Several regional police departments in Ontario and Quebec have begun investigating an email sent to Islamic schools across Canada this week, which contained threats against Muslims, demanding their deportation.
The Muslim Association of Canada, overseeing the nine private schools that received the message, reported the incident to municipal police in Ontario, Vancouver, and Montreal, along with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, on Thursday morning.
The MAC schools adhere to standard provincial educational programs alongside Islamic studies, Quranic teachings, and Arabic language instruction.
The email – which has reviewed – originated from a group calling itself “Jehu, Citizen Vigilante,” using an account named “exposing NWO@protonmail. com.” It was dated last Sunday, Sept. 20.
Employing dehumanizing terms for Muslims, it claims “millions on top of millions of people in the nation of Canada are ready to take up arms.”
The email references an upcoming Alberta referendum asking voters whether they wish for the province to stay part of Canada or potentially pursue secession. It threatens that Muslims will be “deported or slaughtered” once “Alberta becomes its own nation.”
It adds that this will occur “regardless of the election results,” stating that “you won’t be warned again.”
Ongoing Investigations
contacted the RCMP and six local law enforcement agencies where the eight schools are situated.
A statement from London Police Service indicated they are looking into a threat made against a local school and are “working with partner law enforcement agencies to gather information and assess any potential connections.” Possible criminal offenses may include making threats, criminal harassment, or inciting hatred according to their report.
In the Greater Toronto Area, Peel Regional Police also shared a message via X social media platform saying its hate crime unit is actively looking into this matter. They increased police presence overnight near local mosques and schools and plan continued patrols throughout the weekend.
Waterloo Regional Police mentioned their officers visited a school after receiving word about an emailed threat and carried out safety planning. The Ontario service’s hate crime unit has started an investigation and is aware of emails sent elsewhere as well.
The Ottawa Police Service confirmed receipt of a complaint and stated they’re collaborating with other law enforcement agencies as part of their ongoing investigation.
“As a precaution, police visibility remains heightened around religious institutions and educational facilities that received complaints,” OPS said in its statement. “Currently, we have no information indicating a specific or immediate threat to religious or educational institutions in Ottawa.”
The Montreal police service acknowledged through email correspondence with that its hate crime unit is informed about the situation and will lead their investigation.
MAC Calls Threat Unprecedented
Nabil Sultan from the Muslim Association of Canada noted while they’ve encountered “hate comments and emails on social media” previously; receiving one single note targeting many schools is unprecedented for them.
“Such a disturbing email received by teachers and administrators-and families with children-makes it hard for us to feel good as part of our community while believing we’re welcomed here,” he remarked during an interview with from London, Ont., where two affected schools are based.
Sultan couldn’t help but think about the Afzaal family who lost four members when someone intentionally drove into them during an evening walk in June 2021; London police labeled it as a hate-motivated act while sentencing called it terrorism.
“Part of you wants to move on; another part wishes it was just a lone wolf incident-that something like this wouldn’t happen again,” he reflected. “This serves as a reminder that’s not true; we’re still at risk.”
visited Abraar Elementary School in Ottawa-one among two targeted by emailed threats-on both Thursday afternoon and Friday morning when parents were picking up or dropping off kids.
An Ottawa Police Service vehicle was stationed outside the school on Thursday.
Mohammed Saleem, principal at Abraar Elementary School in Ottawa shared his shock over receiving such violent language threatening children via email.(Pierre-Paul Couture/CBC)
Sara Omar spoke outside school on Friday after dropping her five-year-old daughter off:
“Definitely my husband and I-as well as other moms chatting online-were worried but honestly we won’t be intimidated,” she expressed.
“We trust our schools; we trust our community so we won’t let these threats stop us from living normally.”
Omar added she’s trying to figure out how best to explain this situation to her daughter.
“If there’s ever lockdown what does that look like? How should she listen closely to her teachers during such intense moments? How do you even talk about this stuff with a five-year-old?”
The school’s principal Mohammed Saleem admitted seeing such explicit violence described within his inbox felt completely shocking given how clearly threatening it seemed toward students involved.”…
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”he noted parents had been informed through email while teachers prepared classroom discussions regarding safety plans.”..
< “Saleem mentioned he doesn’t know how long security measures including having officers present outside would continue,”…. “Generally speaking we’ll consult closely with authorities since they share updates regularly based upon what’s occurring.”’;..
Pushing For More Government Action
Statistics Canada revealed back in March police-reported incidents involving hate crimes doubled nationwide between 2018-2024 rising dramatically from 1817 total cases up till then reaching about 4882 now! Furthermore Islamophobia-related crimes almost tripled jumping up directly from eighty-four occurrences beforehand skyrocketing all way towards approximately two hundred twenty-nine throughout corresponding time span mentioned earlier!’;.Additionally agency showed evidence related Jewish-targeted reports saw similar spike starting year-to-year comparison-from three hundred thirty-one instances recorded previous year until soaring high at nine-hundred twenty within similar timeframe indicated above.The recent concerns raised regarding emailing context follows shortly after shooting transpired nearby Sons Jacob Synagogue located Belleville Ont.; authorities declared deliberate action aimed specifically directed against Jewish community here happening recently too!’;.Saleem reiterated incident reflects void left behind following federal government closure two offices aimed tackling either combating Islamophobia respectively antisemitism earlier this very same year being replaced merely advisory council intended more general approach around fighting various forms hatred instead now!”“Decision made wasn’t correct,” affirmed Saleem firmly emphasizing importance maintaining separate operations focusing adequately ensuring proper interventions alongside policies implemented combatting unique issues tied specifically Islamophobic sentiments! Amira Elghawaby formerly held position special representative concerning actions taken addressing said sentiments voiced opinion indicating current administration ought adhere committed values around human rights encompassing assuring all Canadians diverse backgrounds including faith-based minority groups receive necessary safeguards protections enabling dignity lives enjoyed society overall!” While attending meetings surrounding United Nations General Assembly held New York City observed first-hand evident nature both Islamophobic/antisemitic inclinations remain persistently dangerous globally currently existing world stage today themselves!Source link
