January 30, 2017
Dear Friends,
It is profoundly sad and frightening to see a climate of hate and division again claiming innocent lives of those offering their night prayer in a Mosque in Sainte-Foy, Quebec.
The contemptible terrorist attack on Muslims jolts all of us into realizing that Canada is not immune to acts of barbarism and violence. The executive order by President Trump banning Muslims from entry into the U.S., including those fleeing the terrors of war and persecution, fuels Islamophobia in Canada.
This is the time when we need to show our support and solidarity with Muslims and reassure them of our commitment. This is not an attack on Muslims alone - but on the cherished democratic values of all Canadians.
Our two communities, Jews and Muslims, have to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity because we know too well that silence and inaction in the face of Islamophobia empowers racists who are also antisemitic.
CAJM urges everyone from diverse faith communities to stand together by signing a Petition calling on Prime Minister Trudeau to
- Grant temporary resident visas or permits to Canada for those who have been stranded
- After clearance, offer status to those stranded by the executive order, and
- Denounce Trump’s executive order as undemocratic and racist.
With hope and love,
Shahid Akhtar and Dr. Barbara Landau, Co-Chairs
Shahidakhtar1@roger.com
blandau@rogers.com