‘An attack on one is an attack on us all’ December 22, 2011
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‘An attack on one is an attack on us all’
Hamilton must stand together against hate-crime incidents
Just over a week ago, I attended an open house at the Hamilton Downtown Mosque, where community members participated in conversations about Islam, facilitated by members of the mosque. It was an informative session that was an effective way to open dialogue and build community with the highly engaged Beasley neighbourhood …
It was sad to see the article in yesterday’s paper where the same mosque was a target of what appears to be hate-motivated incident. Members of the mosque discovered two copies of a cartoon, depicting a caveman dropping a Koran into an open fire, taped to the women’s prayer entrance. The cartoon includes the words “primitive man discovers fire.”
The debate by some people as to whether this was a hate-motivated incident is moot. The cartoon was originally published in the Toronto Star as a critique of American Pastor Terry Jones’ “International Burn a Koran Day.” But this incident at Hamilton’s downtown mosque seems to have a contrary goal. The cowardly act of taping a cartoon on the door of a religious centre does not appear to be an attack of love or an attack on Pastor Terry, but rather on the house of prayer for the many Muslim families in our community.
I agree with Imam Sayed Tora when he points out that the original publication of the cartoon was not to offend the Muslim community, but the latest incident was. This latest incident attempts to spread hatred against an identifiable group.
In August I also wrote about an incident of a hate crime when Pauline Morris, a Jewish woman, woke up to some scary anti-Semitic words painted on her garage door. Other incidents of hate-motivated behaviours are worrisome, even when Hamilton police report hate crime statistics are relatively low.
Muslim organizations contend the actual situation is much worse than the data indicates because Muslims have a greater tendency not to report hate incidents. Criminology statisticians and researchers agree that a large number of incidents go unreported because victims of hate crimes are less likely to go to police than victims of other types of crimes. This is probably more the case with visible minorities, particularly Muslims. Among Muslims, women are much less likely to report them than men because of the social and cultural norms, says a report prepared by Canadian Council on Muslim Women.
As I stated then in my August column, I believe we ought to send a clear message to perpetrators of this kind of behaviour. That images of the possible perpetrator were caught on video camera, leads me to hope there will be a quick arrest.
As a city that aspires to be a welcoming and inclusive community, we cannot afford to remain silent when our community members are attacked. We must stand united against all forms of hate incidents and behaviours.
This brings me to a saying that goes something like this: “When good people do nothing, bad things happen.”
Freelance columnist Evelyn Myrie lives in Hamilton.
Source:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/635911–an-attack-on-one-is-an-attack-on-us-all
Urgent Action Required! December 15, 2011
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Hate crime unit investigating cartoon posted on mosque entrance December 6, 2011
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Hate crime unit investigating cartoon posted on mosque entrance
Hamilton’s Downtown Mosque has cancelled children’s classes and clubs over fears of safety after cartoons depicting a caveman dropping a copy of the Quran into an open fire, below the words, “primitive man discovers fire . . .” were anonymously posted on the mosque’s entrance.
The cartoon was originally published in the Toronto Star as a critique of Florida Pastor Terry Jones’ “International Burn a Quran Day.” It was not a critique of Islam.
The two black and white cartoons, printed on eight-by-ten white paper were discovered on Sunday duct taped to the doors into the mosque at 96 Wilson St.
A press release issued by the mosque’s board of directors says the cartoons incite violence and hate.
Hamilton police spokesperson Catherine Martin said the hate crime unit is investigating the incident. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Hamilton police define a hate crime as a criminal offence committed against a person or property motivated by hate or bias against a person’s race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age or gender.
The cartoons were discovered by the mosque’s board president, Wahed Al-Jabry, Sunday around 4 p.m. as the community prepared for a fast-breaking meal to celebrate the ninth day of Muharram – the first month in the Islamic calendar.
Al-Jabry was “shocked” at his findings. Then another member of the mosque found plants and flowers around the mosque had been uprooted.
The hate crime comes one week after an open house event, where the mosque invited neighbours and friends into the mosque.
In the release, board members question the motive behind the crime.
On Jan. 4, 2010 a Molotov cocktail was thrown through a window of the Hamilton Mosque on Stone Church Road East. No one was injured and no arrests have been made in that case.
