The special envoy tasked by the Trudeau government with combating Islamophobia in Canada regretted Wednesday that the war between Hamas and Israel could lead to a “resurgence of Islamophobia” in the country.
• Also read: Back to the controversial comments made by Amira Elghawaby, whose resignation Quebec is calling for
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Amira Elghawaby issued a statement ten days after the outbreak of the conflict, saying she was “personally affected” by the events of those days, “particularly the recent attack on the hospital in Gaza and the avoidable humanitarian tragedy that is unfolding .” Location”.
Ms. Elghawaby drew a parallel between the current conflict and the attacks of September 11, 2001. “Muslims, Arabs and people supposedly affiliated with these groups felt collectively blamed, stereotyped and victims of racial profiling.” We had to subjugate our loyalties evidence and have been pressured to condemn actions that have nothing to do with our community,” said the special representative, who fears that the same phenomenon could occur again.
Not a word about Israeli victims
The statement released by Ms. Elghawaby’s office made no mention of the surprise Hamas attack that caused hundreds of Israeli casualties and led to the outbreak of war on October 7.
At most, the special representative mentioned anti-Semitism without naming it, pledging to work with the Canadian government to “address the threat of the rise of Islamophobia and all other forms of hatred.”
The appointment of Amira Elghawaby last winter sparked controversy, particularly in Quebec, where the government of François Legault even called for her resignation.
Ms. Elghawaby has made controversial comments about Quebec on several occasions in the past. She particularly responded to an opinion piece published in the Globe and Mail that focused on the victimization of French Canadians by British colonialism by saying, “I’m going to throw up.” She also sharply criticized Law 21 on state secularism and the former Charter of Values PQ government of Pauline Marois.
When asked for an explanation after her appointment, she assured that she did not believe Quebecers were Islamophobic and had toned down her earlier comments.