AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The University of Toronto Mississauga Muslim Students’ Association (UTMMSA) marked the National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia by participating in the “Green Square Campaign” on campus.
Held annually in the week leading up to January 29, the campaign commemorates the victims and survivors of the 2017 attack on the Quebec City mosque and is organized under the guidance of the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM).
Mohammad Makati, social affairs officer of UTMMSA, explained the symbolism behind the initiative, saying, “We pin green felt squares to our clothes as a symbol of the green carpet of the Quebec mosque. The first step in confronting Islamophobia, and irrational fear and hatred, is raising awareness.”
Emphasizing the role of education and dialogue, Zaidul Islam, president of the association, stated, “The shooting at the Quebec mosque was a major shock for Muslims. Taking part in this program helps us confront hateful sentiments and build a more inclusive community.”
Despite challenges, the association’s president reported a positive response from students, noting that people from diverse backgrounds supported the initiative and engaged in constructive conversations about Islam and Muslims.
Organizers said heavy snowfall disrupted the delivery of equipment, but members of the association stepped in to prepare the materials themselves.
Daniel Kashif, a member of the association’s outreach and dialogue team, stressed the broader significance of the incident, saying, “An attack on one group is an attack on all of us. The Quebec incident should be seen as an assault on the rights and security of all Canadian citizens.”
The organizers expressed hope that the campaign would highlight the integral role of Muslims within the academic community and underscore the responsibility to confront injustice as a continuing collective duty.
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