Authorities in Durham Region are looking into a series of arson threats and hateful online remarks aimed at a Muslim-run women’s shelter located in Whitby, Ont.
The threats were made against the Muslim Welfare Residences in a now-deleted social media post within a public Facebook group called “Canadians Against Overreach.”
The original post, which saw before it was taken down, wrongly claimed that the shelter received funding from “the government” to offer “Muslim housing,” suggesting that Muslims should not be eligible for social housing.
At least two individuals who commented on the post mentioned plans to set it on fire.
has contacted the group’s administrator for their thoughts on the matter.
The Muslim Welfare Residences filed a police report after being informed by a community member that these posts had gained considerable attention over the weekend.
“I can confirm that our Hate Crime and Extremism Unit has received this information and is currently investigating,” stated Durham police Sgt. Nicholas Gluckstein in comments to .
The Muslim Welfare Residences has been an essential part of Whitby for decades, offering emergency shelter and transitional housing for women and children from various backgrounds.
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Ali Chatha, a senior adviser with Muslim Welfare Canada, said the organization is ‘disheartened’ that it has continued to be targeted by hate, but added that it’s not discouraged from helping Canadians. (Ivan Arsovski/ )
While they usually don’t involve police regarding general misinformation or mischief, Chatha mentioned that MWC must report any incidents of violence or threats to ensure safety for its residents and staff.
“We’re disheartened and we’re frustrated that these types of things keep happening,” he added.
Chatha emphasized that Muslim Welfare Canada aims to assist all Canadians experiencing poverty.
Apart from its shelters in Whitby, the organization runs several food banks throughout the GTA, along with two more in Northwest Territories and Nunavut. They are also developing a long-term care home in Clarington, Ont.
The charity provides meals-on-wheels programs for seniors and operates nutritional programs across 28 schools in Toronto and Durham Region while launching two free medical clinics since 2009.
“It’s not service to Muslims; it’s service to all people,” Chatha said.
“At a time when misinformation and division spread quickly online, it’s important that we respond with facts,” she noted.
Together with several fellow councillors, she used her platform to reject these threats while expressing support for MWC.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims expressed relief upon hearing Mayor’s backing towards MWC.
A spokesperson named Steven Zhou shared his concern about learning about initial threats toward MWC as an organization dedicated to reducing poverty within Greater Toronto region among others.
“We also know that violent and threatening Islamophobia has become a troubling norm in Canada,” Zhou remarked while referencing recent fifth anniversary surrounding 2021 London terror attack reminding everyone about consequences tied directly back into hatred.
NCCM urged municipal/provincial leaders alike calling them work closely alongside community members creating real plans tackling growing rise associated Islamophobia throughout country.
A Statistics Canada report revealed staggering 94 percent increase concerning hate-related crimes targeting Muslims between years 2023-2024 but warned actual numbers could likely exceed due underreporting related those offenses!</
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Charity Not Deterred by Hate
Throughout its history, it has faced attacks multiple times, according to Ali Chatha, a senior adviser with Muslim Welfare Canada (MWC), which operates two shelters in Whitby. “We will not be discouraged by hateful commentary or the threats that are being made,” he said. Last year, Chatha noted that someone vandalized a sign outside their emergency shelter with the word “DEPORT” spray-painted over it.Mayor Condemns ‘Harmful’ Rhetoric
Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy addressed this issue through her Facebook page statement where she condemned both the threats and misinformation fueling them. In her message, Roy highlighted how crucial it is to stand up against such rhetoric while stating hate has no place within their community.“At a time when misinformation and division spread quickly online, it’s important that we respond with facts,” she noted.
Together with several fellow councillors, she used her platform to reject these threats while expressing support for MWC.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims expressed relief upon hearing Mayor’s backing towards MWC.
A spokesperson named Steven Zhou shared his concern about learning about initial threats toward MWC as an organization dedicated to reducing poverty within Greater Toronto region among others.
“We also know that violent and threatening Islamophobia has become a troubling norm in Canada,” Zhou remarked while referencing recent fifth anniversary surrounding 2021 London terror attack reminding everyone about consequences tied directly back into hatred.
NCCM urged municipal/provincial leaders alike calling them work closely alongside community members creating real plans tackling growing rise associated Islamophobia throughout country.
A Statistics Canada report revealed staggering 94 percent increase concerning hate-related crimes targeting Muslims between years 2023-2024 but warned actual numbers could likely exceed due underreporting related those offenses!</
P>
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