26:43 -0500 Muslim Council of Montreal slams PQ and sensationalist reporting from Journal de Montreal over recent halal meat controversy Normal 0 false false false EN-CA X-NONE AR-SA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, March 15th, 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.

"Once again we have the PQ and Journal de Montreal seeking to create a mass hysteria and frenzy by deliberating twisting and misrepresenting the facts in this issue,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “While they would claim that halal meat slaughter contravenes ‘Quebec values’, the facts demonstrate that halal meat is slaughtered in accordance to food and safety quality control standards that are mandated by the federal government and this slaughter is regulated by both provincial and federal food-inspection standards."
]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/03/muslim_council_of_montreal_slams_pq_and_sensationalist_reporting_from_journ.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/03/muslim_council_of_montreal_slams_pq_and_sensationalist_reporting_from_journ.html Press Releases Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:45:45 -0500 Muslim Council of Montreal calls for day of awareness and prayer for Syria Normal 0 false false false EN-CA X-NONE AR-SA COMMUNITY ALERT

Montreal, Quebec, February 22nd, 2012- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) calls on all mosque and community leaders to dedicate the upcoming Friday sermon to help raise awareness about the crisis in Syria and pray for peace.

“The situation in Syria is worsening and escalating day by day and the death toll continues to rise,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “The Syrian people are asking for peace, justice and freedom and for this they are being persecuted by their government. We ask all mosques to dedicate the Friday sermon this week to help raise awareness about the situation in Syria, and to encourage the people to increase their prayers on behalf of all the Syrian people.”
]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/02/muslim_council_of_montreal_calls_for_day_of_awareness_and_prayer_for_syria.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/02/muslim_council_of_montreal_calls_for_day_of_awareness_and_prayer_for_syria.html Action Alert Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:45:05 -0500 Muslim Council of Montreal dismayed by incident of racial profiling Normal 0 false false false EN-CA X-NONE AR-SA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, February 3rd, 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.”

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/02/muslim_council_of_montreal_dismayed_by_incident_of_racial_profiling.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/02/muslim_council_of_montreal_dismayed_by_incident_of_racial_profiling.html Press Releases Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:30:40 -0500 Muslim Council of Montreal calls on all mosques to ensure adequate security systems are in place COMMUNITY ALERT

Montreal, Quebec, January 9th, 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.

“It is alarming to see the rising number of attacks of vandalism and hate taking place at our religious institutions and our communities must protect themselves,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “In order to help keep our communities safe, we strongly urge all institutions to ensure they have all the required operational security equipment to deter such attacks, such as intrusion detection security systems, closed-circuit surveillance cameras, fire alarm systems, proper lighting etc. Staff should also be properly trained to ensure they know how to operate the security infrastructure, and together with regular members of the congregation should be trained to identify and report any unusual activities in or around the institutions. All of these measures should be undertaken immediately so that our communities can practice their faith in peace, without fear of attack.”
]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/01/muslim_council_of_montreal_calls_on_all_mosques_to_ensure_adequate_security.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/01/muslim_council_of_montreal_calls_on_all_mosques_to_ensure_adequate_security.html Action Alert Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:00:57 -0500 Minister Kenney Expresses Solidarity with the Muslim community at the Outaouais Islamic Centre View image
Gatineau, January 6, 2012 - The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, visited the Outaouais Islamic Centre in Gatineau, Quebec, to show solidarity with the Muslim community on behalf of the Government of Canada. The mosque was vandalized with hateful messages overnight on Thursday, January 4. Minister Kenney spoke with Muslim faithful who were at the Mosque for the Friday prayer service. He reiterated Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s strong condemnation of these heinous attacks and our government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable religious minority communities both at home and abroad, through initiatives such as the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) and the Office of Religious Freedom. The Mosque leadership also expressed their gratitude to the Government for facilitating the key security upgrades they have made through the SIP program.
]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/01/minister_kenney_expresses_solidarity_with_the_muslim_community_at_the_outao.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/01/minister_kenney_expresses_solidarity_with_the_muslim_community_at_the_outao.html News Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:06:31 -0500 Gatineau mosque attacked by vandals twice in same week FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, January 6th, 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.

“The increasing number of attacks against Islamic institutions in Canada point towards the serious problem of Islamaphobia, racism and hate,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “There must be zero tolerance for such violent, hateful acts committed against any community and it must be made clear that such attacks go against the values of our charter and constitution. It is time for our government officials to also recognize the gravity of these attacks and to take concerted action to ensure that they do not happen again.”
]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/01/gatineau_mosque_attacked_by_vandals_twice_in_same_week.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/01/gatineau_mosque_attacked_by_vandals_twice_in_same_week.html Press Releases Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:41:18 -0500 Muslim Council of Montreal alarmed over attack of vandalism at Gatineau mosque FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, January 3rd, 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.

