A recent report has highlighted a sharp increase in Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism across Canada, coinciding with ongoing violence in Gaza. The document, titled Islamophobia on the Rise: Taking Action, Confronting Hate and Protecting Civil Liberties Together, was published by Canada’s Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. It details a troubling surge in hate incidents targeting Muslims and Palestinians, reported to the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), which rose by an alarming 1,300% in the final quarter of 2023. These incidents encompass harassment, vandalism, defamation, and threats of violence.

The report underscores the severity of hate-fuelled actions, particularly on university campuses, where Palestinian activists and their supporters have faced doxing, verbal abuse, threats, and even physical violence. Testimonies from affected communities paint a harrowing picture of fear and vulnerability, exacerbated by this wave of hostility. The 78-page document also sheds light on the impact of these incidents, with many individuals describing how the climate of hate is affecting their daily lives and mental well-being.

Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s special representative on combatting Islamophobia, provided critical insights during a committee meeting. She revealed that between October 2023 and March 2024, over 1,000 cases of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism were reported, most involving harassment, discrimination, and civil liberties violations. The report also highlights systemic Islamophobia embedded in Canadian institutions, specifically pointing to Quebec’s Bill 21, which prohibits public servants from wearing religious symbols. This legislation disproportionately impacts Muslim women, further fuelling discrimination.

In response to these findings, the Standing Committee issued a series of urgent recommendations. Among them is a call for the federal government to publicly denounce anti-Palestinian racism and allocate increased resources to bolster mosque security and enhance hate crime units within police forces. The report advocates for anti-Islamophobia education in schools to promote cultural understanding and reduce ignorance. It also stresses the importance of community engagement, meaningful policy reforms, and further research into these interconnected forms of hate. Policymakers are urged to collaborate closely with Muslim and Palestinian communities to develop effective, long-lasting solutions.