Boufeldja Benabdallah has observed a surge in vandalism and anti-Muslim sentiment directed at mosques and cultural centers across Quebec over the past 18 months, although he is puzzled by the reasons behind it. Despite this, as the spokesperson and co-founder of Quebec City’s Islamic Cultural Center, he emphasizes that their community is responding with increased vigilance.
In a rare move, his mosque recently issued a public advisory urging community members to implement security measures to enhance safety following recent incidents. In June, the Mauricie Islamic Cultural Center had its windows smashed in an act of vandalism after facing a wave of online threats and harassment in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. Subsequently, Montreal police launched an investigation into a hate crime outside the Verdun Islamic Center, where an artificial imitation of a severed, bloodied human hand was left at the entrance.
During the same period, two young adults were apprehended for vandalizing the Centre Culturel Al-Rahma Portneuf, an Islamic center in Donnacona, Quebec, located less than 50 kilometers southwest of Quebec City. Benabdallah expressed a prevailing sense of unease among Muslims in Quebec City and emphasized the importance of reassuring the community of their awareness and readiness to respond to any concerning situations promptly.
Highlighting the necessity of security measures such as ensuring closed entrances and promptly reporting suspicious activities, Benabdallah stressed that their intention is preparedness rather than alarmism. Notably, the Quebec City mosque was the site of a tragic incident nearly a decade ago when six individuals lost their lives in a shooting.
Evan Balgord, the Executive Director of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, acknowledged the worsening trend of hate directed towards religious communities over the past decade, with the Muslim community in Quebec particularly affected. Benabdallah underlined that apart from physical vandalism, online harassment is also a significant concern, prompting some individuals to delete their social media accounts due to the extent of insults and threats.
Abdelouaheb ben Abdallah, treasurer of the Donnacona Islamic Cultural Center, echoed these sentiments, noting the prevalence of anti-Islam rhetoric online. Despite efforts to maintain positive relations with neighbors, incidents of vandalism and hate persist, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and security measures. Following recent vandalism, the cultural center has installed security cameras to ensure the safety of its members.
Benabdallah emphasized the importance of preserving these spaces as places of worship, community gathering, and serenity for families. Despite facing challenges, he remains committed to fostering a sense of belonging and harmony within Quebec City, emphasizing their love for the city and the desire to maintain a vibrant and peaceful coexistence.