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 2010 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:52:10 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=4.0 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Muslim community appalled by controversial appointment of new rights group president FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, March 5th, 2010- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) denounces in the strongest terms the recent decision of Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon to appoint Gerald Latulippe as president of The International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (Rights and Democracy). 

“Mr. Latulippe’s public record shows his very xenophobic and discriminatory feelings against the Canadian Muslim community and against immigrants in general,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “It is preposterous to have a man who openly spreads unfounded racist and inflammatory notions appointed to a position where he is supposed to be a champion of human rights, freedom and democracy.”

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2010/03/muslim_community_appalled_by_controversial_appointment_of_new_rights_group.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2010/03/muslim_community_appalled_by_controversial_appointment_of_new_rights_group.html Press Releases Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:52:10 -0500 Muslim community urges for calm and rational discussion over niqab debate FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, March 2nd, 2010- While waiting for the decision of the Human Rights Commission further to the complaint of a Muslim woman who was expelled from a course of Frenchifying, the Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) advocates a quiet and reasonable discussion rather than an inequitable resumption of the debate around the reasonable accommodations.

“It is unfortunate that the Minister of Immigration herself had to get involved in this issue,” said Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “It would have been better for all parties if the issue was resolved by means of an evenhanded compromise between the student and the school administration, with at the need mediation from the Human Rights Commission and the Muslim religious authorities. 

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2010/03/muslim_community_urges_for_calm_and_rational_discussion_over_niqab_debate.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2010/03/muslim_community_urges_for_calm_and_rational_discussion_over_niqab_debate.html Press Releases Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:12:09 -0500 MCM director Kwasi Yeboah wins Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, January 26th, 2010-The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) congratulates MCM director Kwasi Yeboah for receiving the 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy award.

The award was presented to Mr. Yeboah on January 18th, by Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay and the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Committee of Montreal. Mr. Yeboah was recognized for his outstanding work in coordinating the Open Mosques project among local mosques, to help foster bridges of cooperation, understanding and social harmony in the Montreal community.

 

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2010/01/mcm_director_kwasi_yeboah_wins_martin_luther_king_jr_legacy_award.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2010/01/mcm_director_kwasi_yeboah_wins_martin_luther_king_jr_legacy_award.html Press Releases Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:00:00 -0500 Humanitarian crisis in Haiti: Muslim community launches appeal to help 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.”
                      
]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2010/01/humanitarian_crisis_in_haiti_muslim_community_launches_appeal_to_help.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2010/01/humanitarian_crisis_in_haiti_muslim_community_launches_appeal_to_help.html Press Releases Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:43:51 -0500 Islamic school/mosque in Hamilton target of firebombing on first day back to school after holidays 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.”

 

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2010/01/islamic_schoolmosque_in_hamilton_target_of_firebombing_on_first_day_back_to.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2010/01/islamic_schoolmosque_in_hamilton_target_of_firebombing_on_first_day_back_to.html Press Releases Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:52:50 -0500 Muslim community jubilant as Federal Courts knock down security certificate against Hassan Almrei 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.”

 

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/12/muslim_community_jubilant_as_federal_courts_knock_down_security_certificate.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/12/muslim_community_jubilant_as_federal_courts_knock_down_security_certificate.html Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:45:03 -0500 Wenesday, November 18th is the first day of Thul-Hijja, and Eid Ul-Adha is on Friday, November 27th, 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. ]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/11/wenesday_november_18th_is_the_first_day_of_thulhijja_and_eid_uladha_is_on_f_6.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/11/wenesday_november_18th_is_the_first_day_of_thulhijja_and_eid_uladha_is_on_f_6.html News Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:22:31 -0500 Statement by Canadian Islamic Scholars and Mainstream Muslim Organizations Reaffirms Freedom of Religious Expression 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.

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/10/statement_by_canadian_islamic_scholars_and_mainstream_muslim_organizations.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/10/statement_by_canadian_islamic_scholars_and_mainstream_muslim_organizations.html Press Releases Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:16:27 -0500 Need for greater vigilance and penalties against hate crimes, as Muslim center in Montreal is attacked on day of Eid 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.”

                                               

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/09/need_for_greater_vigilance_and_penalties_against_hate_crimes_as_muslim_cent.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/09/need_for_greater_vigilance_and_penalties_against_hate_crimes_as_muslim_cent.html Press Releases Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:12:02 -0500 Muslim community elated as Judge declares Adil Charkaoui totally free 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.”

