Remembering January 29: The Quebec City Mosque Attack and the Fight Against Islamophobia
1-29-2025
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On January 29, 2017, a gunman entered the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec in Sainte-Foy and opened fire on worshippers in prayer. Six men lost their lives that night: Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzeddine Soufiane, and Aboubaker Thabti. Nineteen others were wounded, some left with lifelong injuries. The attack was not just an act of violence; it was an act of terrorism rooted in Islamophobia. Eight years later, the memory of these men compels us to confront the rising tide of hate and recommit to ensuring safety, justice, and inclusion for all Muslims in Canada.
A Nation Remembers
January 29 has since been designated as the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. On this solemn day, leaders across the country released statements reaffirming their commitment to standing against hate.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said:
"Today, we remember the victims of this senseless act of hate... We stand in solidarity with Muslim communities in Canada and around the world to fight the hate that led to this attack. We are also not immune to its resurgence, especially as we see the rise in Islamophobia and hate across our communities."
Trudeau’s government has taken steps such as appointing Amira Elghawaby as Canada’s first Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia and renewing Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy. However, Muslim organizations continue to call for stronger action, including greater accountability in addressing Islamophobia at institutional levels.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of the NDP, echoed these concerns:
"Over the last year, Canada has seen a rise in Islamophobia, including hate-motivated incidents and hate crimes against Muslims. Sitting idly by in the face of this rising hate isn’t an option. We each have a responsibility to act and to make it unequivocal that there should be no tolerance for violence or hate."
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also recognized the gravity of the attack:
"Common Sense Conservatives believe that religious freedom is at the core of who we are as a nation. First and foremost, that includes the right to pray in peace and security. The crime we remember today was an attack not just on an innocent community, but on a sacred principle at the heart of the Canadian promise."
Meanwhile, British Columbia Premier David Eby reinforced the importance of combating hate at the provincial level:
"Building a more welcoming, inclusive province is a priority for our government... There is no place for Islamophobia in British Columbia."
The Green Square Campaign: A Symbol of Remembrance and Resistance
Each year, the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) organizes the Green Square Campaign to honor the victims of the attack and to reaffirm the fight against Islamophobia. The green square represents the green carpets of the Quebec City mosque, where the victims last stood to pray. It also serves as a symbol of hope, resilience, and commitment to ending hate.
Through this campaign, Canadians are encouraged to wear a green square in solidarity with the victims' families, the survivors like Aymen Derbali (who was left paralyzed for life), and all those impacted by anti-Muslim violence. Schools, workplaces, and community organizations across Canada participate by educating people about Islamophobia and promoting inclusivity.
The Growing Threat of Islamophobia
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Despite efforts to combat Islamophobia, hate crimes against Muslims continue to rise. The Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City has faced multiple threats even after the 2017 massacre. The London, Ontario attack in 2021, where four members of a Muslim family were murdered while out for a walk, underscored the persistent danger facing Muslim communities.
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The NCCM has called for urgent government action, including:
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A national summit on Islamophobia.
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Stronger protections for civil liberties, particularly in Quebec, where recent legislation has disproportionately affected Muslim communities.
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More robust anti-hate measures, including tougher regulations on online hate speech.
Moving Forward: Action Beyond Words
While government statements and commemorations are important, Muslim advocacy groups emphasize that true change requires action. The victims of the Quebec City Mosque attack did not die in vain—their memory should serve as a rallying call for a Canada free from Islamophobia. As the green squares appear across the country, the message remains clear: We remember. We resist. We act.
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