The Hamilton Downtown Mosque will hold a press conference Dec. 9.
Source:
Anti-Muslim Cartoons Inciting Violence & Hate on Mosque’s Entrance December 5, 2011
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For Immediate release December 5, 2011
Anti-Muslim Cartoons Inciting Violence & Hate on Mosque’s Entrance**
Just one week after the successful Open House event, welcoming neighbors and friends to Hamilton Downtown Mosque, members of the mosque come to be terrorized and extremely concerned for their safety after seeing an anti-Islam and anti-Muslim cartoon inciting violence and hate posted on the entrance of the mosque.
On Sunday December 4, 2011 at about 4:00 P.M. the 9th day of Muharram (1st month of the Islamic Calendar), many Muslims observe fast to show their gratitude to Almighty God for saving Prophet Moses (Peace be upon him) and his followers, the Israelites. Shortly before preparations began for Fast-Breaking Meal at the Mosque, Mr. Wahed Al-Jabry, President of the Board of Directors of the Mosque, was shocked to see this violence and hate-inciting cartoons of primitive man burning the Holy Quran. A few moments after, another member of the Mosque noticed that some plants and flowers were uprooted from flowerbeds around the Mosque building.
Some members of Downtown Mosque believe that this could be the result of the recent Islamophobic remarks of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Others believe this act may have been inspired by ”International Burn a Koran day” led by Pastor Terry Jones of Dove outreach Center in Gainesville, FL. In an interview by ABC news *, the reporter asked Pastor Jones:
“ You’re prepared to do his and prepared and ready to incite violence?”
Pastor Jones: “ We are definitely prepared to do this. We are definitely prepared to give our lives for this particular message and cause. Yes.”
Reporter: “ Will you be armed?”
Pastor Jones: “ Yes. We will”
The congregation has been informed of the incident and has been told to stay alert. As a precautionary measure, and for the safety of the children and female members of the Mosque, the Imam and members of the Board of Directors have decided to cancel the Children’s Evening Classes on Monday December 5 and the Homework Club on Tuesday December 6. After learning of the hateful incident, a 9-years-old student of the evening classes expressed her fear to Imam Tora and exclaimed: “ What if someone attacks us in the Mosque?”
After years of cooperation with neighboring organizations to maintain a peaceful and safe Beasley, members of the mosque are truly dismayed by this unwarranted act of hate and aggression. Members of the congregation demand Hamilton Police Services and other Government agencies to take serious and preventative measures to provide a safe and peaceful environment in and around the mosque property.
A Press Conference will be held at the Hamilton Downtown Mosque at 2:10pm on December 9, 2011 following Friday Prayers.
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- inciting voilence on hdm 1
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- inciting voilence on hdm 2
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- inciting voilence on hdm 3
Public Invitation to Downtown Mosque Open House November 25, 2011
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Please Distribute widely
Hamilton Downtown Mosque
Cordially extends a public invitation to
All Community members & Neighbors of other faiths, cultural groups, Government & Non-Government organizations
to
THE OPEN HOUSE
Saturday November 26, 2011
1pm – 7:00 p.m.
DOORS OPEN 12:30 p.m.
96 Wilson St.(intersection of Wilson & Catharine)
Enjoy Hot Beverage, Light Traditional Food & Literature
Converse, Ask & Learn….
Know your neighbors & meet new friends
for more information, please refer to attached
OPEN HOUSE POSTER, PROGRAM OUTLINE & PUBLIC INVITATION LETTER
invitationletter-HDM-3.pdf
OPEN HOUSE PRG OUTLINE.pdf
Open House 3 Final Draft-1.pdf
Life Skills Worker Position October 28, 2011
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Dear All,
This is a a great opportunity to work with newcommers, as a "LIFE SKILLS WORKER", on a full time basis. If you are fluent in English and one of these languages (French, Arabic, Somali, Dari, Farsi, Sawahili, Spanish) YOU SHOULD CONSIDER APPLYING.
Deadline: Tues Nov 1, 2011 @ 4 p.m.
