Boufeldja Benabdallah has observed an increase in vandalism and anti-Muslim sentiment directed at mosques and cultural centers in Quebec over the past year and a half, a trend that baffles him. Despite this, as the spokesperson and co-founder of Quebec City’s Islamic Cultural Centre, he highlights that his community is responding proactively with vigilance.
Recently, the Mauricie Islamic Cultural Centre had its windows smashed in an act of vandalism following a wave of online threats and harassment towards the Muslim community in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. Additionally, Montreal police initiated an investigation into a hate crime outside the Verdun Islamic Centre after a disturbing incident involving a fake severed hand.
In a separate incident, two young adults, a man and a woman, were apprehended for vandalizing the Centre Culturel Al-Rahma Portneuf, an Islamic center in Donnacona, Quebec. Benabdallah expressed a sense of unease among Muslims in Quebec City and emphasized the importance of reassuring worshippers and the community of their awareness and preparedness.
Security measures, such as ensuring closed entrances and promptly reporting suspicious activities, have been emphasized by the Quebec City mosque to enhance safety without causing alarm. Benabdallah highlighted the tragic history of the mosque, where a deadly attack occurred a decade ago, underscoring the community’s determination to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Amidst the rise in online harassment and hate, there is a growing concern within the Muslim community. Benabdallah acknowledged the prevalence of anti-Islam rhetoric online and the need to address it. Community members, including Abdelouaheb ben Abdallah from the Donnacona Islamic cultural center, have experienced vandalism and threats, prompting heightened security measures like installing cameras.
Despite facing challenges, Benabdallah remains hopeful for a harmonious coexistence, emphasizing the significance of these spaces for prayer, tranquility, and community bonding. He expressed a desire to preserve a sense of joy and belonging in Quebec, affirming the love and attachment his community has for the city.