“Canada is a place of peace, tolerance, diversity and pluralism and such hateful actions go against all the values of our charter, constitution and country,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “It must be made clear that such violent acts of hate and racism that target religious institutions have no place in our country and will not be tolerated. We call on all Canadians to speak out against such attacks and work together to promote peace and social harmony.”
]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/01/muslim_council_of_montreal_alarmed_over_attack_of_vandalism_at_gatineau_mos.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2012/01/muslim_council_of_montreal_alarmed_over_attack_of_vandalism_at_gatineau_mos.html Press Releases Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:34:24 -0500 Muslim Council of Montreal alarmed over attack of vandalism at Montreal mosque FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, December 22nd, 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.

“Canada is a place of peace, tolerance, diversity and pluralism and such hateful actions go against all the values of our charter, constitution and country,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “Attacks such as these ones that specifically target religious institutions are becoming alarmingly common in Quebec, highlighting the grave problem of Islamaphobia, anti-Semitism and all forms of racism and hate in general. We call on all Canadians to speak out against such attacks and work together to promote peace and social harmony.”
]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2011/12/muslim_council_of_montreal_alarmed_over_attack_of_vandalism_at_montreal_mos.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2011/12/muslim_council_of_montreal_alarmed_over_attack_of_vandalism_at_montreal_mos.html Press Releases Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:27:00 -0500 Muslim Council of Montreal welcomes ruling allowing hijab to be worn by government correctional officers FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, December 21st, 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.

“We welcome this settlement, which both safeguards the rights and freedoms granted in the Canadian and Quebec charter and constitution and also ensures the well-being of government correctional officers,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “This is not a political issue, but rather a matter of human rights and as the decision from the commission demonstrates, the regulations concerning freedom of religion and freedom of conscious are very clear and distinct and must be upheld and respected. The Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms clearly prohibits religious discrimination in the work force and to fire someone because of their decision to wear the hijab was against the very values and freedoms of both Quebec and Canada.”
]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2011/12/muslim_council_of_montreal_welcomes_ruling_allowing_hijab_to_be_worn_by_gov.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2011/12/muslim_council_of_montreal_welcomes_ruling_allowing_hijab_to_be_worn_by_gov.html Press Releases Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:20:03 -0500 Muslim Council of Montreal dismayed over singling out of Canadian Muslims for attack FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, December 19th, 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.

“Recently one of our local Imams, Mr. Foudil Selmoune, was seriously maligned in the media, after his comments in a news interview were severely distorted and taken wholly out of context,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “After first asking him to explain certain aspects of the penal code in Islamic jurisprudence, his response was unfairly twisted in le Telejournal Radio-Canada and Le Devoir, and he was attacked as being a ‘propagandist’ for Sharia law in Quebec, when in fact at no time did he ever suggest that the Sharia penal code should be imposed anywhere in Canada. It is not the first time we have seen such sensationalist reporting and yellow journalism targeting members of our community and it is completely unacceptable and unjustified.”
]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2011/12/muslim_council_of_montreal_dismayed_over_singling_out_of_canadian_muslims_f.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2011/12/muslim_council_of_montreal_dismayed_over_singling_out_of_canadian_muslims_f.html Press Releases Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:09:26 -0500 Muslim Council of Montreal dismayed over banning of face veil in citizenship ceremonies FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, December 13th, 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.”

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2011/12/muslim_council_of_montreal_dismayed_over_banning_of_face_veil_in_citizenshi.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2011/12/muslim_council_of_montreal_dismayed_over_banning_of_face_veil_in_citizenshi.html Press Releases Tue, 13 Dec 2011 23:47:47 -0500 Muslim Council of Montreal disturbed by alleged hate crime at Hamilton mosque FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, December 7th, 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.

“Canada is a place of peace, tolerance, diversity and pluralism and such hateful actions go against all the values of our charter, constitution and country,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “It is especially hurtful for these attacks to come as Muslims around the world are celebrating the start of the new Islamic year. All places of worship must be safe spaces for peaceful worship and reflection, especially in light of the fact that they are often frequented by innocent, young children. We thank the Hamilton police hate crime unit for investigating whether this constitutes as a hate crime and hope that they will be swift to apprehend the perpetrators.”
]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2011/12/muslim_council_of_montreal_disturbed_by_alleged_hate_crime_at_hamilton_mosq.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2011/12/muslim_council_of_montreal_disturbed_by_alleged_hate_crime_at_hamilton_mosq.html Press Releases Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:38:33 -0500 Muslim Council of Montreal calls on all Canadians to join fight to end violence against women FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, December 6th, 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 22nd 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.”

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2011/12/muslim_council_of_montreal_calls_on_all_canadians_to_join_fight_to_end_viol.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2011/12/muslim_council_of_montreal_calls_on_all_canadians_to_join_fight_to_end_viol.html Press Releases Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:55:38 -0500 Muslim Council of Montreal calls on all mosques to join fight to end violence against women COMMUNITY ALERT

Montreal, Quebec, December 6th, 2011- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) invites all mosques to dedicate their Friday sermons on December 9th 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 6th, on the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal.

 

“This marks the 22nd 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.”

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2011/12/muslim_council_of_montreal_calls_on_all_mosques_to_join_fight_to_end_violen.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2011/12/muslim_council_of_montreal_calls_on_all_mosques_to_join_fight_to_end_violen.html Action Alert Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:50:02 -0500