'Very Hateful Message': Toronto Mayor Slams Islamophobic Ad Truck
Toronto police are currently investigating an advertising truck that has been driving through the city, prominently displaying anti-Muslim images and messages. The truck, registered under Rebel News Network, has drawn community concern and condemnation.
Chow said that Toronto is a city where everyone belongs, emphasizing the freedom to pray in various settings without fear. Chow stated, "Islamophobia has no place in this city. Neither does hate and divisiveness."
She has asked other levels of government to join her in condemning the truck's "very hateful message."
The commercial license plate attached to the truck is officially registered to Rebel News Network Ltd., although the organization's head acknowledges that the ad itself was created by a third party.
In a phone interview with CBC News, Rebel News owner Ezra Levant attributed the ad's creation to a group called "Canadians Opposed to the Occupation of our Streets and Campuses," without revealing their identity or confirming their location in Toronto.
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The truck's video screens feature a series of provocative questions: "Is this Lebanon? Is this Yemen? Is this Syria? Is this Iraq?" Subsequent images depict what appears to be Muslims praying and protesting in Nathan Phillips Square, with Palestinian flags and the square's concrete arches visible. The accompanying messages assert, "No. This is Canada. Wake up Canada. You are under siege."
Barbara Perry, director of the Centre on Hate, Bias, and Extremism, emphasized that even if Rebel News did not directly create the ad, the organization bears responsibility for the imagery displayed on its truck. She noted that the advocacy group's title provides insight into the messaging they promote.
Amira Elghawaby, Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, expressed disappointment and concern about the divisive messaging. She highlighted the dangers of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism, urging collective condemnation.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a non-profit organization advocating for Muslim civic engagement, labeled the truck's messaging as "extremely dangerous" and called for immediate action to address this form of hate.
As the investigation continues, community leaders and citizens alike are united in their rejection of such harmful rhetoric, emphasizing the need for tolerance, understanding, and unity.
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The controversial ad truck comes amid a significant spike in Islamophobic incidents in Canada, which the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) reports has increased by 1300% following the escalation of the conflict in Gaza.
Stephen Brown, CEO of NCCM, disclosed this alarming statistic during a committee session dedicated to examining Islamophobia and antisemitism. In his testimony earlier this month before the Commons justice committee, Brown characterized Islamophobia as a "dangerous form of hate" that has experienced a marked increase in recent times.
The committee also received information regarding the role of social media algorithms in promoting anti-Muslim content, which has translated into tangible acts of hate and violence. Brown conveyed that Muslim communities are facing an unprecedented surge in hostility and aggression "from every level of society."
Source: Agencies
