Anniversary of the Quebec City Mosque Shooting

January 29th marks a solemn day in Canadian history and in the hearts of Muslim communities across the country. On this day in 2017, a tragic and heinous act of violence claimed the lives of six innocent worshippers at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City, injured many others, and left a lasting scar on our collective consciousness.

As we commemorate the 8th anniversary of this horrific attack, we honour the memory of Mamadou Tanou Barry, Ibrahima Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Aboubaker Thabti, Abdelkrim Hassane, and Azzeddine Soufiane—beloved fathers, sons, brothers, and community members whose lives were unjustly taken.

This anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the need to confront Islamophobia, hatred, and violence in all its forms. It is a call to action for all Canadians to commit to building a society rooted in justice, compassion, and mutual understanding.

The establishment of January 29th as the National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia is a step forward in acknowledging the reality of anti-Muslim hate and its devastating impact. However, remembrance must be paired with tangible action. We urge all Canadians to continue standing in solidarity with Muslim communities and advocating for systemic change to combat hate, discrimination, and violence. 

The Canadian Council of Muslim Women remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering inclusivity, equity, and understanding in Canada. Together, let us honour the memory of the victims by striving for a more compassionate and just Canada. We pray for justice, peace, healing, and a future free from hate.