Toronto mayor denounces Islamophobic advertising truck

Toronto police are currently investigating an advertising truck that was driving around the city and prominently displaying anti-Muslim images and messages. The truck, registered to Rebel News Network, sparked concern and condemnation from the community.

Chow said Toronto is a city where everyone belongs, emphasizing the freedom to pray in diverse settings without fear. Chow said: “Islamophobia has no place in this city. Neither do hatred and divisions. »

She asked other levels of government to join her in condemning the “very hateful message” from the truck.

The commercial license plate attached to the truck is officially registered to Rebel News Network Ltd., although the organization’s official acknowledges that the ad itself was created by a third party.

During a telephone interview with Radio-Canada NewsEzra Levant, owner of Rebel News, attributed the creation of the ad to a group called “Canadians opposed to the occupation of our streets and campuses”, without revealing their identity or confirming their Toronto location.

Learn more:

The truck’s video screens present a series of provocative questions: “Is this Lebanon? Is this Yemen? Is this Syria? Is this Iraq?” The following images show what appear to be Muslims praying and protesting in Nathan Phillips Square, with Palestinian flags and concrete arches visible. The accompanying messages state: “No. We are in Canada. Wake up Canada. You are under siege.”

Barbara Perry, director of the Center on Hate, Bias and Extremism, stressed that although Rebel News did not directly create the ad, the organization bears responsibility for the images displayed on its truck. She noted that the advocacy group’s title provides insight into the message it promotes.

Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s special representative for combating Islamophobia, expressed her disappointment and concern over this divisive message. She highlighted the dangers of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism, calling for collective condemnation.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a non-profit organization that advocates for Muslim civic engagement, called the messages broadcast by the truck “extremely dangerous” and called for immediate action to fight against this form of hatred.

As the investigation continues, community leaders and citizens are united in their rejection of such harmful rhetoric, emphasizing the need for tolerance, understanding and unity.

Learn more:

The controversial commercial truck comes amid a significant increase in Islamophobic incidents in Canada, which the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) says have increased by 1,300% following the escalation of the conflict in Gaza.

NCCM CEO Stephen Brown revealed the alarming statistic during a committee session examining Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. In his testimony earlier this month before the Commons justice committee, Brown called Islamophobia a “dangerous form of hatred” that has seen a marked increase in recent times.

The committee also received information on the role of social media algorithms in promoting anti-Muslim content, which resulted in tangible acts of hatred and violence. Brown said Muslim communities are facing an unprecedented rise in hostility and aggression “at all levels of society.”

Source: Agencies