 

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/09/muslim_community_elated_as_judge_declares_adil_charkoui_totally_free.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/09/muslim_community_elated_as_judge_declares_adil_charkoui_totally_free.html Press Releases Fri, 25 Sep 2009 06:21:26 -0500 Eid is on Sunday, September 20th, 2009, Eid Mubarak to you all.
This is to let you know that the moonsighting committee received credible sightings of the crescent in our horizon, in accordance with the imams' approved criteria. Therefore, Sunday, September 20th will be Eid-ul-Fitr, the first day of Shawwal, in shaa Allah Taala.]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/09/eid_is_on_sunday_september_20th_2009_eid_mubarak_to_you_all.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/09/eid_is_on_sunday_september_20th_2009_eid_mubarak_to_you_all.html Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:03:13 -0500 MCM announces Ramadan starts on Saturday, August 22nd, in shaa Allah FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The moon has not been sighted anywhere in our matlaa, and according to the agreed upon criteria, MCM Imams' committee decided on Thursday night, August 20th, that tomorrow is the 30th of Shaaban. Therefore, the first day of Ramadan will be on Saturday, August 22nd, 2009.

 

On behalf of MCM, and myself, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all, and your families, a very blessed Ramadan. May Allah Taala make it easy for us, change the conditions of Muslims around the world to the best, bringing obedience of Allah, faith and safety, peace and prosperity to all Muslims and to accept our fast, prayers and all of our good deeds in this holy month of Ramadan and beyond, and to continue to shower us with His mercy and blessing.

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/08/mcm_announces_ramadan_starts_on_saturday_august_22nd_in_shaa_allah.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/08/mcm_announces_ramadan_starts_on_saturday_august_22nd_in_shaa_allah.html Action Alert Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:03:41 -0500 Federal government must bring Abousfian Abdelrazik home immediately - Prime Minister Harper is failing to protect the rights of his citizens FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Montreal, Quebec, June 7th, 2009- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) welcomes the recent decision from the Federal Court of Canada ordering the Canadian government to bring Abousfian Abdelrazik home from Sudan within 30 days. Mr. Abdelrazik, a Canadian citizen, has been stranded in Sudan since 2003.

 

“We call on Mr. Harper to act swiftly and comply with the ruling, by issuing Mr. Abdelrazik an emergency passport and arrange for his transportation home,” said Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “He has suffered needlessly for many years and it is time for the Canadian government to put an end to this injustice. Abousfian Abdelrazik is a citizen and has a right to come home to Canada immediately.”

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/06/federal_government_must_bring_abousfian_abdelrazik_home_immediately.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/06/federal_government_must_bring_abousfian_abdelrazik_home_immediately.html Press Releases Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:00:09 -0500 Security Infrastructure Pilot Program offers funding to help increase public security and safety FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Montreal, Quebec, May 25th, 2009- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) urges all mosques, Islamic community centres and Islamic schools to apply for funding from the Security Infrastructure Pilot Program, to help keep safe in light of the recent vandalism attacks against local mosques and Islamic schools. The SIP program is a $3 million initiative to help support communities that are at risk of being victim to hate crimes.

 

Funding received through the program is to be used to help defray the costs of security infrastructure enhancements, including alarm systems, digital video recorders, lighting, gates etc. Only not-for-profit community organizations are eligible to apply.

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/05/security_infrastructure_pilot_program_offers_funding_to_help_increase_publi.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/05/security_infrastructure_pilot_program_offers_funding_to_help_increase_publi.html Mon, 25 May 2009 15:54:05 -0500 Muslim community worried by growing trends of racism and discrimination in Quebec FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  

Montreal, Quebec, May 25th, 2009- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) expresses its concern over the recent survey released by the Association for Canadian Studies stating that 40 per cent of francophones view non-Christian immigrants as a threat to Quebec society. This number has gone up 8 per cent since 2007.

 

“It has been one year since the Bouchard-Taylor commission’s report was released and yet the negative sentiments against immigrants persist and are growing,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “We would hope that sentiments of tolerance, respect and understanding would be increasing in our society, but instead we seem to be moving in the opposite direction.”

 

]]> http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/05/muslim_community_worried_by_growing_trends_of_racism_and_discrimination_in.html http://www.muslimcouncil.org/en/2009/05/muslim_community_worried_by_growing_trends_of_racism_and_discrimination_in.html Press Releases Mon, 25 May 2009 15:00:00 -0500