Canadian Student Argues Against Anti-Islamophobia Suppression Of Free Speech

On February 16, 2017, Never Again Canada held a protest against Islamist extremism and Jihadism. A group of roughly 50 protesters stood outside Masjid Mosque in Toronto, Canada, holding signs–most with fairly innocuous slogans denouncing hate and radicalism, but a few stating “Stop Islam” and “Muslims are terrorists.”

While one can appreciate how this could deeply offend moderate Muslims, the signs were protected as free speech under section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which is the weaker Canadian version of the American First Amendment.

The protest was instantly labeled Islamophobic, and was condemned by the mainstream media, the mayor, and the premier (governor). Posters were plastered on the mosque, reading: “You belong here, Canadian values,” “Love to our Muslim Community, we stand with you and forever welcome you with open arms,” and “My Canada includes Muslims.”

Initially, I was sympathetic to the attendees and Muslims in my community, some of whom I had seen distraught on Facebook. I always support messages of inclusivity and religious toleration. But knowing the Canadian mainstream media’s slants and biases, I couldn’t help but question if there was an alternate perspective.

Ayman Elkasrawy, who serves as an Imam at this particular mosque, and also as a teaching assistant in the faculty of engineering at my school, Ryerson University, had preached: “Count their number; slay them one by one and spare not one of them. Oh Allah! Purify Al-Aqsa mosque from the filth of the Jews.” Al Aqsa mosque was built upon Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism, in Jerusalem, Israel, the indigenous land of the Jews.

I enlisted the help of a strategist, Julian Ross Markowitz, to create an online campaign, called Ryerson Against Racism, which involved a website, a Facebook page, and posters. I plastered 500 posters around the school. The posters, which showed a photo of Elkasrawy, his offensive quote, and a request for him to be fired, were deemed “too controversial” and removed by Ryerson security. The Facebook page was also shared among Ryerson groups and in several Jewish community newspapers. Bnai Brith Canada also filed a complaint.

Elkasrawy was ultimately fired from Ryerson.

Currently there is a motion to eliminate Islamophobia in the Canadian parliament called M-103.

I cannot support a motion that seeks to eliminate feelings or fears. As a Jewish woman I would be equally opposed to a motion that seeks to legislate feelings about Jews. This motion was proposed by the Liberal party which is currently in power with a majority government. This means the motion will pass with no opposition regardless of public sentiment.