Fighting Islamophobia, connecting cultures: Muslim Awareness Week runs Jan. 25-31
Posted January 23, 2022 12:39 pm.
Last Updated January 25, 2022 6:51 pm.
Muslim leaders are calling on Quebecers of all faiths to take part in a week of events dedicated to fighting Islamophobia, learning about other cultures, and unifying people of different backgrounds.
That’s the goal behind the fourth annual Muslim Awareness Week, which was created in the aftermath of the deadly shooting of a Quebec City mosque in 2017.
The week runs from Jan. 25 to Jan. 31 and includes panel discussions and commemorative ceremonies that offer insight into Quebec’s Muslim communities.
Activities will take place in person and online, beginning with a hybrid remote/in-person launch event on Jan. 25 at 11 a.m. featuring community leaders and politicians.
Like the majority of Quebecers, Muslims share the same fundamental values#ssmmaw2022 #together pic.twitter.com/csylqTyUz7
— SSMMAW (@ssmmaw) January 22, 2022
More than 20 events – in French, English, or sometimes both – are being planned in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Gatineau, Brossard and Quebec City.
“Cultivating relationships is key to cultivating healthy, vibrant communities,” said Samira Laouni, chair of the Muslim Awareness Week committee. “We may all come from different backgrounds and walks of life, but we are all proud Quebecers, and when we invest in getting to know each other, everybody wins.”
This year’s Muslim Awareness Week coincides with the fifth anniversary of the deadly mosque shooting in the Quebec capital where six men were killed and 19 others were wounded. It also coincides with the first National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia on Jan. 29.
Full list of activities here.
WATCH: Diverse City: Muslim Awareness Week (inaugural event in 2019)
