A Canadian Islamic foundation has awarded a grant of $100,000 to Edmonton’s Canadian Islamic Centre (Al Rashid Mosque) to support victims of Islamophobia.
The Olive Tree Foundation’s grant was suggested after a year which witnessed many Islamophobic hate attacks targeting Muslims in Canada. Some of these attacks were violent and have led to the survivors sustaining physical injuries, in addition to being severely traumatized.
“The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) is proud to work with Olive Tree Foundation and the Al Rashid Mosque to ensure that victims of Islamophobia get the support they need,” said Faisal Khan Suri, Community Development Officer of NCCM in a statement published by Olive Tree website.
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“The time is now to make sure that those who are victimized are cared for.”
This pilot program will support victims of Islamophobic attacks on their journey of healing by providing assistance to survivors who require mental health therapy, physiotherapy, legal counselling and other emergency support.
“The Olive Tree Foundation is very pleased to fund the Victims Assistance Program,” said Naeem Siddiqi, Vice-Chair of the Olive Tree Foundation, in announcing the grant.
“With the rise of Islamophobia and hate incidents, Canadian Muslims, as well as other marginalized and targeted communities, will benefit greatly from this project. Victims of hate attacks must know they are not alone in dealing with their pain.”
Rising Hate
The Olive Tree Foundation is a philanthropic foundation that promotes community development through the collection of endowed funds and charitable contributions to fund services for the long-term benefit of the community.
Islamophobic attacks across Canada have risen at alarming levels. The attacks have not only increased in frequency, and many are directed towards visibly Muslim women and girls.
Street racism is often inspired by online hate speech and extremism, which have surged in Canada.
This summer, the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) released a set of 61 policy recommendations for all levels of government to take action against Islamophobia, including measures for Canada’s education system.
The non-profit advocacy group developed the recommendations after holding consultation sessions with mosques, community groups and organizations representing Canadian Muslims across the country.