Details: Attached
Please Circulate widely…
Syria is bleeding!!! October 27, 2011
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Dear All,
SYRIA IS BLEEDING
For humanity’s sake lets all go out to demand the stop of ruthless bloodshed
SATURDAY OCTOBER 29, OLD CITY HALL ,03:00 pm – 06:00pm
60 Queen St. West Toronto, ON M5H 2M3
Watch the trailer:
Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=286007111419127
*The attached is the Press Release
The Syrian Canadian Council GTA
2325 Hurontario Street
Suite #278 Mississauga, Ontario
L5A 4K4
Email: sccgta
website : http://syriancanadiancouncil.ca
MUSLIM YOUTH MEDIA October 24, 2011
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Building Community Together (PLEASE READ) October 13, 2011
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Dear Community,
The Immigrant Women Centre will be hosting a conference, focusing on the essentials of community development and mobilization, and the practical tools and information to develop, grow and sustain healthy and effective community groups and projects at the Sheraton Hamilton which is located at 116 King Street West in Hamilton. We extend an invitation for you to be part of the movement on Wednesday, November 2, 2011. Please find the link http://stjosephwomen.on.ca/index.php?page=conference for registration by Tuesday, October 25, 2011.
We respectfully ask that you advise your contacts of this conference by forwarding this email with attachments to them.
Hamilton & St. Catharines Mosque Events October 11, 2011
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Cure your greed, Purify your wealth! October 4, 2011
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> Cure your greed, Purify your wealth
>
> Asalamu alikum brothers and sisters,
>
>
> We would like to bring your attention to a
>
> very important and worthy event coming
>
> up this Saturday (October 8).
>
>
> This event is a fundraising dinner for
>
> Syria and Somalia. We are sure most of
>
> you are aware of the dire situation in both of
>
> these places. For that reason, as Muslims
>
> we must to take a stand against the injustice
>
> and poverty, and help alleviate the pain of
>
> our brothers and sisters as much as we can,
>
> by supporting these kinds of events.
>
>
> We kindly ask everyone to come out and
>
> support this fundraising dinner! If you
>
> cannot then please donate what ever you
>
> can, no amount is too little, if it is given for
>
> the sake of Allah (swt)
>
>
> What: Fundraising dinner for Syria & Somalia
>
> When: Saturday October 8, 2011
>
> Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
>
> Location: Anatolia Islamic Center, Mississauga
>
>
> For more information, or to confirm your attendance please visit the event link on Facebook.
>
> http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=292094104138742
>
>
> Brothers and sisters please remember if you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem!
>
>
> May Allah reward you all for taking a step closer to purifying your wealth, and helping those who are in need!
>
>
Cordoba House event; Reflections on Islamophobia in North America September 27, 2011
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On Oct. 4th 2011 @ 7:30pm, Cordoba House and the McMaster Centre for Peace Studies present a lecture by Dr. Hilal Elver on “Reflections on Islamophobia in North America”. Dr. Elver is the visiting Fulbright Professor at McGill University’s Faculty of Law.
Hamilton Downtown Mosque: OFFICIAL NOMINEE for 2011 Readers’ Choice Award! September 26, 2011
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We request you all to VOTE for Hamilton Downtown Mosque, in the voting process which will run September 22 – October 3rd.
to VOTE simply:
1) Go to www.thespec.com
2) Click on the Readers Choice Icon (It’s time to Vote!) twice.
3) Fill in your information.
4) We Encourage you submit your vote for all categories, but if you find voting for all categories to be lengthy, you may skip by Clicking next AND scrolling down until you see MOSQUE category to vote for Hamilton Downtown Mosuqe
5) Click "DONE" to submit your vote.
–
Hamilton Downtown Mosque 2011 Readers’ Choice Award Official Nominee www.thespec.com
The Readers’ Choice Awards are presented by the Hamilton Spectator with nominations from members of the community.
Fog is Lifting – Islam in Brief – Fall of Athiesm- on National TV – Da’wah Documentary – Saturday – September 17th-Vision TV – 2.30pm September 17, 2011
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>
>
> Assalamu Alaikum wrwb Brothers and Sisters
>
>
> Alhamdullilah, by the blessings of Allah, Islamic Information Centre of North America (IICNA), a leading Canadian Muslim Da’wah organization in collaboration with TARIC Islamic Centre (Toronto), is now showing First-Ever Discover Islam Documentary Series througout the Month of September, every Saturday at 2.30pm (EST).
