The Islamic Centre of Cambridge has become the latest victim of hate-motivated vandalism against places of worship.
The news of the graffiti reached the highest office in the country as prime minister Justin Trudeau gave his thoughts on the rise of Islamophobia in the country.
The vandalism at the Islamic Centre of Cambridge – and the rise in Islamophobia across the country – is alarming, abhorrent, and unacceptable.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 14, 2024
I strongly condemn this incident and stand with Muslim communities against such hate. We must confront and combat Islamophobia together.
Police reported that on Monday, at approximately 4 p.m., they received a call for graffiti at the Islamic Centre on Dunbar Road.
Swastikas could be seen spray painted on the outside fence area by the road.
Islamic Centre chairperson Mohammad Darr told CambridgeToday that the centre has security cameras positioned around the gates but the area where the graffiti was spray painted is a blind spot.
"Someone is coming tomorrow and we'll cover that area too," he said.
Darr noted that this is the first time the centre has experienced any type of hate-motivated crime since opening in 1989.
Hate-motivated incidents have been rising in the Jewish and Muslim communities since the conflict between Israel and Gaza started back in October.
The Canadian Human Rights Commission is deeply concerned by the dramatic rise in Islamophobia in Canada since October 7, 2023.
"We must recognize that for every reported incident of hate, discrimination, or violence, there are many more frightening incidents that go unreported," said the commission in a recent press release. "Many people experiencing hate in Canada are bearing the burden in silence."
Anyone with information is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 6370. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
