Toronto police hate crimes unit investigating advertising truck containing Islamophobic message

TORONTO — Toronto police say their hate crimes unit is investigating after a truck displaying what they described as Islamophobic messages was seen in the city.

This week, social media posts show a cube truck equipped with digital advertising screens on the back and sides reading “Is this Lebanon?” Is it Yemen? Is it Syria? Is it Iraq? »

The screens then show images of Muslims kneeling in prayer, followed by: “No. We are in Canada. Wake up, Canada. You are under siege. »

Police say they recognize the community’s concern about the truck and are asking anyone with information or images to contact investigators or Crime Stoppers.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims calls what was seen on the vanity van an “extremely dangerous message” that should not be tolerated.

Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s special representative to combat Islamophobia, says she spoke with Toronto police to convey the “deep concern, fear and anxiety” of members of the Muslim community.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2024.

The Canadian Press