>
> This Saturday, we are showing FIRST-TIME ever "Fog is Lifting – Islam in Brief" to show the True Message of Islam and the Fall of Athiesm on Nationval TV, Vision TV Channel. This is one of the best Da’wah documentary which is used for Da’wah in Canada.
>
> This documentary, inshallah will reach out to over 7.8 million Canadian households.
>
> Throughout the show, we are offering to offer viewers to get FREE English Translation of the Qur’an, Books on Islam and DVDs of the show by calling us at 1-877-ISLAM-INFO or visiting our website
> www.IslamNorthAmerica.com
>
>
> Program Schedule:
> Title: Fog is Lifting – Islam in Brief
> When: Saturday, September 17th, 2011 at 2.30pm (EST)
> Where: All over Canada – Vision TV Channel
>
>
> This could not be possible without the blessings of Allah and your generous support.
> May Allah accepts our this humber effort to share the Message of Peace with others.
>
> We are in great need of your generous support to sponsor our dawah TV programs and upcoming da’wah booths in various cities or be volunteer, please send email to info@IslamNorthAmerica.com. or Donate online at www.IslamNorthAmerica.com
>
> DONATE ONLINE
>
> May Allah accepts our this humble effort to share the Message of Peace with others.
>
>
> Your Brothers and Sisters in Islam
> Islamic Information Centre of North America
> 1-877-ISLAM-INFO (475-2646)
> www.IslamNorthAmerica.co
Prime Minister Harper’s anti Muslim remarks offends the community September 13, 2011
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| Prime Minister’s Remarks ads fuel into the fire of the anti Islam sentiment Abubakar N. Kasim Toronto, Ontario |
Muslims Demand an apology from Harper September 11, 2011
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Muslim group wants Harper apology over ‘Islamicism’ remark
The Canadian Press
Posted: Sep 9, 2011 3:27 PM ET
Last Updated: Sep 9, 2011 3:23 PM ET
Related Links
Harper says ‘Islamicism’ biggest threat to Canada
‘Draconian’ anti-terrorism laws not needed, opposition says
Canada safe, more confident post-9/11, Harper says
Harper on safety2:07The Islamic Supreme Council of Canada is urging Muslims to speak out against Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s recent remarks about their religion.
Harper told CBC this week that "Islamicism" poses the most pressing threat to Canada’s security, and that the country’s intelligence service is mostly preoccupied with Islamic extremism.
Harper’s spokesman later clarified to CBC News that the prime minister was "referencing Islamic terrorism — the Islamists" in his remarks.
The council is urging Harper to apologize for the comments, saying the actions of fanatics do not represent Islamic beliefs.
The council says Harper’s words will damage efforts to bridge cultural gaps and fight extremist activities in Canada.
It wants imams in its affiliated mosques to condemn the comments in today’s prayer gatherings.
The council is also urging Canadians to contact the Prime Minister’s Office to demand an apology for "insulting the faith of 1.6 billion Muslims."
"How can Mr. Harper associate Islam with radicalism and fanaticism?" the group asked in a statement.
"We are working hard to bring people of all faiths together to fight extremism and radicalism but Mr. Harper’s comments about Islam have damaged those efforts."
walk for peace, Sunday, Sept 11, 1 pm, Hamilton City Hall September 11, 2011
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JOIN THE SEPT. 11 WALK FOR PEACE
The newly-rebuilt Hindu Samaj Temple in Hamilton
photo by INDU36 (see URL at bottom)
Ten years ago, in a hate crime reported by CNN to the whole world, unknown assailants set fire to the Hindu Samaj Temple in Hamilton and burned it to the ground. The Hamilton Mosque was also attacked twice on following days. No one was ever brought to trial.
These hate crimes were local, racist reactions to the events of September 11, 2001 in the USA and marked the beginning of two worldwide trends. The first was George W. Bush’s so-called “war on terror” which turned out to be a war of terror against the people of Afghanistan and Iraq (and continued by Obama) against the people of Somalia, Pakistan, Yemen, and most recently, Libya. The second was the move racially to profile Arabs and Muslims in Europe and North America for discriminatory treatment and, in many cases, for arrest, incarceration, and even rendition for torture in other countries.
There were other local, positive reactions to the attacks ten years ago on the Hindu Samaj and Hamilton Mosque. One was the immediate call for solidarity among the many faith communities in Hamilton who stood shoulder to shoulder with local Hindus and Muslims at several local public events. Another was the grassroots campaign to rebuild the Samaj and declare it to be a national historic site, a task completed with some governmental aid, in 2005.
Today, the “war on terror” continues and so does racial profiling. However, there is also a growing worldwide peace movement and reaction against the unjust targeting of people of colour, in particular our Arab, Hindu, and Muslim brothers and sisters.
The Peace Walk this Sunday, September 11, at 1 p.m. at Hamilton City Hall, which is co-sponsored by the South Asian Heritage Association of Hamilton and Region in partnership with the Hamilton Police Service, gives us the opportunity to show solidarity with those who have been under attack both in Canada and around the world and to call for world peace, instead of endless war.
Let’s join in!
For a complete list of tenth anniversary events at the Hindu Samaj Temple in Hamilton, please go to:
http://www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca/NR/rdonlyres/4CF5C7ED-E832-4EA8-B91C-9F494A8FB525/2535/HinduSamaj.pdf
www.hamiltoncoalitiontostopthewar.ca
Attend the
Canadian Peace Alliance convention, October 14-16, in Toronto. Please go to: www.acp-cpa.ca for details.
Listen to “Unusual Sources”, McMaster Radio, 93.3 FM, Wednesdays at 5 pm. E-mail us at hcsw.
To unsubscribe: hcsw
INDU36:
Vote “NO!” to absurd CBC poll about Muslims! September 8, 2011
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PLEASE VOTE NO to this poll, and circulate widely: (It asks if "Islamic Radicals are the Biggest Security Threat to Canada"
Good news – ArtsVest program in Hamilton September 8, 2011
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Dear Members of Hamilton’s Arts and Culture Community,
I am pleased to announce that Hamilton is one of five Ontario communities selected to receive the artsVest program.
artsVest is a matching grant and sponsorship training program that operates at a local level to spark business sponsorship of arts and culture and bolster municipal cultural plans. It will provide $75K in matching incentive grants to Hamilton’s eligible cultural organizations and offer free sponsorship training to help cultural organizations build mutually beneficial partnerships with the business community.
Hamilton was selected for the program based on the presence and strength of the City’s cultural planning processes; the number, capacity and size of Hamilton’s non-profit cultural organizations; the strength of support from local municipal leadership and the strength of support from the business community. Thank you to Mayor Bratina, Arts Hamilton (now Hamilton Arts Council) and the Chamber of Commerce for providing support for the application.
artsVest may have already sent you the attached invitation to participate in the program. If your organization did not receive an invitation, please read over the eligibility requirements and RSVP to artsVest if you would like to participate.
For more information about the artsVest program please see the attached media release or contact artsVest directly:
Lauren Goldman, artsVest Program Manager
Business for the Arts
L_goldman
t: 416.869.3016 ext. 221
If this program is not relevant to you, please feel free to pass the information on to others.
The Culture Division is pleased to be able to facilitate the work of artsVest and of our own cultural community through this program.
Regards,
Jennifer Kaye
Manager, Arts and Events
Culture Division, Community Services Department
City of Hamilton
77 James Street North, Suite 305
Hamilton, ON L8R 2K3
‘ 905.546.2424 ext. 4807
7 905.540.5511
* jennifer.kaye
LOVE YOUR CITY
This message, including any attachments, is privileged and intended only for the person(s) named above. This material may contain confidential or personal information which may be subject to the provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information Act & Protection of Privacy Act. Any other distribution, copying or disclosure is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient or have received this message in error, please notify me immediately by telephone, fax or e-mail and permanently delete the original transmission, including any attachments, without making a copy.
<<artsVest Hamilton Cultural Org Invite….pdf>> <<artsVest Hamilton Media Release Sept 2011.pdf>>
Invitation: A Pre-Election Dialogue on Health and Social Issues REF5360024183010394631 September 8, 2011
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Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies: Career Postings September 8, 2011
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Cordoba House Art and Photography Competition: extended deadline September 6, 2011
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